Being raised on an indian reservation was not a bad life. Was nothing like Banananza or the waltons. It was a life of being taught. Being taught lessons that would one day become a part of me. A part of me that one day, would teach others. A family member once told me that if you take care of the land and learn about it. That one day, it will take care of you. I find those words exactly right. I found my self back home after years of living off the Reservation. I found myself out in the pines with a camp of hunters. A gig my dad used to do back when I was a kid. My dad, as I think about him. I think that, he had us cutting wood, out hunting, out at Grand Canyon west when it was a bus, dirt road and grandma Rhoda, was the cook. A plate of potato salad, beans, pitted beef, vegetable and homemade tortilla was the menu at guano point. I feel that he taught me simplicity, maybe at the time he was in the struggle. Auntie, Cheryl was the funniest person ever and till this day she is still a riot. I learned that knowledge seeks all with a smile, laughter and a good spirit.
Being, Native American holds alot of history. A history that is told and told as family grows, as family starts their journeys into the next life. My dad or Dala, comes from the Seligman, Az Indian camp of Hualapai and Havasupai Indians. Our great uncle Chief Quasula, was in charge of that camp. Which in turn my grandma married a Spaniard gentleman Clarence Juan Gonzales, of whom I was named after. Grandpa’s history is some what a puzzle. A cousin recently relayed information that brings the bloodline back to working under spanish Kings and Queens. Also, placing that bloodline to Indians from the Santa fe, New Mexico area. I find that intriguing as I never had a clue about grandpa. Grandma, Lavonne Gonzales, of Hualapai decent active in the Christian faith at that time. I feel that at one time the Walapai people, went toward christianity because of government issues amongst the people. Due to traditional ways. I learned that singing is a part of our tradition and it was a way of life to rely life lessons like a bible. I credit that knowledge back to father god, our elders and ancestors as well as Mike Whatoname, Larry Hammond jr, Quentin Paya, Garfield Nish, Frank Mapatis and Ivan Bender. The ladies and gentle men at Hualapai Cultural. As well as my family and friends that give me direction when I ask for answers. I guess that’s the focus here.
A family of Indians, is families who practice tradtional ways to their best knowledge. Not, to be perfect but to be focused on what the creator wants for us. As, we move forward I am going to relay information about my Mother or Jita. Flora Selana, maiden name Wellington. I say that with respect to her husband Roderick Selana, certainly an outstanding man. As mom talks she talks with meaning and in spirit with Auntie Salena and Auntie Rhodena. Prayer, is always strong with family. As, a human mom has been through life and reminds me of a momma bear. Protective of her children. Will go to any lengths to make sure they and grand children are good. I realize we all are not perfect and I remind my self that daily. The unique and intriguing story I hear about her child hood is about her stay with grandparents at Mohawk Canyon. G’wawa and God’a they traveled by wagon and periodically visited relations on their travels. A family of medicine for the soul, medicine for the body. This concept is a dying concept but, there are families that still practice in today’s world.
Grandma Madge, of Salt River Pima (Akimel A’thum). A strong lady, a lady that had a spirit like a rock. A lady that had knowledge beyond the next world. She was the sweetest little lady. As I sit here and i write. I have a tear to my eye because at this time she would be our rock. I understand that she is still with us. My mom talks about how she spent time with her also. I feel that, that is where my mom gets that solid spirit that gift of love for the children. But, as native Americans, a family of Indians. A family that comes from a bloodline of generations of strength, hope and respect. I am glad to say that I am proud to be who I am today. We are who we are, because that’s how our creator father god created us.
With today, society is different. As, a family of Indians we are a humble people. Sometimes we are a strict people and direct orders to get things right within a family. A family cannot carry bad feelings amongst one another or the moral of the family is ruined. With all this said our direction with our family is to express our creativity to be a family of Indians that is successful and independent in what ever we do as a family. Our family makes gourds for traditional singers. We are learning to carve and do exceptional work with gourds. We use gourds as a tool to Express our creativity. We offer traditional catering services as well. Any inquiries email rezconnect20@gmail.com or visit the @rezconnect20 facebook page. Or call Clarence Gonzales for inquiries (928)769.6196.
Healing and prayers go out to the world for all the loved ones lost to covid19.
Courtesy of Rezconnect Ent and Promotions / Soul Central Magzine/ Mohawk Canyon Gourds
(928)769.6196
RezconnectEnt& Promotions
