Family and Identity

Source: Renee Montes, member of the Yurok tribe

Commentary:

     When I first thought about personal identity, family, and rituals all combined I thought of the Native Americans and how they are given a second name to signify their coming of age and understanding of culture. I discussed this matter with my close friend Renee Montes, who is a registered and active member of the Yurok tribe. When she was 12 years old, her father asked for a naming ceremony to determine her spirit and personality; she was given the name Turtle Warrior. This ritual creates a strong tie to both her family and her tribe as well as giving Renee a strong personal identity. Tribe names are not given until later in life because they are specific to the member and are based on their personality and spirit guides. Renee's father (Chief) saw that Renee had over come many things, even at that young age, and was a warrior. He gave her the name turtle because she has a strong outter shell and carries others on her back; yet she is a sensative creature and can be hurt easily if wronged. Most importantly she was named after Turtle Island, what the Natives call the United States. Turtle Island means home to the Yurok; to her father, anywhere Renee is, that is home.

      Renee's story truly moved me; the meaning and love that went into her name is so apparent. As Americans, the most meaning we give to a name is naming one after a family member. I think the idea of waiting until the person has developed a personality is a beautiful idea.


"A strong sense of identity gives a man the idea he can do no wrong; too little acomplishes the same"
   Djuna Barnes


Think about it