Many years ago, when I was a Jesuit Volunteer in Montana, I was fortunate enough to be able to visit several reservations and learn about Native culture and traditions from some of the local tribal members. After a year in Great Falls, I went to work on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in southeastern Montana. The years there were a mixed blessing. Working with Native children who were victims of child abuse and neglect was not easy and I struggled to find my place amongst a people who have been historically violated by people who look like me.

Still, I left those years with a profound reverence for the traditions and culture of the Native people. For their connection to their elders, to the generations that have come before. Theirs is a wisdom we would be wise to pay attention to, and It is with that intention I am thrilled to introduce you to Rose Hammock, a caring, compassionate and wise young member of the Pomo, Wailacki and Maidu tribes.

We recorded this interview on May 5, the day of remembrance for missing and murdered Indigenous Women, a profound historical trauma that continues to plague the Native people. Rose shares several resources to learn more about this issue, from MMIWUSA, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and the Sovereign Bodies Institute to the UIHI, The Urban Indian Health Initiative.

Despite Rose’s young age, she’s only 26, she has already made a lasting mark on her community. We talk about holding space, for welcoming voices and choosing the healing way. I can think of no better way to welcome her then to allow her to introduce herself to you.

chiin tha ‘eh. (how are you?) My name is Rose Hammock.

I am Pomo, Wailacki, and Maidu.
My family comes from the Round Valley Indian Tribes and the Big Valley Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians. I also carry Indigenous roots from parts of Mexico and Nicaragua, from my mother.

I am a recent graduate from the Santa Rosa Junior College.
I have two Associates of Arts degrees; one being in Early Childhood Education and the other in Social and Behavioral Sciences.

I serve many roles within my community, working with many groups and organizations. Some of those groups and organizations include: Pomo Project of Sonoma County, Big Picture Learning Native American Initiative, Redbud Resource Group, California Rural Indian Health Board, and California Indian Museum and Cultural Center.

As a traditional dancer, I travel up and down California sharing songs, dance, and prayer. I have been a traditional dancer for the past thirteen years of my life.
Through traditional dance, I have had the honor of learning many things from my elders.

I have had the honor of learning how to basket weave, bead, sew, and learn about plants. With what I have learned, it’s my turn to pass on the knowledge to the next generation. My hopes are that our young people will carry this on to their future generations.

A majority of my work in the community is a reflection of the way I grew up. My community has always picked me up when I needed it.
When working in “Indian County”, you treat all of your people like family.

I have a lot of people in my community who are my aunties, uncles, and grandmas. Working in my community has shown me love, patience, motivation, and compassion. My community made me who I am today.

yah.wii’ (thank you) Rose Hammock

You can listen to Rose’s episode here.