Sheila L. Chingwa
Bio
Welcome to my world.
Welcome to my thoughts.
I am proud to be a Native American Elder born and raised in Northern Michigan. Thanks to my hard work I have a B.A. in Education and a Masters in Administration and Supervision in Education.
Stories (167)
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Wish Upon a Star
“When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires, will come to you.” I have a question for you. Did you only read this or did you end up singing it too? I would be surprised if you only read it, for it is such a well-known Disney song. Today, Disney advertisements no longer include the lyrics. Interestingly, the majority of society knows the words and sings along silently in their head to the music. We, as a society, have been raised with imagination and magic thanks to Mr. Disney. This is advertisement at its finest because the music and phrase was so memorable and gave hope to many who dared to dream. Disney, was a genius when it came to innovation. My favorite innovation was the first audio and picture book set for children. Vinyl records provided the audio version of the stories while the colorful pages of the book brought the words and imaginable worlds alive. In this collection, the book was actually a part of the album sleeve so they never got separated. Thinking back on it now as an adult, I loved how convenient and innovative the collection was. Mr. Disney did “Wish upon a star,” and his dreams came true so yes, even I can wish upon those same stars and I let the magic happen.
By Sheila L. Chingwa5 years ago in Families
Winter is Coming
Over 21 years have passed since dad, Howard (Stan/Stanley) Chingwa, has passed away. Crazy how time passes through one’s life so easy. Yet, everyone goes through everyday life and every day events not even thinking about the impact their actions have on others. Parents, of all people have the biggest impact on the family. My dad, well he was a provider. He worked hard to provide and sustain his large family. The best thing of all, he was resourceful. Not only did he work in a factory, he used the egifts from the earth to support his huge family. Here it is spring and Father’s Day is just around the corner. Such nostalgic moments bring me thoughts of my dad. About this time, while checking my email from work, I noticed they were asking for a story of my father and the gift he had given me. So, I thought I would share these thoughts with all who would read.
By Sheila L. Chingwa5 years ago in Families
Dear Mr. President
Dear Mr. President, Silence, is the very thing the dominant society has told us Native American students to do as we grew into our role in society. I, Jeebi Kwe (Spirit Woman), aka: Sheila Chingwa, am an elder with the Little Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa Indians. I choose to stand up and speak. I no longer will remain silent especially with what is on my mind. For the past two days, I have been praying for the small children at Kampoops Indian school in Canada. After a few days of prayer, I have made the decision to write this letter. This morning, I raised my feather in prayer and asked for my words to be true. Silence no more Mr. President, silence no more.
By Sheila L. Chingwa5 years ago in Humans
Verna, the Boss of Life
Michigan, in the early 1800’s, the government negotiated terms with the Native Americans where they did not have to leave the area, they resided in. My ancestors did not have to walk the trail of tears due to the savvy negotiations of the untied Tribes of Michigan. Their efforts brought success to the Native people and many families could stay on their lands. I am proud to say that I am living on the same allotted land my Great Grandfather had received in the town of Petoskey Michigan. My grandparent, my mother’s siblings, and now my family live in that same plot of land. When my parents married, they purchased a few lots from my grandparents. After 185 years, we are the only Native family on this street.
By Sheila L. Chingwa5 years ago in Families
Standing as a Warrior
Recently, I was part of a book club through my tribe where we shared the story of Native authors. I read for a living so reading for pleasure is a treat. When one snuggles into a good book, most of the time, the reader is looking for escape. To loft off to another world is what I like to do. Reality is often escaped and off to a mental journey I like to go. As I snuggled into my reading spot with a hot cup of coffee, I was ready to escape my reality.
By Sheila L. Chingwa5 years ago in Psyche
I do, I did.
A busy Saturday morning is normal during everyone's big day. The ladies gathered together, rushed off to get their hair and nails done for their friend's wedding in the afternoon. all of us ladies sat in salon chairs laughing and chatting up a storm as time passed by.
By Sheila L. Chingwa5 years ago in Confessions
Become
Leadership is something I have no desire to do in my life right now when it comes to others. I know the weight one experiences when you become a leader of an organization and the life of others are in your hands. The stress of such position can be taxing. This type of responsibility is something I no longer seek in life.
By Sheila L. Chingwa5 years ago in Motivation
Goblet of Fire or Solo Cup
I had found this meme a few years ago and saved it to my pictures. Little did I know, that it is a measurement tool for me to evaluate my healing. Perspective and understanding is important when it comes to evaluating this meme in regards to relationships.
By Sheila L. Chingwa5 years ago in Humans
