Коренной житель Верхнего полуострова делится историей восстановления и культурного возрождения в рамках празднования 250-летия США

TRAVERSE CITY— Jayson Kiogima, a Native American man from Northern Michigan, is sharing his story of resilience, cultural connection and personal recovery as part of a series celebrating Northern Michiganders and the 250th birthday of the United States. “My American story is not like any other American story,” Kiogima said. “Just because of the fact that I don’t consider myself an American because I’m a Native American.” Kiogima was born in Grand Rapids, but shortly after his birth, his mother was unable to care for him. He was adopted by a Native family who maintained traditional teachings and cultural heritage. His adoptive father attended an Indigenous boarding school as a child, giving him the background to teach Kiogima about ancestral traditions and historical struggles.“It’s difficult being adopted,” Kiogima said. “I was adopted by a native family, so the traditions and the teachings were still there. My father was the one who taught me. He had the background to teach me, some of the things he was taught and to show me, some of the things he’d gone through.” Though not practiced by every Indigenous tribe, powwows bring Native communities together through traditional dancing, music and cultural customs. Kiogima recalled feeling a deep sense of connection during his first powwow, noting that seeing people who looked like him was an eye-opening experience. His father also shared historical context about past periods when Native communities were barred from gathering for powwows or freely celebrating their heritage. “My father had spoke about when he was younger,” Kiogima said. “We weren’t allowed to have powwows. We weren’t able to celebrate our traditions. Our teachings were able to pass those down.” As an adult around ages 18 to 19, Kiogima began attending powwows alone while seeking to learn more about his background. At the Little Traverse Bay Band powwow, he reconnected with biological family members, including his Uncle Gilbert. Kiogima described his uncle as an approachable presence at the gathering who welcomed family members searching for their roots. “Beginning at these powwows alone as an adult,” Kiogima said. “I didn’t know much of my family, my beginning steps. Little traverse Bay band powwow is where I was able to see other family members of mine and connect.” Kiogima later returned to Michigan from another state, taking a Greyhound bus to Traverse City. Upon his arrival, his brother met him and helped him get back on track. Kiogima recalled waking up during the drive and recognizing the trees above, describing his return to his home state as a blessing. “Coming back to Michigan from another state as an indigenous of Michigan was a blessing,” Kiogima said. “I remember waking up in the back seat and opening my eyes, looking into the sky and seeing the trees. The trees, were very recognizable.” After making changes in his personal life, Kiogima has maintained his sobriety for two years, going on three. He noted that learning from past mistakes opened up new opportunities and transformed his outlook. “Learned through my own mistakes and from other people’s mistakes. I have made it thus far to changing my whole life around and to maintain my sobriety for some time now, I’ve been sober for two years, going on three and it’s been wonderful,” Kiogima said. “It’s opened up a whole life for me. Open up opportunities” Kiogima plans to start programs aimed at helping individuals struggling with addiction get the tools they need to start anew. In the coming weeks, 9&10 News will feature a dozen stories of local residents to celebrate America 250.