I frigging LOVE to pray! Two years ago I was feeling pretty bummed because my spiritual community was holding their first Vision Quest ceremony in South Africa, where my ancestors come from. I didn’t think I could go because of my disability, needing a PCA and the cost of it all. At the winter solstice gathering, prior to the vision quest, I have a fond memory of my good friend, Jean, saying that she put some tobacco in the sacred fire in prayer and hopes that I can come to the vision quest. That was the first time I heard spirit say “You can go if you want, at least nothing can stop you from trying”. I went home after that and started working on a GoFundMe. My good sister Miel agreed to be my PCA and we raised the funds to go on the trip of a lifetime. The extra funds needed to travel with my disability can be extensive, but I have hope. Our elder Nelson Mandela shares the same lineage and understood our long struggle for freedom. The indigenous peoples of Southern Africa, and the Khoisan who are my people are still considered “coloreds” our languages are not recognized out of 11 official languages, and many people including my elder King Khoisan S.A. are fighting to get sacred sites and our rights back.

My prayers to connect with my people evolved into the most epic adventure I could ever imagine. Since the first vision quest, I have connected with my indigenous ancestry, connecting with my South African brethren, created the Vision Quest South Africa Foundation to exchange knowledge in reciprocity with the indigenous people of South Africa where my mother and ancestors come from, start learning our ancient language, and connect with an African family that will be with me forever. This is our third year running and I get the opportunity to have my son, Felix, who is 14yo and my heart, come with me to South Africa as my Personal Care Attendant (PCA) this May. It is one of my dreams and prayers to bring him to my mother’s land, learn and understand where we come from, as we embark on a pilgrimage to join the Vision Quest in South Africa, which includes spiritual practices that come from the heart and original peoples of Mni Sóta (Minnesota) and Turtle Island, as we are all one. I’ve been involved in creating legislation and have been fortunate enough to influence laws that allow people with disabilities to have basic rights, the same as all people. I have nothing to lose. When I pray, my spirit soars.

Well gosh dang! Looking to reach the $5,611 goal to fund the journey, with additional funds needed to travel with a disability, to participate in the South Africa Vision Quest, 2026. With blessings of love, thank you, Gangans!

Photo of Basotho people dancing: Unknown