Native American Heritage Month in November is dedicated to honoring the rich histories, diverse cultures and significant contributions of Native Americans.

Yá’át’ééh/all is good. My name is Lucinda Long-Webb (Diné/Navajo), I was raised in Tsa-ya-toh on the reservation near Gallup, New Mexico. I feel blessed to live in beauty, a traditional way of life, speaking our language and honoring ceremony. From my grandparents, family and relatives, we learned to live in harmony with others, Mother Nature and all living things. We strive to walk in beauty, “Hózhǫ Naasha,“ a spiritual path of celebrating the sacredness of life.

Walking in beauty encompasses physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, bringing together harmony, balance and peace. Our Native American philosophy of life encourages us to cultivate a deeper understanding of the wisdom of nature so we can learn from the changing seasons and the messages animals can teach us. With patience and stillness, the answers come naturally.   

We give thanks to the four sacred directions for a blessed life of thinking, planning, life and hope. To the east, with the white hue of early morning light, our thinking begins. We look to the south, the blue light between sunrise and the twilight filled with stars, we plan for good things to come. To the west comes the beautiful red shades of the setting sun, we give gratitude for a blessed life. To the north, the black of night comes, where we can hope for another day of continued blessings for ourselves and others.

We bless ourselves from the four directions, arms outstretched. We breathe in the sacred element of air, filling our lungs with the essence of life. We honor and give gratitude for the gifts of Mother Earth below us, and Father Sky above us. Finally exhaling, we voice with reverence, Shi zay deh ha ho zhoon/from my mouth beauty comes.

As we honor Native American Heritage Month, let us walk in beauty together and give gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us.

To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, visit your Grand County Library District for displays featuring Native American writers such as Louise Erdrich (Chippewa), Joseph Bruchac (Abenaki), Joseph M. Marshall III (Lakota), Robin Wall Kimmerer (Potawatomi) and Luci Tapahonso (Navajo/Diné). Or use Hoopla to read the writings of the first Native American poet laureate, Joy Harjo (Muscogee), and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa/Cherokee).

Stop by the Fraser Valley Library to view a display of library associate Lucinda Long-Webb’s personal collection of artwork, regalia and photography portraying Native American life and heritage through Nov. 30, 2024.