News
2008
January 23, 2008 -
Family Ties
During the 2007 National Scenic Byways Conference, I hosted a special luncheon to introduce Scott Sufficool, Tribal Liaison, to a small group of Tribal members and individuals who helped the Resource Center establish the position. This was Scott’s first day on the job - literally.
We all introduced ourselves before we ordered lunch. You know, the standard “Hello my name is…” But not Scott. He introduced himself in the manner he was taught as a member of the Quinault Nation. His introduction started with an explanation that he is from the James Clan, and he shared his grandfather’s and his father’s name before he told us his name.
I was humbled by the honor given to elders and the respect shown for family. It was a genuine, public display of the interconnectivity of family, heritage and culture. I also got a little nervous. Clearly, Scott’s family name was one of his most treasured possessions. I did a mental sweep of my closet and (whew!) didn’t find any scary skeletons.
I too was raised to honor and respect my family, because I grew up as Bill Hummel’s daughter. I remember one time my Dad casually mentioned that Mr. Rowden saw me driving up and down Main Street on a Saturday night. I was so busted. Remember, I grew up in the north woods of Wisconsin. The big city was Eagle River (population: 2,000) and it didn’t even have a stoplight back then. I had my driver’s license and thought I was big-time because I could cruise Main Street in my Dad’s pickup truck. Those were the days. I tried to act smooth and nonchalant, but I was in deep trouble. Bill Hummel’s daughter does not cruise. Then there were times when people would react to my name. They would say, “Oh, you’re Bill Hummel’s daughter.” They respected my father as a teacher, a carpenter and as a person, plus they shared great stories. I would come home and complain to my Dad that I didn’t have an identity of my own. He would just laugh. Little did I realize then that I did have an identity and that it was intertwined with all the members of my family; those that came before me and those that will be here after I’m gone. With age comes wisdom, so they say.
Now for a proper introduction: I am daughter to Bill and Barb Hummel, sister to Michael, wife of Greg Johnson and mother of Addy, Tucker and Wyatt.
Michelle Johnson
Director