Warning: This is a somewhat long winded speech, you can just skip to the
MUSIC WITH A MESSAGE or FIND OF THE DAY!
A long time ago, when I was young and naive, I thought I was going to be a lawyer. I had two main reasons why:
1. I really, really wanted to help people.
2. I talked a lot.
Good reasoning eh? Well since then my life has changed I've learned that I do not like conflict/politics, I have decided to become a doctor so I can still help my people and... and.. and...well maybe not a lot because I still talk a lot. But now as I reflect on my path in medicine I have realized that my dream is much more than just medicine. Wanting to make a difference in the world is not an isolated, be it on a grande or miniscule scale. Since entering college I have been learning the ins and outs about the medical field and it seems that no matter which direction you go all road lead back to politics. Over the summer in Boston, it became much more evident that politics and money dictate what happens. Over the past couple days I have been reflecting on some of the actions our forgien and domestic leaders. The first one that really comes to mind is the
1. UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
This was a piece that really made me think at the time (I was a freshmen in college) that things were headed for a positive change. I know that this was just a small step, kind of like having a child understand that a cat is a cat and not a dog, but still this was happening on a grand scale. It was exciting to know that people all around the world were starting to embrace those that had heritage and culture. But over the next few years their was no movement in the revitalization and respect of indigenous peoples. Which is kind of depressing if you think about it. But recently over the past week President obama made a new message and promise to the first peoples:
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| Another Promise Made. |
It was the first real attention to Natives that has happened since the Clinton era. I was pretty excited about this, but when I read this excerpt from President Obama my heart sank a little bit:
"Yesterday, I had the chance to meet with several tribal leaders at the White House, continuing a conversation that began long before I was President. And while I’m glad to have the opportunity to speak with you this morning, I’m also very eager to see the results of today’s meeting. I want to hear more from you about how we can strengthen the relationship between our governments, whether in education or health care, or in fighting crime or in creating jobs. "
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| Friend of the Natives |
I am not trying to be a Negative Nancy or Debbie Downer but the thought of Obama working with the tribal government made me feel a little insecure. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled that the National government, including the president himself is making the movement to establish equality, but their route of handling this issue is what I am worried about. Recently, in my tribe their have been serious corption in the governing system.
Knowing that the key players including the newly elected president and vice president (Ben Shelly and Rex lee Jim) were part of the scandal is something of concern. To hear people say that the national government is cheating us and only hurts us it makes me a little sick. I understand that there has been conflict brewing there for sometime and the injustice has its place, but with the change of tide and the newly found support I think it would be better to let go of the past and look to the future. So before anyone starts to point fingers, I would advise we take a step back and look at our own issues and solve them before making accusations against a bigger system. I know, what does a person like me know? Well I know that my friends and I (the future leaders, i like to think) been worked my the system. Example: more than just a handful of my fellow classmates who have been successful in our studies have been denied assistance in out educational pursuits from the same people who instilled the dream of higher education and betterment of out people in our hearts and minds. The moxyof them!
From the ONNSFA website:
"The office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program's purpose is to serve eligible Navajo people and provide them the opportunity to achieve their educational goals. This opportunity is provided as a privilege with the intent that recipients, upon graduation, will return to the Navajo Nation to apply their learning to benefit the continuing development of the Navajo Nation."
Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful that they offer a scholarship program in the first place and for any assistance they have provided but I think it still has its flaws-- which is linked to our governing system. I mean it have been a few thousand dollars each delegate designated to certain parties, but in this economy that makes a huge difference. I have a job and am currently in the process of finding another one, I work voluntarily in a cancer reserach lab, I tutor at a school geared to the betterment of the T'O tribe and many of the tribes beloved "Manuelito Scholars",I teach a college level course, and am a full time student- did it ever occur that the 2 jobs many take a toll on my grades and my body in more than one aspect? My point is that there are several of us, students/roommates<3/grandparents/tribal members in general that deserve assistance but instead are struggling to get by each month; meanwhile our government council members are spreading their "job benefits" at their own leisure. So I think I do have grounds to be insecure about the legislative system on both a national and tribal level. I just hope in the future that we stick to our word and actually use our resources to give back and an instill pride and strength in our people young and old.
WHEEW I am glad that is off my chest. But on a lighter note here is something for you music junkies, and fashion addicts. :)
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Music with a Message
Cee-Lo Green
The Lady Killer, does it again!
This is Ceelo Green's third album I believe it is definitely worth buying. It's not the typical hip-hop type of album by looking at the cover, its actually has a nice bend of pitch and tone with great supporting music. His voice give a nod to artists from the past. See for yourself!
John "Fratelli"
Single and ready to mingle, just kidding, he's just going solo.
I really like this song, it's from John "Fratelli" of the Fratellis. If you didn't know the Fratellis is on a hiatus, which makes me sad because I was hoping they would redeem themselves. I didn't really like their sophomore album Here We Stand, as their first Costello Music<-- Highly recommended. He is working on releasing his first solo album and this video is a bit old but is still a great segway to his work. Also I think it's pretty interesting what he has to say about the song. Enjoy :]
Gasoline Rainbows
A collection of the bold and beautiful.
I've always have been the black sheep in my family and my sisters are always wondering where I get my taste for things like clothes, books, and music. My sister always asks, "What genre is that?" or "where did you hear this from?". Well here is the answer to her prayers, Gasoline Rainbows. It's an album from various artists including the Black Keys, Vampire Weekend, Phoenix, and other great artists. The great things about this is that all proceeds go to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico (that's the equivalent of 4 BG skipped lunches)! So if you are one of the few that want to get an intro to some cool and help the the Gulf, save 9.99 and go to itunes and make the digital purchase!
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Finds of the Day!
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Simple in the Front |
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Dipped in the back |
I really like the idea of this shirt, simple and skewed. I feel like making this is a possibility, and will help develop my tailoring skills because this is the type of shirt that must fit to a T.
I do love a high waisted shirt! Maybe with a solid colored tee and cardigan? Or maybe a screen T-shirt for the casual, either way I can see this being a great buy!
I am thinking to day is a brown day! I elements on this jacket are great. Too bad I live in an area that only dips just below 80 degrees, but I think I would manage through it just so wear it, wouldn't you?
I love elephants because they are often times underestimated creatures.
I like jewelry, but not enough to dig around on websites or to post, but when I saw this I knew I needed to show the special few who actually read my blog!
