As the new school year begins, you are entering into a new year of learning and growth. For many, a new school year begins with excitement to see friends and get back into familiar routines, yet it isn’t long before you find yourself challenged and sometimes overwhelmed with projects, exams, papers, peers, family struggles, and whatever other unique challenges we each may face.

What began as sheer enthusiasm for school often fades into even greater enthusiasm for weekends and summer- anything to give you a break! But I encourage you to remember something, beautiful young relatives, something incredible that has continued to help many others in times of weariness or struggle. Remember this as you continue throughout your school year.

Young relatives, generations ago, ancestors prayed for you. As I can imagine, in the morning at sunrise, among the many things that our ancestors laid down prayers for, with tobacco, water, cedar, or corn pollen, they prayed for you. In their time, many generations ago, you were the future generation – their future great grandchildren who had yet to come. They prayed for your life, your health, for you to have a connection to earth and sky and of all of the universe.