Jade Summers LaRoche, a descendent of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe (aka Kul Wicasa Oyate).
"Being Indigenous and Caucasian I've run into a misconception that I didn't really think existed. Most people are very respectful and eager to learn, but occasionally I run into individuals that will question my Indigenous status and said that I don't belong. I can understand their confusion, I am certainly not the dark haired, brown eyed, dark skinned woman they've seen portrayed on TV or in movies. For a long time it made me question if I even truly knew who I was. Over the years I've worked with and talked to many individuals just like me, who don't quite fit the mold and I've realized that there are many Native Americans today that have this issue as well. There's a misconception that we have to look a certain way to be Indigenous, but we are all just as unique as every individual. We have different languages, dances, traditional houses, and physical features. I represent just one of the many ways it looks to be Indigenous and I am proud to be who I am today. "