They are all idiots. They really think that the White man is going to help us, when they have never helped before. And apparently, I am the disgruntled one because I cannot see this great future the colonizers have promised to us; when in reality, I am the only one who does not have the rose-colored glasses on. They wanted us to share our ideas, so we did. They wanted to know how we hunted and gathered, so we explained. They wanted to know about our culture, so we shared. They wanted us to accept them, so we did. All they do is want, and all we did is give. We give, but receive nothing but hate, lies, and deceit. I do not want to be so cynical, but I cannot be ignorant either.

​

       I will never forget Enisi and Elisi’s faces when we were told we were going to have to uproot and leave the place that they had always called home. Enisi remained strong, as any Chief should. Elisi on the other hand, showed a sign of disappointment, but her face soon changed to a faint smile, letting the crowd know that everything happens for a reason. As long as we’re together we will all be alright, but little did she know that would not always be true. Following her speech, everyone went to their dwelling and began to pack, but I went looking for my Enisi. I just needed to convince him that we should stand our ground and fight back. I just needed to prove to him that we are all strong like him, and if he took his stance we would follow. As I walked down the river trail, my eyes spotted him further ahead starring off into the water. It was as if he was replaying all the memories he had growing up here through the ripples going downstream. As I got a few steps closer, I noticed he was creating ripples of his own, as tears slide down his checks, and drop off his chin. My heart felt as if someone had just torn it out of my chest. I was filled with this deep feeling of emptiness, knowing that I would never get to live the experiences Enisi had cherished and held so close to his heart. I felt anger that we were being forced to leave, but I felt sorrow seeing that Enisi, our great Chief, had to hide his pain. He was trying to be strong for the rest of us. I wanted to look away, but I just felt stuck. It was as if my body had lost all control. In reality, I did lose control. Not over what I did with my body, but over my life.

 

       I soon came to my senses and realized I had control over what would be one of my last memories at home, and with Enisi. I took a deep breath in and then out, and then with a strong stride I walked down to Enisi. As I got closer, I could see him wipe away his tears and stand up broadly. I acted as if I did not see him pull himself together. With a stern voice he looked at me and said “Atsila, what must you tell me today?” and although he was trying to show some humor in a lighthearted way, I could still see the sorrow in his eyes. All the words I planned to tell him, all the fight I had in me to convince him of our next steps had left my body. All I could do was just stare in his eyes. As our eyes lock, my eyes fill with tears alike to his, and no words escape from my mouth. Before the tears could fall from my eyes, he pulled me in close and held me. I squeezed him so tight. We stayed there for a few minutes, and then he gave me a warm kiss on my forehead and told me to help pack up to be ready for the move in the morning. That night we all laughed and celebrated at home for the last time. Enisi looked so happy. When I woke up the next day, something in my gut did not feel right. As I exited my tent, I could see a crowd surrounding Enisi and Elisi’s dwelling. As I got closer, I could hear so many whispers, all the noise sounded jumbled up, until I heard one distinct line from my mother. “Enisi and Elisi have moved on”. They both had passed in their sleep after the celebration, and as everyone around me was outpouring their tears and cries, my eyes got heavy as well. But this time, not tears of sorrow, but tears of joy, knowing Enisi, and Elisi never had to leave home.