Learning Along The Way

Growing up in Boulder, Colorado in the 70's and 80's was great, fun and safe. Being one of the children of the few Native families who were part of the 'Relocation' program made us a tight community.

For those who don't know - the Relocation Program, as Natives knew it, was a law created by the United States in 1956 as a means to "encourage Natives from leaving reservations and their traditional lands and to assimilate into the general population in urban areas".

Both of my parents were part of the program but it took them from different parts of the country to California, where the program gave them training, lived for a bit. They worked for awhile with their new skills before they met, married and decided to move. First to Oklahoma, where I was born then Texas then to Boulder, Colorado.

My earliest memories are of student family housing in Boulder. And meeting the other Native families AND their children, who I am still in contact with to this day. I remember going to different gatherings at buildings. It's always tradition to bring something to share. My Mom loved cooking. I loved interacting with all the people.

While we grew up our Mom taught us the traditions of our People. From my perspective - the only problem with being in the city was I couldn't exactly be quiet and invisible if I wanted to succeed in school or in the city, period. Plus if I wanted to ensure I WASN'T intimidated at school or anywhere else, I learned to look people in the eyes while speaking to them, which initially was shocking to me. After a few days it became second nature.

But then I had to remember I was Lakota when I was home, especially if family came to visit. That way I didn't insult them by looking at them directly. I hate say that as an adult I have to make a CONSTANT CONSCIOUS EFFORT to remember not to look directly at other Natives, especially Elders!

I am very much aware that I am Choctaw as well but given that my parents divorced when I was 7 or 8 (I honestly don't remember) and my dad really didn't care to have much to do with us unless my Mom called him to remind him of our birthdays, and he only stopped by long enough to give us a present and hug it's kinda hard to learn something about the other half of my family tree when I only have 5 maybe 6 minutes to ask and the person doesn't want to stick around any longer than that.

What information I do have about my Choctaw side comes from my Mom who received it from my Great Grandma, who didn't speak any english herself. It was translated by my paternal Grandma. My Mom wrote down what she learned and shared it with all of us. The most amazing story was how and why we are named 'Watson'.

People keep trying to get me to tell them the story. The reasons I don't is that - it's a family story and there are ALOT of non-Native people trying to find a way to become enrolled members of Native Nations just so they could be "Native", yes those are quotes.

I am now becoming more in contact with my dad and the Oklahoma Choctaw Nation. Finding out about who they are, about their ways, their attire. With any luck I might begin to learn the language as well. I am excited for the future.