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I Am Native American (cherokee)

I am only a 1/4 Cherokee though. Growing up though I didn't even know until I was an older teenager. It is on my dads side of the family and he never talked about it. I made the comment once that when I tanned in the summer that I looked a little "native" and my grandmother said to me that is because your grandfather was Indian, it's in our family.
I said this to my dad a couple days later and he got very upset and told me my grandmother was a fruitcake. Yet it got me researching the history and taking a closer look at the photos and time and again I could see it, especially in my grandfather. I pointed this out to my dad and he just shook his head.
To this day that side of the family doesn't talk about it. I on my own studied the history of the Cherokee and I am not embarrassed or ashamed to talk about it. I may only have a small amount in it, but that's okay. I think it just adds another interesting element to who I am. :)
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Serenitree · F
When my youngest daughter was 4 years old, she had a Native Canadian friend, the same age, named Roy. She adored him and loved the shade of his skin. She also loved all the native art and collectibles in his home. She asked me, one day, when I picked her up from his home, Mommy, if I get a good enough tan, can I be barefoot like Roy? I didn't understand why she needed a tan to go barefoot. The next time I spoke to his farther he told me that they were Bearfoot First Nation. Not barefoot.

I had to tell her that she would never be Bearfoot, no matter how dark she tanned, but she could buy some art and collectibles from the reserve, next time Roy and his family took her out there. I gave Roy's dad $50.00 and asked him to take her shopping. He refused the money but bought her a few items that she admired, including a pair of beaded moccasins. She was thrilled.
EnigmaticGeek · 61-69, M
@Serenitree: Such a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing. ☺
Serenitree · F
@EnigmaticGeek: if children aren't taught to hate differences, they embrace them. Her favourite art and collectibles are still aboriginal art. Early influences last a lifetime.

May 10/17
2:01 pm
EDT
EnigmaticGeek · 61-69, M
@Serenitree: I know. No child is born a racist or prejudiced. They are only taught that by ignorant and small-minded parents.
Serenitree · F
@EnigmaticGeek: thank you. I think you just paid me a great compliment.

May 10/17
2:08 pm
EDT
EnigmaticGeek · 61-69, M
@Serenitree: I did--and you just proved how intelligent you are by reading it between the lines, so to speak. I didn't really think about hiding the complement.

The world deserves to know what a wonderful mother you are. 😊 Your children are very lucky to have you--and your man, if you have one of those creatures. LOL
ravenwind43 · 51-55, F
@Serenitree: That is a very cool story, thank you for sharing it. What a great memory for you and your daughter:D
Serenitree · F
@ravenwind43: she's 42 now. She was friends with Roy for two years. She still thinks of him as her best friend, even though we moved and she never saw him again. 😃

May 10/17
6:05 pm
EDT