NIDA Contest Entry

Alyssa, Catawba Indian, Age 20, North Carolina

New Life

Generations of my family have called the Catawba Indian reservation home. I have seen first hand the problems and suffering substance abuse has caused to the people and family that live on the reservation, but I have also seen the resilience and ability to overcome these addictions. My artwork depicts the resilience these people have and how they are able to grow from their troubled past and make a new life for themselves.

Protected: I’m a 19 year old Two-Spirit who identifies as male. For me to feel comfortable I cut my hair because growing up even on my Rez girls had long hair and unless you have “Native hair” boys have short hair. I want to grow my hair but I don’t want my tribes people to start calling me female names/pronouns. Any tips?

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