What it means to be Native

What it means to be Native has evolved I’m rehabilitative you will recall being so derogative I have dissolved your control your authorities your goals and your priorities

Within the stitches that you sew into the front pocket of a pattern you borrowed comes the heartache you’ll never face and a history you’ll never replace comes the hard truth you’ll never know and a history your people never showed

What it means to be Native is not yours to define moments that are creative are not yours to outshine like the women’s knife oral traditions and our way of life spiritual acquisitions

Within the ugruk that you cut down the belly of a spirit you got offered by luck comes the truth you’ll never carry even if you picked all the creator’s berries comes the past you may not own even if your child’s definitely Native grown

What it means to be Native is not a fifty page honors paper you are not innovative when you try to be a culture shaper or when you call yourself the elite and then wonder why in the world I retreat your perspectives your masks your objectives and even your flasks when filled with pure whiskey I know in the heart within me you’ll never understand me and with your backhand I see where your intentions truly live and because of those I will not forgive