By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
A year ago, then 11-year-old Tulalip youth Spencer Horne jokingly asked if he could have a cedar hat, a very specific cedar hat; one that belonged to elder Monie Ordonia. She would’ve gladly given it to him, but she couldn’t because it was gifted to her. The not at all bashful youth then asked if she could gift him something. To which Monie replied, “I’ll make you something special if you dance with all your heart for me.”
Dance Spencer did. He danced to Monie’s admiration whenever possible. He danced at Canoe Journey practice after Canoe Journey practice until, ultimately, he was dancing when the pressure was most intense, on Puyallup territory during Tulalip’s protocol.
“The real beauty of this process was we established a truly beautiful relationship that began with respect,” explained Monie. “Today, not many youth pay attention to that very important aspect, respect. It’s part of our teachings; treating others, especially elders, with respect. When you carry yourself in a good way, represent your tribe in a good way, then you show respect to not just your own family, but other families and other tribes, too.
“Spencer carries himself in a good way,” she continued. “He dances with his whole heart and when he sings, he sings as if his ancestors are listening. That means so much to me. As a creator, watching him, seeing him, and hearing him got me excited to create something that depicted my respect he had earned.”
What she created was a one-of-a-kind, from the heart painting that captured the essence of his and his fellow youth’s Salish spirit as she witnessed them rise and soar on the dance floor. Titled Snohomish Warrior, Monie gifted the finished product to the beaming with pride Spencer during the Tulalip Canoe Family’s post-journey celebration.
After unwrapping it and giving Monie the biggest of hugs, he casually strutted around the Gathering Hall offering all in attendance a glance at his long-awaited gift.
When asked what he sees in the painting, he responded, “I see me, my sister and my cousins. I like it. It’s powerful!”
And his message to his elder? “Thank you, Monie. I love you.”