Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Raven (Ge-hu-ga) Sue Bruner, Miss Cherokee 2003-2004, speaks before Senate

I recently had the opportunity to revisit one of my favorite cities - Washington, D.C. It was the best trip to D.C. I have had so far, not only because of the many new experiences I had, but also because this time I was in the nation’s capital representing the Cherokee Nation.

I have toured the Capitol before, but this time we were allowed to sit in the galleries of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Another "first" was visiting Arlington National Cemetery. Actually seeing how many soldiers have fought and died for our country truly touched my heart. Watching the changing of the guard was also moving.

Next was my visit to the Vietnam Wall. I was overwhelmed by the immensity and emotional impact of this place. I’ve seen pictures of the wall, but never could have imagined how 58,235 names actually looked. One of the youth council members with us was looking for a family member’s name. Once we found the individual panel it was on, it still felt like we were looking for a needle in a haystack finding the name on that one panel.

But the most amazing first time experience I had was speaking before the Senate Subcommittee on Indian Affairs. The co-president of United National Indian Tribal Youth organization and I presented the top issues facing Native youth to some of the committee members and staffers. I was honored when asked to speak on behalf of UNITY. One staffer, in particular, gave us words of encouragement. She told us that just by us being in D.C. we were making an impact. A lot of times, the committee makes decisions for youth and yet never actually sees them. Our presence helps them put a face with the issues they discuss.

This speaking engagement was special to me for another reason. My brother, Michael Killer, also spoke to the Senate Subcommittee on Indian Affairs when he was involved with UNITY. I’ve always looked up to my brother not only for the reason that he is my brother, but also because of his leadership. He was the president of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council for five years, and served on UNITY’s executive committee for four years. During that time he did so much for youth, not only here but across the country as well. He has a passion for helping and encouraging Native youth. My brother, since that time and still today, is a role model to me. It is somewhat surreal that I am now taking on a similar leadership role for the youth coming up.

Representing you in our nation’s capital was an honor. Thank you for your attention and God bless.