The Waterers

This video follows Michael Ramirez, a National Guard member based in Crookston, Minnesota, as he reflects on his service, future reenlistment, and the balance between stateside responsibilities and overseas missions. He discusses the educational and financial opportunities the military provides, his hopes to guide younger family members, and how service has shaped his perspective on discipline, co...

This episode highlights McKenzie Schmiedt, a female service member, reflecting on progress and ongoing challenges for women in the military. She speaks candidly about gaining greater opportunities and respect while still confronting stereotypes, inequities, and sexual harassment, emphasizing the importance of boundaries, strength, and being recognized as a soldier first.

This video features David Medrano, a Mexican American veteran who reflects on his 20-year military career spanning the Army Reserve and U.S. Air Force, including deployments during Desert Storm and humanitarian missions abroad. He shares how service shaped his identity, strengthened his pride in his heritage, and deepened his commitment to leadership, family, and guiding younger generations with d...

Rena Zapata explores the meaning of being an auntie as a role defined by open arms, shared responsibility, and deep emotional care. Through reflections on growing into the role at a young age and learning when to step in, guide, or simply be present, the speaker highlights both the joy and fear that come with loving children who are not your own. Anchored by memories of her Aunt Letty, the story h...

This episode reflects on being an auntie as the privilege of helping raise children with love, guidance, and the care of a second mother. Through memories of growing up surrounded by many aunties—especially one who modeled joy, authenticity, and acceptance—the speaker shares how these relationships shape values and identity. At its core, the story affirms the lesson passed down through generations...

This episode features Morgen Arguelles reflecting on what it means to be an auntie during the early years of her nephew’s life. She describes the joy of being a playful, supportive presence—setting loving boundaries while encouraging fun and exploration. The story also honors a wider network of aunties who show up in different ways, illustrating how shared care and humor shape a strong family supp...

This episode captures Monique Arguelles's joyful memories of aunties who bring laughter, playfulness, and guidance into everyday life. Through birthday cake fights, shared advice, and moments of trust—like learning to drive—the story highlights aunties as people who show patience, humor, and understanding. It also reflects how love flows both ways, as care and support are returned through helping...

This episode follows Miracle Espericueta , a young auntie, who steps into a caregiving role early in life, balancing school, work, and family while helping raise her niece and nephews. She reflects on the joy of witnessing their first milestones alongside the fear and heartbreak of protecting them from bullying and discrimination. Through sacrifice, guidance, and unwavering presence, she embodies...

Masyn Arguelles shares her reflections on becoming a tia at fourteen, capturing the joy, playfulness, and deep love she shares with her nephew. Alongside this bond, she honors the influence of her Aunt Letty, whose humor, confidence, and shared identity helped her feel understood and accepted. Together, these stories show how aunties pass down love, legacy, and a sense of belonging across generati...

This episode reflects on how the meaning of “auntie” evolves across cultures, generations, and chosen family, expanding beyond biology to those who step in with care when it is needed most. Through memories of great aunties, loss, resilience, and everyday acts of support, the speaker honors aunties as observers, helpers, and steady presences during life’s hardest moments. The story affirms aunties...

Dave Nelson reflects on how aunts and uncles form the backbone of the village that helps raise children across generations. Through personal stories, the speaker shares how guidance, accountability, and hard-earned life lessons are passed down, shaping younger family members in ways parents cannot always do alone. The story comes full circle to show how collective care, support, and love create re...

This episode follows Chris Espericueta's journey from becoming an uncle at age twelve to embracing the role as a lifelong commitment rooted in love, responsibility, and guidance. Through reflections from both the uncle and his niece, the story shows how uncles step in as steady, caring figures—offering support during hard moments and everyday kindness through simple routines. Together, their voice...

In this short reflection, Calixtra Bouchard shares what aunties mean to her through moments of joy, care, and celebration. She describes aunties as kind, respectful people who show up, make her laugh, and help her feel better when she is sad. Through simple memories like birthday traditions, the video highlights how aunties create happiness, safety, and love in a child’s life.

Bienvenida Matias reflects on being an auntie—or titi —as a role defined by care, honesty, and deep involvement across generations and distance. Through memories of migration, chosen family, and moments of stepping in during times of need, the speaker describes aunties as co-mothers and trusted confidants who offer guidance, boundaries, and safe haven. The story affirms that being an auntie is int...

This episode explores what it means to be an auntie or uncle as a role rooted in love, responsibility, and presence across generations. Through personal reflections, family members describe aunties and uncles as second parents, protectors, mentors, and safe havens—people who step in, listen deeply, and help guide young people through both joyful and difficult stages of life. Together, their storie...

Deanna Drift from Nett Lake Village shares a lighthearted story about a mischievous young bear that frequently visited her home, earning the nickname “mangy butt.” Through humor and observation, she reminds us that bears are curious yet gentle beings, often more afraid of humans than we are of them. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Serena Logan, a youth from Nett Lake Village, shares her joy in watching bears with her great-grandmother Mavis and caring for them by leaving food along the road. Her story reflects the love, respect, and connection between generations and the bears that live nearby. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Margaret Benner from Nett Lake Village emphasizes the need to educate others about the cultural and spiritual importance of bears to Native people. She shares how she greets bears in Ojibwe, honoring them as relatives who understand and deserve respect and protection. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village shares teachings learned from her elders about the Bear Clan and the sacred role of bears as protectors, healers, and symbols of bravery. She reflects on their wisdom and self-healing nature, drawing connections between the bears’ behavior and the teachings that guide her community. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Deanna Drift from Nett Lake Village recounts how she sought guidance from spiritual advisor Vern Adams to speak to tribal leaders about the sacredness of bears and the harm caused by their killing. She reflects on the spiritual and communal consequences that followed, the ceremonies of forgiveness, and the courage it takes to speak for those who cannot. This story was collected as part of the Wate...

Serena Logan, a youth from Nett Lake Village, expresses her heartfelt wish to protect the bears and honor their place in Ojibwe culture. Her words reflect a deep sense of care and responsibility for the natural world and its sacred beings. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village shares a humorous yet heartfelt story about a bear that climbed into her car, teaching an unexpected lesson about responsibility and compassion. Through her young daughter’s innocent response, she reflects on the deep understanding that bears are relatives deserving of care, not fear. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village speaks about the sacred kinship between people and bears, emphasizing respect, protection, and reciprocity. She reflects on traditional teachings that honor the bear’s sacrifice and condemns wasteful harm against these spiritual relatives. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Deanna Drift of Nett Lake Village calls on community leaders to deepen their understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of bears within Bois Forte traditions. She reminds them that true leadership includes learning from both traditional and contemporary knowledge to better serve their people. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Mavis Drift, an elder from Nett Lake Village, shares teachings about the Bear Clan and its deep meaning in Ojibwe culture—symbolizing bravery, family, and spiritual protection. She reflects on the importance of naming ceremonies and the guidance they offer in understanding one’s connection to the spirit world. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.