Cassie Goodfeather/Introduction

"Hello,

My name is Cassidy Goodfeather, I am a Native American. Most people just call me Cassie, Cass or Goodfeather. I was born near Las Vegas, Nevada about eighteen years ago. My grand-father; Donald Goodfeather raised me. He is a good man. Where I am from, he is known as a medicine man. He cures the sick and heals the soul. I want to one day be like him.

My Grandfather is Shoshoni. The Shoshone were sometimes called the Snake Indians, however 'Shoshone' really means 'high-growing grass'. We were called the 'Grass House People', because we came from the great plains of North America and lived in high grass houses. I like to run these plains myself and see how large the world is. For me, leaving high school was a choice of which direction I wanted to go. I've seen Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. I was born in Nevada. I haven't seen California or its oceans yet. So I was just taking a right turn, if I was looking south.

I want to run the coastline and see the world. So when I run, I run towards the future and what it will bring. This is why I joined UC Prospect when offered an athletic scholarship for my running career. I don't know much about Track and Field. Nor do I see records or trophies when I run. I just try to run as fast as possible in case someone needs me. Because this is what my grand-father did. He would run as fast as possible to get to the sick on time. He was light as a feather, when he ran. This is why he is called Goodfeather: He brings the medicine to you fast.

My tribe still lives in rural and remote areas. Not everyone likes the Indian reservations or being close to Las Vegas. Sometimes the fastest way to get to someone is by running a distance of a few miles and cross country. My grand-father has always been a medicine runner.

My grand-father is my hero. His name is Donald Goodfeather. He is getting old and will die soon. So I wish to carry his name and make him proud. So I always run as fast as possible.

My name is Cassie Goodfeather.

I want to always be fast and bring medicine in time of need.

It is nice to meet you."