I am one of the multi-colored corn people.
My maternal grandfather was from Osaka, Japan and my maternal grandmother
was from New Mexico, descendent from the Piro nation as were my father’s
people. Before being colonized by the Spaniard, the Piro had always
intermarried with other tribes in order to restore harmony among the peoples.
My maternal grandmother was also Apache and my paternal grandmother was
Jemez and Isleta. The Piro nation
is now considered extinct because the language is gone.
The only Piro I know are a few words and prayers left me by my
grandmother.
Being raised with my Japanese (Shinto)
grandfather and Indian grandmother taught me at an early age that being
multicolored corn was good medicine and good teaching.
I had to learn to reconcile imposed differences and learn to balance all
of who I am. Many people still ask
me, “Well, which one are you? Are
you Mexican, Indian, or Japanese?” All
I can say is that I am all of my ancestry.
Instead of the word “or” just say “and”, then you know me. Much like the rainbow which is many colors and does not get
“mixed-up” nor have a need to
be more one color than another.
My multiple heritage has positively
influenced my academic and professional development.
In conjunction with earning a BA in clinical psychology and an MA in
multicultural Counseling, for the past 14 years I have been involved in learning
various indigenous healing ways. I
have also been a Reiki practitioner for 8 years and am currently working towards
becoming a Reiki Master.
Although since childhood I have been called
through dreams and visions to learn the ancient ways of helping people, I do not
consider myself a healer. I
believe healing is a process that stems from our connections with the spiritual
and natural. But in a humble way, I
think humans can help others to reconnect to the Great Spirit and Mother Earth
in order to restore balance, harmony, and beauty.
I began working with the Maya under the
auspices of Erick Gonzales approximately five years ago.
The Maya brought me to great healing and transition in my life.
I began to accept my calling and my responsibilities to community.
With Erick I helped to coordinate the gatherings of various indigenous
nations; Maya, Mexica, Cherokee, Nambe, Tesuque, Dine and others, in my home as
well as at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. I have also been fortunate to lead Talking Circle for women,
and am currently working with counseling youth and families in the South Valley
of Albuquerque.
Although I think that I will always be learning, I feel that it is time for me to pay a debt to those teachers and aquiqs who have helped me in my humble path. The Maya accepted me into their circle, their family and I only wish to give back in whatever capacity the Spirit designs for me.