Children Touching our Hearts

Tiny Tot Sun Dancers

So much of my life has revolved around a love of children. The day I watched this little baby dance at a Pow Wow was quite extraordinary.  With 50 nations dancing ceremonial dances, from indigenous tribes around the globe, the mood was festive.  But there was more.....besides the exquisite clothing,  face paint, and the craftsmen displaying their handmade wares, there was an undercurrent of quiet strength. Generations of families participated in tribal ceremonies and prayers.  Many gutteral tongues were spoken....some with fluency and others with determination to keep a generation of children from forgetting their origins. 

At one point, I walked into a small tent.  Inside was an Aztec man selling his beautiful boots and pocketbooks and beaded jewelry. We had a conversation about heritage and tradition and having a sense of community.  I explained that I was searching for my tribal affiliation.  He encouraged me with the usual statements and asked me pertinent questions. Mexican heritage adds a whole other dimension to finding native identity. Although, I did not get any specific answers,  I did feel kinship especially when I placed the handbeaded periwinkle and turquoise shawl over my shoulders....or when I slipped the dark seafoam green leather boots on my feet and painstainingly drew the rough leather ties from my ankle to my knee.

Children seem to have a sense of belonging wherever they are....as long as they are loved.  Watching those children brought a smile to my heart.  They were learning who they were from the time they were born. They belonged to a community of history. What a lovely way to grow up!