Life Journeys

My husband, Ernie Apodaca, is an elder from the Blackfeet Nation. Elders are mostly Grandfathers and Grandmothers and give their Grandchildren and family Indian names. The elder must know the person that is receiving the Indian name.

Ernie received his Indian name for me from his higher power. His higher power is said to be Mother Earth, or Grandfather Sun, or one of the spirits from yesterday. It came to him one night when he was sitting in silence, being grateful for all the blessings he’s received in his time here on Mother Earth. In his vision, he was told, “Cynthia has a very strong spirit. It shines very bright, like a star in the sky - too bright for just one star.” Therefore, my Indian name became“Two Stars Shining”.

In the future, my rings and other designs will show a stamp with two stars in honor of my Indian name.

If you have any interest in beautiful, handcrafted American Indian and western furniture that pays homage to the Land, check out my husband’s website: Ernieapodaca.com