Charisma in Action: Cultivating Strength and Unity in Our Community

My son Nikolai and I at one of his games last season. This year I’m honored to coach him again. My first year coaching I was his t-ball coach. Last year he played up in the minor league while I coached a rookie team in Nespelem. This year I’m looking forward to a great season with a minor league team.

In the heart of our vibrant community, where every voice matters and every effort counts, my journey has been one of profound connection and heartfelt service. My rizz (charisma), often seen on the baseball field coaching our youth for the past three years, is just one facet of my dedication to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. This commitment extends far beyond the diamond; it is woven into the fabric of every initiative I've been privileged to lead and every life I've hoped to impact.

Giving Back Through Tradition and Innovation

My work with our young people has been guided by a simple yet powerful philosophy: we must offer healthy lifestyle options, teach them our traditional ways, and demonstrate how unity strengthens us all. From lessons on crafting drums to the intricate processes of cutting deer meat, tanning hides, making moccasins, and the art of sewing or beading, I've shared skills that are not just about preserving our heritage but are also vital expressions of our identity and resilience.

Supporting Families and Embracing Healing

Recognizing the importance of early guidance, I've encouraged young parents to engage with parenting classes, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and understanding from the very start. My approach to trauma-informed care, where I often serve as the “first face” for those in crisis, allows me to offer a listening ear and compassionate support to those navigating the complexities of mental health challenges.

A Commitment to Cultural Education and Environmental Stewardship

During my time as a youth coordinator, attending women's sweats in the sweat lodge was not just a duty but a profound honor, connecting me deeply with the spiritual fabric of our community. My focus has always been on education – not just in traditional settings but in the very essence of our interaction with the natural world. Teaching young people and educators about our native plants and plant medicine is more than an academic exercise; it's a journey into the heart of our cultural legacy.

Collaborating with first speaker elders ensures that we adhere to our protocols while offering resources and opportunities for our local school districts to immerse our youth in nature and our traditional ways. This effort is not just about connecting with the past; it’s about grounding our future leaders in the knowledge and wisdom that have sustained our people for generations.

The Circle of Learning: Elders, Adults, and Youth

My vision encompasses a community where learning is a shared journey, bridging the gap between our elders, adults, and youth. It’s a vision where each group learns from the other, carrying forward not just our culture and language but the very essence of who we are. This interconnectedness is the foundation upon which we build a stronger, more unified community.

Moving Forward Together

The work of giving back to our young adults and youth is at the forefront of everything I do, but it’s the connection with our adults and elders that completes the circle. In this shared space of learning and growth, we find the strength to face challenges, the wisdom to guide our steps, and the unity to move forward together.

My journey is a testament to the power of charisma when grounded in genuine care and dedication to our community. It’s a reminder that giving back is not just an action but a way of living, one that enriches both the giver and the receiver. As we look to the future, let us continue to learn from each other, carrying forward the traditions that define us and embracing the innovations that propel us forward. Together, we are unstoppable.

Supporting kʷu cnxiʔ (We Join In) non-profit

In addition to my roles within the community, I am honored to serve as the board chair for the nonprofit organization, kʷu cnxiʔ, a role that allows me to extend my impact even further. Our vision is a beacon of hope and resilience, aiming for a future where Indigenous children thrive through the strength of ancestral wisdom, knowledge, and love. We believe deeply in nurturing our youth with the richness of our language and culture, a foundation we are convinced will lead to flourishing mental health, enhanced educational outcomes, elevated self-esteem, and greater socioeconomic success.

Our mission at kʷu cnxiʔ is both a homage to our past and a blueprint for our future. By turning to our First Language Speakers and Cultural Knowledge Keepers, we seek to reclaim and revitalize the indigenous education practices of our ancestors, disrupted by colonization. Their invaluable wisdom guides us in developing curriculums, educational resources, toolkits, and more, all designed to empower programs serving Indigenous youth with a strong emphasis on mental health.

Guided by the principles that honor the wisdom of our Elders, the sacredness of our youth, and our collective responsibility to our land, culture, and community, kʷu cnxiʔ stands as a testament to what is possible when we bridge traditional knowledge with contemporary needs. This work, deeply aligned with my personal and professional endeavors, is not just about remembering who we were; it's about defining who we are and who we aspire to be for generations to come. Through this noble effort, we are not just preserving history; we are creating a legacy of health, knowledge, and empowerment for our Indigenous children and their future. Learn more about our non-profit: https://kwucnxi.wixsite.com/website