Cassandra Nava

I grew up disconnected from my tribe but was blessed with amazing mentors. They taught me to be Indigenous and how to express myself with art. When a job with my tribe brought me home, I dove into building my cultural knowledge and learning our language. I am now our Cultural Resources Coordinator and going into level 3 language classes. I am blessed to be able to teach and share our culture and art with others and to be so close to my people and my grandparents.

Our language slept for 100 years and we are now getting to revitalize it. My art piece is based on a traditional prayer spoken by one of the last language speakers. The prayer talks about how even when people speak bad of you and wish you dead you will do like moon and rise again. Ma yaà na’nátʰee. Hawì’ paatéepʰtee. Translates to “I will do like you. Again I will rise.” I made it for my office when I got my new my job. I am so blessed to get to share it with you.