‘It’s my way of remembering who I am and why I do what I do’
#iamthewest: Giving voice to the people that make up communities in the region.
BREE BLACK HORSE
(Seminole Nation of Oklahoma)
Senior associate attorney at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
Yakima, Washington
I learned to make traditional powwow regalia from my mother. It’s my rest and recovery from the work that I do as a lawyer; it’s my way of remembering who I am and why I do what I do. Dancing at powwows was one of the things that originally inspired me to be an attorney. During grand entry, I would hear our elders and tribal leaders talk about the legal challenges that Indian Country has faced. The federal — and even state — governments, have used the law to try and dispossess us of that culture. I’m very proud to be able to wear my traditional regalia and know the stories of each piece. It reminds me that Indigenous people persevered against that dispossession, and that I need to do the same so that future generations can continue to wear regalia proudly.
Emree Weaver is a documentary photographer, videographer and photo editor based in Central Washington. We welcome reader letters. Email High Country News at [email protected]or submit a letter to the editor. See our letters to the editor policy.
