Meet Rachel Morse! Fitness Manager of our LA District

Hey everyone! My name is Rachel Morse your FM of our LA district! I am a registered tribal member from the Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Tribe. If you have ever traveled up HWY395 to Bishop or Mammoth Lakes you drove past my home. I thought it would be neat to share a little part of my culture with the below picture of a handmade cradle board that was made and used for me when I was born (42 years ago). It was later redone by my Uncle for my oldest son who is now 16. Everything that you see from the wolf skin to the eagle feathers are real and authentic, the protection pouch and moccasins are hand made and all have different meanings/representations and purposes.

This month is Native American Heritage Month and I am Native American, born in the Owens Valley and raised on the Big Pine Paiute Shoshone Reservation. I have 2 brothers and 1 sister, throughout childhood and even as young adults, my Grandmother, Uncles, Mom and even my Dad would tell us stories of our ancestors and the rich history our family had throughout the valley, into Fresno, and as far as Nevada. My Mother is the Native and my Father the "white man", growing up was rough as we were the "white kids" on the reservation and didn't belong; we were teased and bullied for having light skin and light eyes. My mother would always tell us to not let that bother us that we were direct descendants and did belong. Being a part of Chuze feels good, it feels good to be seen and recognized for who we are and what we truly bring to the table. Being part of a workplace that honors and celebrates all cultures is empowering and cultivates an environment of acceptance and belonging.