By Linette Factor, CMN, Director of Business Affairs
2023-2024 Indigenous Visionaries Fellow
Hesci (hello)! I am Linette Factor (Muscogee [Creek]), an American Indian College Fund Indigenous Visionary Fellow and Director of Business Affairs at the College of the Muscogee Nation in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
As an Indigenous woman and leader, I’ve come to understand the profound impact one’s journey and legacy can have on the youth in our Native American communities. I aim to inspire those who are grappling with finding their path, particularly amid the societal challenges of substance abuse and violence. My perspective centers on advocacy, awareness, and creating a positive legacy that heals and strengthens our future generations.
In our tribal communities, the shadows cast by drugs and alcohol often cloud the paths of our youth. It is here, in these shadows, that the role of advocacy and awareness becomes crucial. As Indigenous women leaders, we carry the mantle of our ancestors—a legacy of resilience and strength. Our advocacy goes beyond confronting injustices; it is about illuminating pathways of hope and opportunity for those who may feel lost. Our voices are not just expressions of protest but are also songs of possibility and promise for a brighter future.
Legacy is the mark we leave on the world and those who come after us. It encompasses our actions, our values, and the impact we have on our communities and beyond. As Native American women, our legacy is tied to our culture, stories, and collective struggles. It is a thread that weaves through our past, present, and future, carrying the wisdom and aspirations of our ancestors.
Creating a positive legacy is essential in the healing and empowerment of our youth. It shows them that, despite the prevalent challenges such as substance abuse, a life of purpose and pride in our identity is attainable. A positive legacy is a beacon that guides our youth to rise above their circumstances, encouraging them to forge paths of empowerment and success.
To our youth searching for their path: Your journey is a critical chapter in the grand narrative of our people. Each step you take is integral to crafting your legacy, one that can inspire and support those around you. Embrace your Indigenous identity, draw from the wisdom of our elders, and use your voice and actions for impactful change. Your legacy can initiate change, foster healing, and lay the groundwork for a united, resilient community.
As we navigate the complexities of life, especially in the face of challenges like substance abuse and violence, it’s crucial to remember the power of advocacy, the essence of legacy, and the transformative impact of a positive legacy. It’s about more than overcoming today’s challenges; it’s about paving a path for a stronger, brighter future for our youth and the generations that follow. Let us strive to build legacies that resonate with courage, resilience, and hope. These legacies are not just stories to be told; they are blueprints for the future we aspire to create.
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The College of the Muscogee Nation is Oklahoma’s premier tribal college offering exemplary academic degree programs and student services preparing leaders in tribal and non-tribal sectors.