STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 31
In Costa Rica , holiday traditions come alive with vibrant family gatherings , beach outings , and communal feasts ...“ Money isn ’ t an issue there ,” DeLeon reflects . “ Even though we are not wealthy , we always have each other .” For DeLeon , that ’ s the true spirit of Hojancha .
even while living in a predominantly non-Native community . As a member of the Pawnee Nation , Carney ' s year revolves around seasonal festivals and family gatherings , each filled with significance . A central part of her culture is the winter Handgame tournaments , an event she eagerly anticipates each year . In these gatherings , family members play the Handgame , a guessing game with roots in her ancestors ' history . While Carney ' s family doesn ’ t celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas in a traditional way , they view these days as an opportunity for togetherness . They gather around a table filled with corn soup and mush — a Pawnee dish made of blue cornmeal . Sharing these meals , she feels her culture come alive . For Carney , every family gathering is a celebration of resilience and identity , keeping her deeply rooted in her
Pawnee heritage .
Antony , Han , DeLeon , and Carney each carry unique cultural legacies , weaving threads of their heritage into the fabric of their lives in Oklahoma . Their stories reveal the power of tradition to create a sense of belonging , no matter how far from home they may be . Through food , festivals , and family gatherings , they find ways to stay connected to their roots , transforming simple moments into meaningful acts of
SwOk remembrance and resilience .
STORY BY : Cameo Jade Stillwater Oklahoma Magazine
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STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 31