IN HER OWN WORDS
I was born on a reservation to parents who were both raging alcoholics. I don’t remember much until I was about 5-years-old. I have three brothers and five sisters, though I was separated from them for many years.
My sisters would often hide me to prevent my father from beating me up. One time, I remember my Dad getting ahold of me as he turned on the gas stove, telling me he was going to put me in it. I was screaming and crying while my Mom held my arm tightly.
We were often hungry and would walk down to the corner bar where my parents were drinking hoping that they would buy us some food. Luckily for us, as their intoxication increased, so did their generosity, and they would buy us pop, chips and dill pickles to eat. We would then get sent home, but at least we weren’t as hungry.
My husband
In 1984, I married the love my life, my husband, Roy, and we have been walking the Red Road of Recovery ever since.
OUR LIFE TOGETHER
My husband has been by my side for nearly 40 years and was instrumental in helping me to return to my native roots. After being taken off the reservation, I had forgotten how to speak the language and many of our traditions. Roy has learned right alongside me.
building the lodge
The sweat lodge is a sacred place, likened to the womb of Mother Earth. Sweats/Inipi Ceremonies are therefore a deeply spiritual and cultural experience for many of us. When we purchased an acreage in rural Nebraska, we knew exactly where we would build our own. Our beloved friend (Ron Carley) taught us how to build the sacred lodge, and we remained best friends until his death. We still feel his presence daily, and we certainly feel his spirit every time we go into the lodge.
every task is sacred
Over the years, many people have helped us construct the lodge. Improvements have been made and new people have joined our Circle – some white and some indigenous. All are our relatives.
inipi ceremonies
I can’t even guess how many Inipi ceremonies we’ve held at our place. My husband and I are both honored to be sacred pipe carriers, and the people in our circle know that if they need us to hold a ceremony, we will. The sweat lodge is a sacred place for friends and family only, and it is NOT used commercially.
THE FIREKEEPER
For many years, our beloved friend (Ron Carley) was the faithful fire keeper with my husband, Roy. We love and miss him greatly.
my biological parents
This is my Dad and Mom. I was lucky to get this picture of them, as it is one of few that exist. I was not raised by my parents, so I didn’t know them that well, but the thing I do know is that I love them no matter what.
I was 17-years-old when I got to see my Dad again. He didn’t speak English, and I couldn’t remember my native language anymore. Still, he always called me by my Omaha Name (Mi mba thin), which means Moon Travels by Day, so any time I heard him say my name I would look to my mother for her to tell me what he said.
The first thing he told my mom was that I would not make it on the reservation, so I shouldn’t return. Since I was raised in a foster family in Oklahoma, I had a southern accent and talked like a white woman. So, I stayed with my parents for the summer and then my mom asked me if I had any place to live if they sent me back to Oklahoma. I called my girlfriend in Oklahoma City and she said I could stay with them.
My parents wanted me to stay in school and graduate, which I did. I then returned to Omaha, NE and went to college. I was one of the fortunate natives who received an education.
my ARTWORK
I have learned the old ways from many people along my way. The artwork I create makes me feel closer to my native roots, and I love to share them with people. I give many pieces away, but supplies are costly, so I supplement our income by selling some of my artwork at craft fairs, Powwows (they often have vendor booths) and now, this website. I hope you find something you like! If not, I am always happy to do custom pieces, such as walking sticks, dream catchers, spirit dishes, etc.
JEWELRY
WOODBURNED ART
WALKING STICKS
DREAM CATCHERS
SPIRIT DISHES
FRESH-CUT SAGE
SWEETGRASS
AND MORE!