K'e Winowas Maa (You're All My Friends)

Author

Louis Joseph
September 24, 2023

K’e Winowas Maa

(You’re All My Friends)

Hello my friends, once again, I am on a journey to learn something new. I am learning my Native language. Pomo. There are a few different dialects of Pomo, but I am learning Northern Pomo to be more specific.

Unintentionally aging myself via full disclosure, I currently have a daughter who is a freshman in high school. The experience of being a freshman in high school, seems like an entire lifetime ago.

Although it was years ago, I went to the same school she is attending. It basically looks exactly the same, minus a few new upgrades. One of the things that has improved as well, is the curriculum. Her school now has a four-year Northern Pomo language program. In my day we were lucky to have a Native Youth Club, so hear, hear for Native progress.

Back to my kid. The other day I was just telling her how inspiring it is that she’s learning her Native language and that I wanted to learn a little with her. I’m hoping to become someone she can talk to with this newly acquired skill.

It is only the first day and I am already in way over my head. The way that sounds are described to me are pretty confusing. From hard silences after the letters, to a breath sound on your hand. The process of learning my Native language feels extremely difficult.

The following three obstacles seem to be causing the most problems:

Articulation and Pronunciation: Achieving correct articulation of sounds involves precise control of your vocal apparatus. I may need to train my tongue, lips, and vocal cords to create sounds that don't exist in the english language. This can be physically demanding and require constant practice.

Stress and Intonation: Many languages place stress on different syllables or words, and the intonation patterns can vary widely. Misplacing stress or using the wrong intonation can lead to misunderstandings or sound unnatural. For instance, the rising and falling intonations in questions in English vs. the tonal variations in questions in Pomo.

Phonological Rules: Each language has its own set of rules governing how sounds interact within words. These rules can be complex and affect pronunciation. Learning and applying these rules correctly can be difficult, as they often have exceptions.

Overall, I think this will be a fun and exciting journey. I’m planning to update everyone monthly. (If I can last that long) Wish me luck.

If you don’t know, now you know, a Native.

Supporting our Native Veterans

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded 29 Tribal Hud-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing renewal awards totaling $8.5 million. I know this doesn’t sound like a lot for 29 separate awards, but overall it is definitely positive news.

Award money will fund rental assistance and supportive services to Native American Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“No one who has bravely served our country should struggle to secure and maintain housing. With today’s action, HUD is taking an important step toward helping improve the quality of life for Native American Veterans,” Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said in a press release. “These resources are vital to our efforts to increase Native American Veterans’ access to safe and quality housing.”

Since its inception, the program has provided rental assistance or case management services to more than 1,000 Native American Veterans nationwide, according to HUD.

Richard Monocchio, principal deputy assistant secretary, noted American Indians and Alaska Natives have served at high rates in the military.

“HUD is committed to ensuring that Native American Veterans have a safe place to call home and support services to set them on a course for success after their military service,” Monocchio said in a press release.

Bronson Koenig - Ho Chunk

Bronson Koenig was born on November 17, 1994, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. As a proud member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, he has not only achieved success on the court but also become a trailblazer and advocate for Native representation off of it.

Koenig's love for basketball began at an early age, he quickly distinguished himself as a standout player. He attended La Crosse Aquinas High School, where he showcased his talent and leadership as a point guard. His skills and work ethic earned him a scholarship to play for the University of Wisconsin Badgers.

During his college career, Koenig became a key player for the Badgers, known for his clutch shooting and ability to perform under pressure. He played a pivotal role in the team's success, helping them reach the NCAA Final Four in 2014 and 2015. His dedication to his craft and his contributions to the team earned him recognition as one of the top point guards in college basketball.

Beyond his on-court achievements, he has used his platform to raise awareness about Native issues, highlight the importance of cultural diversity, and inspire youth to pursue their dreams.

One of his most notable moments came when he joined the "Stand with Standing Rock" movement in 2016. Koenig, along with fellow Native athletes, protested the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, drawing attention to the environmental and cultural concerns of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. His activism underscored his belief in the power of athletes to effect positive change and amplify important social issues.

After college, Koenig pursued a professional basketball career, playing for various teams in the NBA G League and competing internationally. His dedication to the sport continues to inspire aspiring athletes, particularly within the Tribal community.

His career in basketball and his advocacy work exemplifies the positive influence that athletes can have on promoting awareness, understanding, and positive change in society, especially within underrepresented communities.

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