Ranielle Chavez was not only thrilled to see her daughter graduate from Odessa High School, but she was also excited to see Lovae Chavez wear her Traditional Tribal Regalia under her robe. She says regalia is usually handed down from elders and is worn for special occasions like graduation ceremonies. The family is from the Navajo Tribe.
The Odessa mom says in some states, students are not allowed to display their Indigenous identity through tribal regalia, such as feathers or beads, braids, or long hair. Ranielle says it’s the first time that OHS has allowed this and she’s so thankful to Principal Anthony Garcia and ECISD.
“It’s very important for students who come from different backgrounds,” said Ranielle.
She says Odessa High School has only allowed female students to wear all white in the past, a tradition they’ve told her they’ve had in place for more than 100 years.
It looks like Lovae is paving the way for future generations to represent their culture at graduation and continue to bring more diversity to our community.