My Story
All of us have a story. Come learn about mine!
Siyo! (Hello)
Cherokee and Navajo decent, I was born and raised in Cherokee, NC by my great grandparents. Lived in a home my great grandfather built himselfLike so many of my indigenous relatives, I wondered from my cultural roots as a young adult. One might say that people my age were ashamed of being indigenous. We absorbed the images that Hollywood produced and watched it replicate in our own communities for the sake of economic development. Long story short, I realized in my mid-life years that the only thing that always calmed me and put me back in place, was my culture.
Today I still live in the same area in Cherokee with my husband, son, and our cat and Alaskan Malamute. I am able to help my tribe by being the training manager for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in our HR department. My dream is to not only help my tribe gain its knowledge in cultural leadership, and governance, but to also help other tribes in Indian Country strengthen theirs. As you learn more about me, and what I offer, I hope this will give me the opportunity to learn about you, and how we can help each other.
Cancer was nothing more than a chapter in my life’s story. It would never be my life’s story…
In April 2023, I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Normally there are no signs when it comes to this silent killer, but Unelanv (Creator) had other plans, and gave me signs to fight this enemy, as well as the love, treatment, and support to overcome it. Today I am in remission, but I am forever prepared to conquer all of life’s battles, and help others learn how to conquer theirs.
The picture you see on my home page is a picture of me drinking a nutritional drink that my son took. Later a friend of mine wanted to turn it into a painting of wellness and serenity. For indigenous people, water is life, so that is why it showcases water, which is to provide life. That hit me like a ton of bricks, and my vision became clear. I was ready to share my knowledge for the sake of helping others realize their value, using the precious pearls embedded in their own cultures.
Let’s Get To Know Each Other!
As you explore my website, and get to know a little about me, and see if my techniques align with your interests, please reach out to me, and let’s get to know one another. We are all in this life together, and I hope we can both walk this path to strengthen the generations to come.
Sgi! (Thank you) ~ Juanita