This Native American Heritage Month, I find myself reflecting on the theme of resilience—a strength deeply rooted in the connections that guide us. For me, this journey has been shaped by experiences of overcoming adversity, both as a child and as an adult, and by discovering a pathway towards renewal. Within the gentle messages of nature lies wisdom to share with my children, fostering hope and strength for the future.
As a descendant of the Buzzard Clan, I feel a connection with the buzzard’s role in nature. It is a creature of transformation, cleansing the earth and making way for new growth. This symbolism resonates deeply with my own journey of rebuilding, adapting, and finding meaning through life’s challenges.
For the past couple of years, here at Brush Springs Stables, we have been blessed to spot a bald eagle—a sacred messenger in Cherokee culture. Each sighting feels like a profound reminder that my prayers are heard, bringing with it a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
The Buzzard represents resilience and the ability to thrive even in harsh circumstances. It teaches us to transform what is broken into something renewed. The Bald Eagle, on the other hand, inspires us to rise higher, see the broader perspective, and pursue bold visions with courage and grace.
Together, these symbols shape the duality of my mission:
- To stay grounded in our values and heritage.
- To rise above challenges and embrace the vision of what is possible.
This balance guides my life, offering inspiration to heal from the scars of the past and transform wounds into strength and hope.
Living Our Values
At Brush Springs Stables, we do our best to live by the values of resilience, community, and connection to nature. Every step we take might be small, but it means a lot—it’s our way of honoring heritage and passing those values on to our kids.
- Supporting Our Neighbor:When a Native neighbor lost his bison, we came together to support them during their loss. It was a small act that bonded us in strength and reminded us of the power of helping one another. [See their video here →]
- Sharing Stories of Hope: Discovering both a buzzard feather and a bald eagle feather on our property has been a meaningful experience. The buzzard feather symbolizes transformation and renewal, while the bald eagle feather represents strength and spiritual guidance. Sharing these stories reminds us of the lessons offered by nature.
- Curing the Bison Hide: Alongside my husband, son, nephew, and a friend, we worked to cure a bison hide. Today, it hangs in the foyer of our barn as a reminder of traditions and resilience. [Read full story here →]
- Empowering Native Youth: We had the privilege of inviting the McLoud Blackberry Junior Princess, a Kickapoo Tribal member, to one of our events. Watching her share her story with guests and the news media was a powerful reminder of the importance of uplifting the next generation. [See the story here →]
- Promoting Conservation: Through forestry initiatives—allowing undergrowth to grow naturally and flagging over 100 saplings—we hope to create habitats where wildlife like the bald eagle can thrive. These steps may seem small, but they reflect our deep respect for the land and our commitment to its care.
Building a Heritage for Future Generations
As a mother of two sons, I feel a responsibility to show them that heritage isn’t just what we inherit—it’s what we build. It’s about the values we live, the connections we nurture, and the resilience we slowly build upon.
This Native American Heritage Month, we honor the strength of the Native people and the enduring traditions that inspire me to create a life filled with love, hope, and resilience.
One day, I hope my sons will read this message and feel its resonance—that we can rise above challenges, honor the past, and build a brighter tomorrow.
Learn More
To better understand the significance of Native American Heritage Month, the Cherokee Nation shares many stories and events that highlight and honor the resilience, traditions, and contributions of Native peoples. You can learn more by visiting this article from the Cherokee Phoenix: Cherokee Nation shares history in Sallisaw during National Native American Heritage Month →
If you want to see a bald eagle up close, visit Jennifer Randell at the CPN Bald Eagle Aviary in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Learn more here: CPN Bald Eagle Aviary →
Here are some of the moments helping bring these reflections to life.
Brush Springs Stables 