For sure not homogenous - even within tribes. But the professor lady was talking in general, urging each individual to return to their individual pre-culturation strengths that live within them. When she pointed me out she was pointing out that many cultures have a similar history of having their culture wiped out and returning to the old ways is a good thing. The kilt was a handy example for her.

I have a long time Apache friend who was raised urban. I met her over 20 years ago in recovery and we've been friends ever since. She also got into the counseling profession and we often worked together. The last few years we've connected at this conference. As part of her return to culture she contacted relatives on the Apache reservation, got to know them, moved to the reservation, and went to work as a social worker on both Apache reservations. She's done that for the last ten years at least. She well understands the process. When I began wearing kilts she never commented on it one way or the other - she just accepted it as part of my culture. And, its been a joy to see the changes in her as she's returned to her culture.

This year we had lunch together twice and went out to dinner and shopping at Antigone Books on 4th Avenue in Tucson. We got to talking about this and I asked her if she knew how beautiful she was (she is)...and she smiled and said "Yes." And in the context of the conversation it meant both her physical beauty and her spiritual essence from "being home."

Scotland would not have room for all the descendents of her emmigrants if we decided to move back home - so wearing a kilt is an alternative and a salute to our culture.