Motherhood is about nurturing the spirit, whether you're a biological mother, auntie, godmother, or adopted mother. It's a sacred responsibility that comes before any other role or job.
The podcast aims to share Indigenous knowledge, storytelling, and history by featuring the journeys of young Indigenous people and elders.
Gail McCord is from Tohola and belongs to the Quinault tribe.
Waikiki'a recalls moving to Alaska with her family, wearing a yellow and white dress, and feeling nervous during the court process.
Waikiki'a initially spent weekends with her family, which turned into weeks and eventually led to her not going back home, forming a strong bond with her foster family.
She faced financial struggles, lack of education, and the challenge of providing childcare for her children, as daycare was not free for her at the time.
She taught her children about their cultural roots, survival skills, and the importance of respecting the land, elders, and traditions through activities like gathering firewood and Indian tea.
She advises new mothers to breastfeed their babies, live in the moment, and prioritize love and involvement over material possessions. She also emphasizes the importance of preparing for motherhood by nurturing the spirit before it's time to take on the role.
She considers motherhood the most sacred work, as it is a chosen responsibility that must be taken care of with the same reverence as other sacred traditions and ceremonies.
She explains that the spirit of motherhood is present in everyone, whether they are a biological mother, auntie, godmother, or adopted mother. It is up to individuals to nurture and prepare for this spirit when the time is right.
She advises Indigenous youth to be ambitious, compassionate, and to focus on healing and breaking cycles of trauma. She also emphasizes the importance of self-respect, self-love, and kindness.
She mentions that her favorite age for her children is around four or five, when they start developing their own character and creativity, and are still dependent on their mom.
She emphasizes that time is the most valuable resource, especially for busy moms. She advises making time for family and using each day as a gift, starting with gratitude and ending with being unoffendable.
She advises young moms not to be discouraged by judgments and to use their youth and energy to be good mothers while pursuing their own goals. She also cautions against making children their best friends, as kids need a mother more than a best friend.
Happy Mother’s Day! Join Wykeklyaa and Roy as they sit down with their mothers to talk about the true essence of motherhood. From cherished memories to the joy and challenges, its a heartwarming episode you won’t want to miss!