Hunter Gregory grew up hearing about his Cherokee heritage. When he crossed the stage on May 24 to receive his diploma as a graduate of Aledo High School, he shared that heritage with all in attendance.
He is believed to be the first student in the history of the school to wear his Native American regalia when receiving his diploma.
"It means a lot for me to represent a part of me that I’ve always been extremely proud of, and I’m glad I can help pave the way for more to do so," he said. "Our heritage should be shared and shown as part of who we are.
"I don’t know much other than my citizenship comes from my father’s father, but it has made me a more spiritual person and I’ve always felt more in tune with nature whenever I take a moment to appreciate it."
Derek Gregory, Hunter's father, noted that tribal regalia, such as eagle/hawk feathers, cords, stoles, and beadwork on graduation caps, plays an important role in graduation ceremonies for many indigenous students. These sacred items are typically gifted to graduating students by their families or tribal elders to recognize the student’s success and academic achievements, and to celebrate those achievements from both a spiritual and cultural perspective.
"Indeed, graduation ceremonies are especially meaningful for indigenous students because indigenous students have long faced structural barriers and discrimination in the educational context and are less likely to graduate from high school than their peers," Derek said. "We are incredibly proud that our son will be representing the Cherokee Nation by wearing tribal regalia during his graduation ceremony."
While the Aledo ISD is allowing this honor to take place, doing so is up to the individual district. Derek said he is disappointed that the Texas Legislature did not pass legislation that would prohibit some school districts from preventing students like Hunter from wearing tribal regalia.
“I sent a letter formally requesting a religious exemption in accordance with state law to the superintendent of AISD. I also contacted all of my elected officials and gave them the information and the contact info for the superintendent,” Derek said.
"Having Cherokee ancestry has been good for our family because it has provided a sense of pride, belonging, and connection to something older than this very country," he continued. "Being a registered citizen of the Cherokee Nation is an incredible privilege and honor, and I am grateful to be able to pass that down to my son and for him to be able to pass it along to his children."
Hunter plans to attend Abilene Christian University and study criminal justice. A three-time state swimming qualifier at Aledo, he does not plan to swim in college, but is open to participating in at least one sport if the opportunity presents itself.
"If Water Polo becomes available I will be the first to sign up," he said with a smile.
He'd also like to get more in touch with his tribe and learn more about their practices and become more involved with that part of his ancestry. In addition, he's shared what he does know with several classmates.
"I’ve told them a good bit of my heritage and they’ve been excited that I’ll be the first to represent my tribe in Aledo," he said.
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