10/12/2026
🌾Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day🪶
Sometimes I think things come into our lives for a reason, even if we don't understand that reason at the time. A couple of years ago, while cleaning up Possum Trot, I came across this old wooden sign. It was in rough shape, the lettering was barely visible, and the silhouette was covered in faded red cloth. But something about it spoke to me, so we restored it and gave it a place in my home.
The words on this sign come from one of the most heartbreaking chapters in Native American history. In 1877, Chief Joseph and his Nez Perce people were being forced from their ancestral homeland by the U.S. government. Rather than surrender their freedom, hundreds of men, women, and children traveled more than 1,100 miles, pursued by the U.S. Army, hoping to find safety in Canada.
Just 40 miles from the Canadian border, exhausted, hungry, grieving the loss of loved ones, and facing freezing conditions, Chief Joseph surrendered on October 5, 1877. His words weren't simply about giving up. They reflected the tremendous suffering of a people fighting to protect their families, their homeland, and their way of life.
A couple of weeks ago, I experienced my first sweat lodge ceremony here at Possum Trot. I walked away with a deeper appreciation for Indigenous traditions, prayer, the connection to Mother Earth, and the importance of honoring those who came before us as they held on and they held on and they continued to hold on. 🙏
And now, here I sit on Indigenous Peoples Day, working on the next chapter for Possum Trot, looking at this sign and reflecting on how much this place has taught me.
The Wild West wasn't just cowboys, saloons, and outlaws. Long before those stories, Indigenous peoples had their own histories, communities, traditions, and deep connections to the land. Today is a day to honor that history, acknowledge the hardships, and celebrate the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples and their communities. 🤎
