Fire Arrow

## Introduction

I was born in September. That is all I know. My age is a number I do not care to think upon too much. I recall little of the early years. I was told our tribe had expected a vicious attack. I was a baby. I was told I had been moved in the night with my parents and an trusted elder. I was told we were ambushed. I was told I got separated from my parents, and continued to travel with this trusted Elder, as surely my parents were not alive - the Apache did not take prisoners.

I was told this ... and many things.

## Biography

My given name is Nootau Cunne - my name is to mean Fire Arrow. I get this name because of the the Apache who shoot their burning arrows at me, and missed. I am Comanche; a warrior, a fire arrow for my people now. I am proud of this name, it serves me well to this day.

We arrived in the Heartlands after much travels. I was [approximately] 6 years of age, accompanied by an Elder who became my only family.

## **Who I am in life.**

I grew up in a small wooden house. I was taught all I needed to know from my Elder; to fight, to read, small histories of our tribe, legends and survival. Next to us, lived a Mongolian couple. They became our friends. The man was a miner, he worked in Annesburg, digging holes for the rich ones. The woman stayed at home and tended to the small land they had.

At 15, the Elder died, I do not know what ailment caused this death of his, but it was sudden. I was without tribe. Without family. Alone. I took solace in our neighbour's presence, but this didn't last long. The man died from an accident inside the mine. The woman was broken, her spirit didn't heal and she left.
I had no anchor, so I travelled East with the train. I went to Saint Denis to try and find out about my parents. But the place is not healthy. I ended up doing things; things like stealing - stupid things reserved for children who wishes to be naughty. In the past months, I received notice from a friend to say I must come to Blackwater - he told me he had information about my parents. This friend never came, but I stayed in Blackwater. I roamed through the West. Lost. Angry. I met people, and they told me about Wapiti, about the reservation.

I return to the East, and I search for this place. I stayed here, learning from the Wapiti Elders - but getting frustrated with their lack of will. My head becomes heated at them for not wanting to change! Then, one day, I came to the Reservation to try and reason with the Elders again - when I ran into a young woman, bare footed, kicking wolves: Leaping River.

## **What life means to me.**

Life, at this time, means finding a way to soothe my warrior soul and fight only the important battles. I am yet again learning to stretch my legs towards balance. I am, and always will be a warrior - but I am learning there are new ways to wage a war. With moving back to the Heartlands, becoming an council to the Wapiti who embrace this way of life, life means a true change - In myself, my heart and my soul. Life means the Ancestors approve of my choices and if they do not, they guide me to better ones.

## **What's my outlook on the future.**

I am young, able and healthy. My future burns as bright as my spirit. I want to rebuild a family, a tribe, a lifestyle. I know it will be a challenging task - but I am WARRIOR! Without a challenge, I am not balanced in my steps or my future.

## **Conclusion**

I am Fire Arrow.

I am on a new journey.