The Cree Princess Diaries

There are times when my granddaughter is Princess Jingle Dancer. She attends her native dance ceremonies and celebrations.

She is exploring the world of The Jingle Dance.

And I explore my role in this, our little journey together.

In Cree tradition, it is the Grandmother's responsibilty to chose a colour for the child. I knew that to honour and respect her heritage I had to do this right.

When I gave her a colour, she would forever dance the Jingle Dance surrounded by her colour and the sound of the jingles.

So I pondered . Alot. This gift of a colour was important to My Cree Princess. The ability to give her this gift an honour that moves me to tears.

And I gave her the colour purple. The colour of healing.

I know her road ahead may not be easy, living in a country that does not respect our First Nations people. She will have to prove herself time and time again. Because of the colour of her skin. And the stereotypes. And perhaps the hate.

So I have surrounded her with the colour purple.

I cannot protect my Cree Princess from the world, but we will give her self love.

The most effective defense.

When she faces the challenges of her heritage and the world in general ,she will know that in my arms she will forever have a place to heal.