S2, E9: “’Nothing About Us Without Us’: Nancy Tecumseh Mason (Choctaw) Empowering Our Native Youth”

Although she’s Choctaw, my guest, Nancy Tecumseh Mason is emersed within her husband and children’s tribe (Muscogee Nation). And for years now, Nancy has relentlessly poured her time and energy into supporting the youth of the tribe as Director of the Mvskoke Nation Youth Services.

In this episode, you’ll hear about Mvskoke Nation Youth Services:
• This program is created by youth for youth, and “Nothing about us without us” is the motto that empowers these youth to make decisions and to have a voice at the table from day one.
• Check out Mvskoke artists, including some pieces from these talented youth, where you can even purchase some of their items! https://www.mvskokeyouth.com/mvskokeartists

You’ll also learn about:
• The story of her dad and her Uncle Amos who both had an eye for Nancy’s mother
• The many spellings and versions of the Muscogee name
• Nancy isn’t related to Tecumseh, the Shawnee Warrior Chief we’ve read about in history books, but we do talk about the historical rhyme that could correct the way many of us say,
“Tecumseh”. How do YOU say this name?
• Our Choctaw tribe. Nancy also encourages anyone who would like to discuss Choctaw spiritual practices to reach out to her at https://www.facebook.com/supernance2
• P.S. Shout out to Nancy’s cousin Peggy – the family “paparazzi” (I fully support this title as I also hold that role within my own family too). Halito, Peggy!

Nancy’s Recommended Book Reading:
“Living in the Land of Death: The Choctaw Nation, 1830-1860” Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/yckxx7b7

Mvskoke Nation Youth Services:
• Website: https://www.mvskokeyouth.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MvskokeYouth
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mvskokeyouth/

I hope you’ll check out this good cause and support in the multiple ways Nancy talks about in this episode!

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