This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/5R.2ADI/981.4 Message Board Post: I just read your message and couldn't believe your feelings. You see, my husbands grandmother, a full blood Creek born in 1901 just died in April. Just 2 days short of her 102nd birthday. She tried her whole life to hide the fact that she was native american. She was told by her mother to hide it. She lied on the Dawes rolls because her mother thought she would have a better chance at marriage if she was 1/2 blood. I understand. Me, on the other hand was born Miscellaneous. I have loved, adored and envied all native american culture. When I taught my preschool children, I always included native american arts in my cirriculum. Native Americans are the original inhabitants of our land. They have this earth in their being. They are part of this land and I am in awe of the respect they held for the land, animals plants and all of it. Our society has put this shadow of shame and disrespect on the native americans and I personally am ashamed to call my self an american! . I believe i must have been an native american in a previous life because so much of the culture is wished and admired. I could tell you to change your thinking but what I would like to suggest to you is that : YOU HAVE ALWAYS BELONGED. YOU HAVE A VALUABLE GIFT TO OFFER YOU ANCESTORS AND THE REST OF US. LOOK TO WHO YOU ARE AND YOU WILL FIND THE ANSWER. If you have the chance to research, read a speach written by Chief Sealth. He is from Seattle. He has inspired me. The world would not be the same if it weren't for Native Americans. "Remember that you are this universe and this universe is you. -Joy Harjo b.1951 Native American Creek ............from the stars and the sun and the moon should man learn. -Eagle Chief Pawnee Leader I arise today Through the strength of heaven: Light of Sun, Radiance of Moon, Splendour of Lightning, Swifness of Wind, Depth of Sea, Stability of Earth, Firmness of Rock. -Saint Patrick (Patron saint of Ireland)