1. The Unknown Indian
By: Daniella Robles
I remember my first powwow like it was yesterday, the year was 2009, I was
15. It was the Sycuan Powwow. Up until that day I have never been fully immersed
in my culture especially growing up in the urban area and not a reservation. It was
what I call the Powwow that changed my life. This was the first time I heard of the
San Diego American Indian Health Youth Center. I meet with a couple of the Staff
and after talking with them my mom wanted us to be involved right away. My sister
and me were pretty excited about it, we thought of it like the Native YMCA.
I then had the opportunity to actually work at the Youth Center for a Cleaning
job opening they had for the older Youth, I applied and got the job. Over the next 6
years I began to transition from being a Youth to and adult, and really learning the
differences between right and wrong, work, play and professionalism. I basically
grew up there, but the biggest thing I learned while being at the Youth Center was
my Native Roots.
If it weren’t for the Youth Center I would just be as clueless as to those who
aren’t native at all. I learned my Native ways; like stories, healing, traditions, crafts,
spirituality, etiquette, respect, even the little things like how sage should not be sold
because of how sacred it is. Throughout my years at the Youth Center I continue to
learn new things about my culture, and now as a Part-Time Youth Counselor not
only did I build myself professionally and individually, but I found my identity and
being part of the Native Community, and I will continue to carry these teachings for
the rest of my life.
Thank You to my Friends, Family, and Colleagues that have made me into the
person I am today. I have found my place.