Having pride in being a Native American is an important part of who they are, giving them a sense of belonging that would be lost if they distanced themselves from it. Growing up on the reservation as a teenager greatly shaped who I am today. Nearly all of my relatives on my father's side live on the reservation, my father having left for a different state to pursue a career. I am interested to know if this move has influenced him in the field of community and cultural activities. In my teenage years I attended pow wows with my family and my sisters even danced at them, which strengthened my bond with my children.