The Elders who taught me did not preach assimilation either way, only that it is not wise to try to be someone you are not. Several years ago when I was very sick I learned an important lesson about assimilation and integration. When the doctors informed me that I might not survive surgery, the last question in my mind was "Have I been true to myself: have I lived a life that was congruent with the teachings and life principles that made me feel proud and at peace with myself?" The answer for me was a disturbing "No." I had denied my Indianness and had nearly forgotten who I was, and I was not doing all that well at being a Mooneyahquay ("whitewoman"). ...