BOLD Miami
The Native American
Dominique Daly
Issue date: 10/19/09 Section: Feature
Curtis Hodson stands out from typical Miami University students, both because of his age and his background. Not only is he 41 years old, he's also Native American. His life's journey rings true with many other native people across the country.
"Since both of my birth parents were very young at the time of my birth, things were destined to fail, and they did fail," Hodson says.
As a result, Hodson was taken from his parents before his fourth birthday.
"I was then placed into the foster care system and never saw my birth parents again," Hodson says. "It took me another 30 years to find any remaining birth family."
Eventually, he was adopted by Native Americans. From the rules he has been taught and the resistance he had from some about getting an education, he has gained a greater appreciation toward learning.
" ... Learning all that I can is a notion of respect for what is here on earth," Hodson says. "I can see beauty in everything, most of the time an innocent view on things. I can find remarkable admiration in both living my native life and living my school life."
His biggest challenge comes when learning of his peoples' history.
"There really is nothing more difficult than having to hear how your people were treated and what happened to them," Hodson says. "My heart breaks repeatedly when I think of our brothers and sisters who have been killed or treated with less respect than others just because of who they were. I suppose that the most difficult thing is having to hear about the past history, but in essence, that can potentially make us who we are."
Hodson, a history major, adds that learning about his past helped him to forgive what happened to his people - even at a school whose "Redskins" logo was the official nickname of the athletic program for over 60 years.
"There is enough forgiveness in my heart to vanquish any hard feelings, but I won't forget what I've learned," Hodson says. "Learning ... that's the key. If I didn't learn all that I have, then it would be very difficult for me to let things go."
His peaceful approach to life allows him to appreciate transient beauty.
"I have a tendency to stay quiet and still so I can enjoy the world around me … for example, the birds singing in the trees, the wind blowing through the leaves," Hodson says. "I look at the little things that make life so enjoyable. We must look at the importance of what we've been given and not take it for granted. I still think that there is a lot of potential in the world."
"Since both of my birth parents were very young at the time of my birth, things were destined to fail, and they did fail," Hodson says.
As a result, Hodson was taken from his parents before his fourth birthday.
"I was then placed into the foster care system and never saw my birth parents again," Hodson says. "It took me another 30 years to find any remaining birth family."
Eventually, he was adopted by Native Americans. From the rules he has been taught and the resistance he had from some about getting an education, he has gained a greater appreciation toward learning.
" ... Learning all that I can is a notion of respect for what is here on earth," Hodson says. "I can see beauty in everything, most of the time an innocent view on things. I can find remarkable admiration in both living my native life and living my school life."
His biggest challenge comes when learning of his peoples' history.
"There really is nothing more difficult than having to hear how your people were treated and what happened to them," Hodson says. "My heart breaks repeatedly when I think of our brothers and sisters who have been killed or treated with less respect than others just because of who they were. I suppose that the most difficult thing is having to hear about the past history, but in essence, that can potentially make us who we are."
Hodson, a history major, adds that learning about his past helped him to forgive what happened to his people - even at a school whose "Redskins" logo was the official nickname of the athletic program for over 60 years.
"There is enough forgiveness in my heart to vanquish any hard feelings, but I won't forget what I've learned," Hodson says. "Learning ... that's the key. If I didn't learn all that I have, then it would be very difficult for me to let things go."
His peaceful approach to life allows him to appreciate transient beauty.
"I have a tendency to stay quiet and still so I can enjoy the world around me … for example, the birds singing in the trees, the wind blowing through the leaves," Hodson says. "I look at the little things that make life so enjoyable. We must look at the importance of what we've been given and not take it for granted. I still think that there is a lot of potential in the world."
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