Elizabeth Nicole | Interview - Issue #2
Updated: Dec 12, 2022
- Elizabeth Nicole -
32 - Native American
Which culture or sub-culture did you grow up in? More Traditional Indigenous, Traditional Mexican, Chicano/Lowrider, Reservation, or More American-esque? Or a different culture/sub-culture?
I actually grew up in a very religious household, we carried some Native traditions but overall very church going, it wasn’t until I was older that I lived traditional/Chicano.
What are your favorite parts of that culture and community?
I love being traditional because it reminds me of how strong my ancestors were, everything they faced and overcame makes me pretty damn proud to be cut from that cloth!
How did growing up in that culture effect your current style, and point of view of life?
It effected me in a way that I was fearful of doing any wrong, I wanted to be perfect or felt like I needed to be but as I got older I understood my truth.
As an adult now, have you learned about other Indigenous or Mexican sub-cultures?
Most definitely. I’ve been fascinated with other cultures and I’m also xicaña so I started to learn more of my cultura on my dad 's side.
What are your favorite parts of that culture and community?
The unity, the food, and the musica!
How has it effected your style and point of view of life now?
It always makes me humble because Man, they are definitely hard workers doing the damn thing every single day!
As an indigenous woman, do you mind sharing what tribe(s) you are part of?
Most definitely. I’ve been fascinated with other cultures and I’m also xicaña so I started to learn more of my cultura on my dad 's side.
Did you grow up on the reservation or outside of it?
The unity, the food, and the musica!
How did growing up on or off the reservation impact your relationship with your indigenous roots/culture?
It always makes me humble because Man, they are definitely hard workers doing the damn thing every single day!
Please tell us about the work that you do within your culture(s)'s community. Or the work that you are doing to continue educating yourself or others about your culture(s).
I have served as a teacher on my reservation, I go out to community events when I can and I’m also continuing to learn more and more kumeyaay language, preserving language is so important to me. I am passing that down to my children so they never get confused on what our real and first language was and is.
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Credits
Model and Interviewee - Elizabeth Nicole
Editor in Chief - Alvinita Gonzales
Production Assistant - Jordan Woodley
Photography and Videography - Alvinita Gonzales
Behind-the-Scenes Photographer and Videographer: Jordan Woodley | @jordanwphotography