Octavia Blue Bird

I am a student at a cosmetology school and I am also a crafter. I bead, make skirts and jingle dresses, etc. I plan to one day open my own salon with a Native boutique inside. I am 20-years-old and grew up in a traditional home. I am sober and have been all 20 years. My last name comes from South Dakota (Lake Andes/ Rosebud area). I am very thankful for this opportunity. Thank you! Pidamaya ye!

The sun and the moon have a cultural history of love and creation. There is a story about how they used to be together all the time in the sky but eventually got separated. They are chasing each other constantly and finally, when a solar eclipse happens, they are reunited once again.

I also take this as balance. The good and the bad, the dark and the light, etc. The moon phases represent humans to me. Ever changing spirits. As we go through life, we adapt and go through phases, just as the moon does. I find that very beautiful.