Success — It’s In Our Blood

SUCCESSFUL ODAWA. Through his website, his book and CDs, and presentations, Vanas encourages success among all people. Photo courtesy of Native Discovery, Inc.

In the early 1600s the French ran into my people and asked, “Who are you?” Thinking they asked, “What are you doing?” we answered, “Odawa,” which meant “to trade.”

In that wrong response, the Europeans named us “Odawas” or “Ottawas.” Being among the first successful business owners in the Great Lakes area, my people were in canoes buying and selling goods in the region. In 2007, I’m living that heritage as a business owner and entrepreneur.

I am inspired by the resilience of Indian people throughout history to adapt and succeed. Pueblo engineers designed homes that stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Anishinabek people built canoes light enough to be carried by two people but strong enough to carry ten on the water.

Europeans brought the horse, and in only a few generations, Indian people became some of the best horsemen the world had ever seen! History is filled with countless examples of our creativity and power to adapt.

So why are so many of our people lost today? I challenge you to look back at your own tribal history. You’ll find countless examples of your tribe producing great business people, teachers, doctors, engineers, leaders, and artists – and still doing it today!

Whatever tribe you represent, your people, like mine, have been through it all – disease, famine, warfare, and genocide – and we’re still here. We’ve become excellent survivors. Now the question that should be burning inside is “What now?” We’ve survived, but we were created to succeed – it’s in our blood, our genetic code, to be successful.

Being a successful Native today does not mean we must sacrifice our identity. One of the serious issues in Indian Country that holds us back is our perception of success. When I talk to other Native people who want to start a business, obtain an advanced degree, or sell their art, they feel the need to explain, “But I’m not in it just for the money.”

Why do we feel the need to state this when discussing our dreams? We see an athlete or entertainer make $10 million a year, but if someone earns a degree and makes over $50k a year, some think they’re greedy, a sellout, or “in it for the money.”

This is part of the reason we struggle – oftentimes we abuse each other and ourselves when it comes to success. But success is much more than money or education and involves following our own visions and values. It’s freedom to live life on our own terms.

Until we can uplift our minds and congratulate each other for success instead of alienating or punishing each other, we won’t be able to achieve greatness. Our worst stereotypes can be the ones we hold about ourselves. Being “a real Indian” is NOT being poor, unemployed, uneducated, suffering abuse or an addiction.

We were meant for a much higher purpose – our ancestors told us this. Understand the beauty of who you are and where you came from.

No one in the world has cornered the market on talent, ability, or intelligence. We are just as smart and gifted as any race to ever walk the planet. Go for your goals, achieve your best, and succeed because you are Native, not in spite of it.

Our ancestors suffered and died so we could be here today. How will we honor and respect them? I know what I’ll do – work every day to become the best me I can be to better serve others and become a success. I will take as many people with me as I can! Remember: Success has always been a part of our past – it’s up to each one of us to make it a part of our future.

D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas (Odawa) is a motivational storyteller, success coach, and author of the book, The Tiny Warrior: A Path to Personal Discovery & Achievement and audio CD series The Warrior Within. He can be reached at (719) 282-7747 or at www.nativediscovery.com.