Ashley Vance
An essay addressing the issue of what makes a "real Indian" earned Chickasaw student Ashley Vance a $2,500 college scholarship.
Ashley's essay focused on whether blood quantum is the most important factor in determining who is a "real" Indian. Her great-grandfather was one-half Chickasaw.
"One problem for my tribal community is an unfortunate side effect of the dwindling blood quantum: how to be Native American when your genes almost deny it," she wrote.
Ashley concluded that the solution to keeping close to your heritage is through knowledge of your culture which provides a connection to one's ancestors.
This knowledge can make us whoever we wish to be like, with the characteristics of a lost relative looking for the rest of his family. We can learn about ourselves through this process, and who we can aspire to be."
"I have the choice to decide whether or not to be Native American, and I know what choice I will make."
Ashley, who just started her junior year at Regents School of Austin aspires to attend a northern college, and hopes to pursue a career in elementary education.
"I have always felt inspired by my teachers, and I hope I can give back when I am a teacher," she said.
As one of five winners of the Holland and Knight Young Native Writers Essay Contest the 16-year-old Austin resident was treated to a week-long trip to Washington, D.C.
The contest is designed to inspire a sense of pride, honor and dignity in young Native American high school students.
During her trip, Ashley and four other essay winners were honored at a ceremony at the National Museum of the American Indian.
Ashley is the daughter of Tommie Carolyn Norton-Vance and granddaughter of Tom and Jeanette Norton, who are active in the Chickasaw Nation Central Texas Council.
Ashley often volunteers at the local community library, as well serving meals at the Salvation Army on Christmas morning for the past four years. Through her school, Ashley also volunteers at a local nursing home and a crisis pregnancy center.
About the Young Writers Essay Contest
The Young Native Writers Essay Contest is a writing contest for Native American high school students and is designed to encourage young Native Americans to think about the critical issues impacting their tribal communities today.
Along with four other winners, Ashley Vance was awarded a $2,500 scholarship for her work. To read the wining essay follow this link: http://nativewriters.hklaw.com/ESSAYS/2010/index.asp.
