I am proud Native American young male that believes in family and ethnicity. My grandfather looks into my eyes, while he tells my about a prized possession that belonged to his grandfather. I examine the wooden handle that is carved to perfection, he hands the weapon to me and I grip the leather that is bounded with the handle. I look north towards the top of the weapon it’s sleeker compared to the modern day axe but is smaller in size but vastly efficient. He tells me someday I will earn this possession of his.
My grandfather spent years studying and learning from his grandfather, the way of the fighting Sioux. My grandfather soon after that took me in as apprentice a student. For years my grandfather taught me everything he knew. How my ancestors talked, walked, hunted, fought even how they thought. I remember throwing that tomahawk, for days getting better faster stronger. It was like he was teaching me to be a warrior. He taught me the creed of my people, Only take what you need. I have lived my life based on this code.
I remember as a kid thinking of all this information that had been taught to me. Just always trying to be the best I can be, that there is no limit no fear. At the proper age, which was eighteen for me, I earned the item that I have dreamt of having ever since I was ten. I remember that night like it was yesterday, I wake up and see my grandmother making fry bread and Jun berry sauce my favorite. My family gathered on our grounds, and circled around my grandfather and me. My grandfather gave a speech ”All of my family thank you for gathering here on these sacred grounds, for today my grandson Mato Chante becomes chief of the tribe like I have and my ancestors before me”
My grandfather placed the headdress on my head and in my right hand the tomahawk. My family and cheered and clapped, my family also gave me gifts we celebrated and ate. My Indian name also means heart like a bear. My grandfather prepared me for this since I was ten years old. This is why I believe in family I had high expectations from them and I didn’t disappoint. My grandfather made me into what I am now, and what I am is a son a brother a Sioux warrior and a Sioux Chief.