To Indian people culture is a very sacred thing. Since first contact
with the white man we have been led to believe that our culture was inferior
to Western culture, that our ways were not as sacred as other beliefs.
Our belief system is a spiritual belief. Our cultural beliefs came from
the Creator. Living a spiritual way of life makes young people better people.
One of the Elders that used to work with us said, "When you become good
at the Western way of life and reach the top and still practice your spiritual
way of life, you become a very good person and treat people in a good way
straight from the heart. You help people and you give from the heart and
when you work at your job you always use the cultural ways during your
work day."
These Kokums tell us their stories to teach the younger generations
about life, traditions, and values.
Stories from Kokums
