02.25.16 Just Call Me Two Feathers

02.25.16       Just Call Me Two Feathers

One Possible Indian Name:  Perky Honesknife 

"Certain Things capture your eye, but pursue only those that capture your heart."  Ancient Indian Proverb




Names, first or last either one, have fascinated me when researching their origins.  For example, my first name Priscilla, in one source means "ancient soul," and according to another source, translates to "heiress." The second interpretation gave such promising happy thoughts, I displayed the word on my Washington Vehicle Personalized License Plate:  "Heiress."  You should have seen the looks I got driving around with that license plate on my faded green thirty-year-old Volkswagen Bug.  When one guy asked me in a parking lot one day, "What are you an heiress of?"  I told him "I am an heir of the Kingdom of God."  He kind of backed away and went about his business.  Anyway, about ten years later, I was the grateful recipient of an unanticipated financial gift, an inheritance, bequeathed to me by my parents on their passing.    
Another delightful original name was gifted me by a new friend who welcomed me to my north central Washington Tribe (made up of twelve Native Bands).  It is not possible to actually join a tribe like you would join a church or a motorcycle gang.  When I became employed here, however, I felt like I was adopted by my new Native friends, and definitely felt like family with them.  The Indian name Perky Honesknife  was given me by one of those new Native friends, because she said it suited my character.  This has been like a dream come true.  Since my early years living on an island in Western Washington, named for and surrounded by a coastal tribe, I had wanted to become part of Native culture. 

Living as neighbors with tribal members in the 1970's gave opportunities to participate with a war canoe family during their practices.  Pulling canoe included running a few miles for workout before getting in the canoe.  The photos below were taken during one of those practice times and you can see the Gooseberry Point ferry dock in the background.

1970's Pulling War Canoe During Practice for Stommish

In the 1980's the Wind River Reservation was my home for an internship working with the Native American Students from two different tribes at Central Wyoming College.  My Saint of Protection there was the Statue of Sacajawea.  Letters of application were sent to different tribes seeking permanent work, but the timing was not right.  It was not yet meant to be.

Puzzle Pieces Each Hold Part of  a Vision Seen Only on Completion

Like a jig saw puzzle, it's hard to see what form the picture will take before the pieces come together.  Pieces don't naturally fall into place, rather take time for searching, and testing and gently seeing where they will fit.  Looking back at former years of involvement with Native American Tribes, I can see where the puzzle pieces of my life were gradually taking shape.

Holding the Vision Until Time to See It Come Alive

A Kinship Spirit continued to draw me toward the culture and ways of Indigenous Peoples. Spirituality attracted me to my native friends.  I share their reverence for all of life, embracing all of nature, learning from every experience in a good way.
  

Spirit Circle of  Life 

Studying Education helped me understand myself as an Experiential Learner.  I will dive in and absorb my surroundings with the goal of Lifelong Learning, from the cradle to grave. When my husband wanted to move to Omak, Washington, I had been living in Bellingham 38 years.  I thought he was crazy.  Then more of the puzzle pieces came together, and the opportunity was presented to work for the Tribe.  I could hardly believe the news when the job position came to my attention.

1981 at Wind River Reservation, Riverton, Wyoming

My 2013 hopeful application letter went beyond my qualifications, to describe my love for the people and the places: "I moved to this County from Bellingham because of a love for the feeling of life in this Valley. When residing on the Reservation of a coastal tribe, and on the reservation in Wyoming, I enjoyed Multi-Cultural Events such as Stommish with War Canoe Races, Pow Wows with Dancing.  Now I enjoy many colorful activities here of the local Tribes."  

1981 My Wind River Good-Bye Ceremony Included Ear Piercing

By grace and great good fortune, I was blessed with an appointment to a position with the Tribe. Recognizing strong family ties of those around me, I set out to research the "unknown" branches of my family tree.  Looking at Indigenous People located near my place of birth, I saw that historical Penobscot Chief Pentagouet Thunder looked just like my father (when he was mad). Nevertheless, one of the current photos of a Penobscot light-skinned, fair-haired middle-aged woman looked just like me.  It was almost convincing that I could be part Native myself.  I started to feel like I must also be an Indian woman, named Perky Honesknife.  Then one day, my balloon was burst with the discussion of the fact that my brother and my two daughters had each participated in DNA Testing.  My brother let me read his report which said, no Native American, none.  Then my daughter told me the similar results of her DNA report.  She very simply and directly let me know, "Mom, we're as European as you can get ...but I did find out that dad is my real father."

Elders are the Treasures and Children are the Gifts

Perky Honesknife is a fine Indian name.  It is an honor to feel like sisters and brothers with my colleagues and friends in the Tribe which I have adopted.  Although I may not enjoy the full benefits, status, resources of enrolled Tribal members, I am treated very well.  There is a common denominator as some Natives say, which is the simple fact "we all bleed red."  

Land of Native Pride

As time goes by, I value more deeply a respect for differences, while growing with the similarities in this life we share. My heart is captured anew each day when entrusted with camaraderie and opportunities to serve in a helping way.  A name can be a connection in this community of my Native friends.  Another story is why I like name of "Two Feathers" better!

Two Feathers Capturing the Heart