The Unknown Indian
- 1. The Unknown Indian By: Daniella Robles I remember my first powwow like it was yesterday, the year was 2009, I was 15. It was the Sycuan Powwow. Up until that day I have never been fully immersed in my culture especially growing up in the urban area and not a reservation. It was what I call the Powwow that changed my life. This was the first time I heard of the San Diego American Indian Health Youth Center. I meet with a couple of the Staff and after talking with them my mom wanted us to be involved right away. My sister and me were pretty excited about it, we thought of it like the Native YMCA. I then had the opportunity to actually work at the Youth Center for a Cleaning job opening they had for the older Youth, I applied and got the job. Over the next 6 years I began to transition from being a Youth to and adult, and really learning the differences between right and wrong, work, play and professionalism. I basically grew up there, but the biggest thing I learned while being at the Youth Center was my Native Roots. If it werent for the Youth Center I would just be as clueless as to those who arent native at all. I learned my Native ways; like stories, healing, traditions, crafts, spirituality, etiquette, respect, even the little things like how sage should not be sold because of how sacred it is. Throughout my years at the Youth Center I continue to learn new things about my culture, and now as a Part-Time Youth Counselor not only did I build myself professionally and individually, but I found my identity and being part of the Native Community, and I will continue to carry these teachings for the rest of my life. Thank You to my Friends, Family, and Colleagues that have made me into the person I am today. I have found my place.