Meet the Newest Member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe grew in number this past summer, as a very special little baby was born.

Aiya, on her One-Month Birthday

Welcome, Baby Aiya

With the blessings of the Creator, Rhonda is a grandmother!

On July 24th, 2021, Tə́ktkni Aiya Toby Roselee Ring was welcomed earth side by her loving parents, Oceanna McKenzie (Cowlitz Nation), and Preston Ring. Aiya was 11 days "late," and after 11 hours of labor, was born at 1:11 p.m. (And right now Aiya is the family's #1!)

She was 6lbs, 13 oz. and 20 inches long.

Rhonda had the absolute honor and pleasure of a lifetime to catch her first grandbaby, Aiya, and could hardly get the words out on what the experience meant to her. Aiya's mama, Oceanna, says, "It took 6 months to make you, 10 months to grow you, and now we get to love you forever."

On July 26, Aiya had her naming ceremony on Cowlitz ancestral land, connecting her both to the earth and our sacred river. Her first name means "Hummingbird" and the name we call her by, Aiya, means "Medicine."

Below are a few pics from Aiya's recent one-month-old celebration, although every day with Aiya is a celebration. Our hands are up in prayer.