An Insert of text from the "WE ARE BIRDS COMPANION BOOK
by; Dr. Larisa Broyles Chacon, and Albert Chacon
...I find nothing more satisfying that seeing somebody “get
it correct” about us. That all has to do with how willing we are to share
ourselves and our knowledge, openly and accurately. If we do not tell our own
story, then we run the risk that others will – and, as they have done in the
past - define us incorrectly, or in a manner that is simplistic or
stereotypical.
Our ancestors passed on what we know today and we are aware
that this knowledge we have is but a piece of what they knew. We can rightly
feel sad and a sense of loss over what has been forgotten to the past. But
because of this, we owe it to them to keep what we have left and that is why we
are doing the “We Are Birds” project, so that all of you can help to tell this
story correctly, as you know it, and so that it can be preserved and passed
along for those who come after. I know that you have pride in your culture and
I try to capture that in my photos and videos. There is such beauty and power
in our people that I see and want to preserve, not just for ourselves, but also
to show everyone else that what they think they know about Native peoples is,
at best, incomplete. Let’s work together to show people what we are really all
about. Your words mean something. Your words ARE history, and so is your
singing, your dancing, and all that you do in your cultural life. Let people
know the full story, as YOUR family knows and lives it.
Together, we ARE birds.
