My Armor

"There is a strength that comes with wearing native made jewelry, clothing, or accessories. There is power knowing that our designs and teachings are still being passed down even though history has tried to erase us. I can represent the beauty and strength we have within our culture and I can be proud of that. I'm not only holding onto what my mother has taught me, but what her mother taught her and the generations before. This is what my mother was talking about when she told me about the importance of having a squash blossom on my jewelry piece. Not only the squash blossom but the medicine we use from the yucca plant that I have shown through a floral design I created. She told me everything we wear is used as protection and as a reminder to be thankful about our blessings. We can be recognized by our ancestors and by our people on earth and it shows we are thankful to be able to publicly represent our culture. When I wear my floral body chain I can reclaim this power and wear what my ancestors had to hide during their time. This is my armor, this is my power, this is who I am."