My Native Heart
As a child growing up between Virginia and North Carolina, I was often told of our Native American ancestry on my mother’s (Ponds) side of the family. Interestingly enough, I recently found out that I may also have similar roots on my father’s (Elks) side. For the most part, the evidence of my cultural heritage came from my mother’s account, my good fortune to inherit a skin-type which was tolerate of the sun, and my almond-shaped brown eyes – a trait I share with many of my maternal cousins. Beyond these simple truths, the link to my past has been a bit of a mystery to me.
Over the years, I have often wondered why I can never be satisfied with benign, homogenous experiences or life. Just as a plant leans toward the sun, I lean towards people and experiences that are more exotic than my day-to-day reality. Now looking back over my life, I can see the thread that connects me to my native roots as well as my lifelong affinity for diversity. Within me there has always been an undeniable voice guiding me – manifesting itself in subtle ways. It has fostered my desire to be as close to the natural world as possible. It is why I feel compelled to eat and live off the land. It is why I am always nourished by an outing on the river or a walk through the woods. It has been apparent in my love of rural life, cultural heritage, genuine people, and authentic places. This voice was the seed from which my indigenous heart emerged.
Having grown up without the benefit of a Native American orientation, I understand what it is like to wonder about one’s cultural identity and where you fit in the world around you. I recognize that for some of us the limited cultural resources of our heritage present a challenge in our quest to discover our true essence and origin. From this very personal viewpoint, I have evolved into a heart-felt preservationist who believes our various cultural perspectives/places should all be valued pieces of our collective American story.
While on the surface I may simply appear to be a white woman, my heritage and my story are much more colorful. I believe that my cultural heritage and my native heart are the reasons why I am most content when I am …“close to the land.”
Carolina Carol
*This is a version of a story I recently wrote for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s blog~
- Posted in: Culture ♦ family ♦ History ♦ Nature ♦ Uncategorized
- Tagged: ancestry, cultural heritage, diversity, Native American, stories
CLOSE TO THE LAND 
is there some one out there that can help me fine my native american heritage,aka snowstar as my grandmother called me.?
Thanks for your response. Wish that I had some helpful information to share but I am just beginning my own journey along the same lines. Happy for anyone who reads my blog to connect with you. Good luck in finding your roots Snowstar 🙂
Carol love your blog and enjoying it. Looking forward to upcoming posting. It was good seeing you again.
Thanks for your interest in my blog Joyce. Loved seeing you at Georgia’s party. It is nice to reconnect 🙂
Great article. I had a similar experience. I knew of my native roots on my fathers side which come from North Carolina/South Carolina his name was “Little Elk” and recently passed in SC in 2010. And I knew my maternal grandmother was also half native half french canadian (got those birth recds). When I continued to dig I actually confirmed that my maternal grandfather (who insisted he was straight dutch) is the decedent of Chief Tananok of the Hudson river region. I wasnt sure at first so I called my cousin at the RI Indian council and he confirmed it for me. I was so shocked and surprised. But again our ancestors were treated so poorly and to be half of anything native was frowned upon made them deny a part of it. Sad but true. I am proud of who I am and the strong beautiful native woman they made me today. Thanks for sharing such a great article. 🙂
Hi Dawn~ I am happy to receive your response to my blog. Interestingly enough, the new information that I have gained the last couple of years about my Native American heritage on my father’s side of the family is that his people came from around Lumberton. Oddly enough, my paternal grandmother’s last name was ELKS. Perhaps we share a “native” connection. I too am proud of my native incestry. I think it explains why I am more drawn to diversity than some of my peers. To me diversity to something to be embraced, not something to hide or be uncomfortable to discuss and explore. I am pleased to make a blog connection with you. I think that we are kindred spirits 🙂
Now I know why you fit in at our organization, it is the land it is the people and the need for social change.
It is indeed~ I have always felt right at home in your community. Thanks for your interest and comments. Hope to see you soon 🙂
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