Visions and Voices

Lorie Yazzie

I am a Native American, but not a traditional or stereotypical Native American. I practice the ceremonies that are involved with my tribe but have not lived on the reservation since I was four years old, so I have not grown up as a traditional tribe member, but as an "urban" member. The experience of the city have made me more of a city slicker than a classic Native American.

I grew up in Phoenix and therefore have lived my life just as any other city dweller. Now that I have lived in the city I don't think I could ever live on the reservation. I am used to the loudness and business.  

Education is very important to me, informal and formal. Formal, because I feel that I need to prove the stereotypical view of the Indian wrong (the drunken, uneducated, and jobless image). Informally, because there is so much I need  to learn about my heritage that I missed growing up in the city.  Education can help everyone, but it can especially help American Indians  by showing the Nation that they are trying to help their people get back "on their feet" by educating themselves in areas that would benefit themselves and their tribes.

Tribal affiliation:  Hopi/Navajo

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