Cholena (Snow Bird) Smith

Photo Credit: Matthew Ballard (450nm Photography and Design) 

Today we highlight one humble and traditional young lady, Cholena (Snow Bird) Smith . She is from and resides on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. The Shinnecock Indian Nation is a federally recognized tribe of historically Algonquian speaking people based at the east end of Long Island, New York. 

Stony Brook University Graduation Day 

She recently graduated from Stony Brook University in May 2014 Magna Cum Laude distinction B.A. Sociology and Anthropology. Cholena is also a member of Sigma Beta Honor Society and Golden Key International Honor Society. Since she stated college she has put in community service hours for the Indian Education, Cultural Enrichment Program, and the environmental program (all programs are within the Shinnecock community) 

This takes tremendous strength for any young adult to dedicate so much time to the community. So much pressure and stress can come from our communities themselves. To stay so focused on goals and aspirations with the amount of distractions we young people encounter is what has increased substance abuse, violence, and suicide rates. It is young and determined adults who serve as role models to those who have difficulty focusing. She is an example that proves it can be done! 

Cholena Marches in Indigenous Peoples' Climate March 2014 

Cholena plans on using the skills she developed in college as well as experience with the Shinnecock programs for Tribal Historical Preservation. She is on the American Indian College Fund NY Gala committee. The gala took place October, 20, 2014 with the headline entertainment by Idina Menzel 

Recently Cholena has been asked to be the Project Director of a project collaborating the Shinnecock Nation, the Unkechaug Nation,, the Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York, and the New York Botanical Garden in a community development corporation. This project will

Cholena marching with her mother Josephine Smith

collaboratively pursue programs in education and research with an emphasis in Enthonbotany. The programs could include educations programs about the cultural use of plants, use of sustainable resources, and the creations of teaching and displaying gardens and exchange information. 

She is also interested in another opportunity related to the preservation of Shinnecock history through photography and will include a cultural exchange between the Shinnecock and the Ngarrindjeri in Southern Australia. This community also has a special connection to the water and has similar history to the Shinnecock.

As traditional women we are raised to learn how to sustain and give life to our community. We as descendents of our ancestors struggle in having a balance in today's society that still allows us to do as we are supposed to. Cholena is coming into this balance by sustaining the life of her community through historical preservation. It is not an easy road to stay on because so much tries to pull you in every direction but the right one. 

Ordained in Sigma Beta Honor Society 

Keep up the hard work and dedication Cholena. No matter what obstacles challenge you look how far your have already gone in getting closer to your dreams. Stay guided by the creator and your inner strength. Tabutne for all of your work!