It’s difficult to explain the importance of representation. At least, I’ve always found it difficult to explain.
Growing up, I’ve always been proud of being Chickasaw, Native American. I was used to people not knowing my tribe and having few individuals in the mainstream that represented me. Then, in 2002, John Herrington, NASA astronaut and citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, went to space. Aboard Space Shuttle mission STS-113 in 2002, as a Mission Specialist, John Harrington performed three spacewalks totaling over 19 hours outside the shuttle, becoming the first Native American to walk in space. Thinking about this moment causes tears to flood my eyes.
The same happened in 2022 when Nicole Mann, a member of the Wailackie of the Round Valley Indian Tribe, became the first Native American woman in space. These moments are huge for my community, the native community. To demonstrate that our brothers and sisters have reached out and touched the stars ignites a future for many young indigenous people. They are the representation I needed and have inspired me in more ways than I can express.
Written by Victoria Mechtly – Higher Orbits Board of Directors Member
