Naki’e practices sustainable ways of gathering Indigenous foods and plants. He is an advocate for all animals and protecting Mother Earth.
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Receive Text UpdatesIn my culture the animals were the first people on Earth. They taught us how to be good humans. We are supposed to help the animals and plants. If we do that humans and animals can both be happy. If we didn’t have trees, oceans, and animals then Earth would not be as beautiful as it is now. That's what makes this world unique and beautiful. When I’m in nature I feel a connection with my ancestors and the Earth. I want to help protect all living things because it's all of our home.
My favorite animal is a hawk. In my language, Northern Paiute, Naki'e is the word for Hawk. My name is Naki'e and I am proud of my name. Hawks are special to me because when my mom was pregnant with me, hawks used to follow her, so she named me Naki’e. In my culture hawks are also protectors. We use hawk feathers to carry our prayers and dance with, they are a sacred animal. Hawks are special to me not just because of my name, but I want to be like a hawk and help to protect the Earth.
I like to go to Pyramid Lake with my family on our reservation. I like to net minnows to fish with. I enjoy bird watching to see the different types of birds and hear their songs. I love to fish for salmon with my cousins in Kake, Alaska. I also like to go on the ocean with my family to whale watch and fish off the boat. I like to watch the eagles and bears hunt salmon in the creek. I love to harvest in the muskeg in the Tongass National Forest. It’s the most beautiful place I have ever seen.
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