The first twelve years and the last twelve years of my life have been spent in California. I was born there and I believe, I have been reborn there, coming fully into an awareness of myself that leaves me looking at my past almost as if I was a different woman. So many elements of my life have come to natural ends or fruition. It is time to close the circle.

As I drive to New York, I am aware of the history of my people. They arrived in what we now call California in the mid 1800’s and participated in the genocide and theft of land we called “settlement.” Whether they knew it was wrong or were simply brainwashed by the church and leaders of the time to believe it was their god given duty and right, it happened. They benefitted from the atrocity. My family has benefitted for 6 generations. It is time to close the circle.

I have to much to learn, but am encouraged to see the efforts Syracuse and SU are making to begin the process of setting things right with the Onandaga Nation. I am encouraged to be invited into these spaces and welcomed as part of the solution, not the continuing problem (even though I know I will still be part of that, too). It feels like the invitation my people failed to procure once upon a time is now being offered. The funny thing is that for generations we have struggled in California without that invitation. One thing after another while generational curses of abuse and addiction continued. Maybe, just maybe, this invitation to a new space for new generations will be the healing needed. A broken curse now to be a blessing. It is time to close the circle so a new one may be opened.

I cannot see into the future to know what my time in Syracuse will be, but I pray, hope, and offer it to the lands and the waters, to the will of our Creator, and my life to the work of that which gives life. It is time to open a new circle.

Photo Credit and additional reading to Jean Antonovich. As I searched for an image to include in this post I came across the perfect article, written by her, about the importance of closing a circle. Needless to say, I will be following her! Please read here: https://www.janeantonovich.com/blog/the-simple-art-of-closing-the-circle1