Another thing we know to be factual

Kids always live up to what they are told they are. 

In Indigenous culture, some children are given a spirit name at birth. An Elder, often a family member, will bestow a name onto a child. That name, in the language of their individual nation, will speak to what that child is going to become. On other occasions, a name might be given to an older youth or to an adult. In ceremony, this person will receive a name. Some might be given two or more names through the course of their lifetimes. 

Ojibway Elder Nancy Jones (showing below next to friends Brent and Kristy) gave me the name Zhiibaayanakwad. My ceremony took place15 years ago on Red Gut reserve in Northern Ontario. Any name holder can explain the name's meaning and/or speak to the ceremony through which it was given if they want to. Like our stories, this is a personal thing. 

It's interesting that a child who is given the name Boy who loves Birds is almost certain to grow into a man who has an infinity for and with birds. 

My name Zhiibaawanaquad means "Bird who flies in and out of clouds coming with messages from Creator". I take that to mean coming dreaming stories that come from above - from spirit world...through my collective GGrandmothers. 

Parents, teachers...administrators - focus on what you tell your children they are. Think long and hard about what they might one day become. Not only in a negative way (never call a child a bully or lazy or...). But do it in a positive way. 

Tell our kids how kind they are. Tell them what good readers they are. Tell them what hard workers they are. Don't lie. They see through lies. Pick out something they do on a daily basis or on something they did. Then tell them. Build on that. 

Kids always live up to what they are told they are.