(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Gina Roxas is Program Director at the Trickster Cultural Center in Schaumburg and a citizen of the Prairie Band Pottawatomie Nation.
"To be able to even stand here, in the Chicagoland area, and tell people that I'm standing on land that my ancestors once walked on -- not many people can say that," she said. "I'm very proud to share that."
Sharing is a key component of what Roxas aims to do. The center hosts art exhibitions, concerts, pow-wows and other gatherings.
"We're still here. We are still engaging in community work, holding our traditions, culture and language,” she said.
She also pointed to the Trickster itself, a character that takes different forms across many indigenous cultures.
"The Trickster is there to help folks seek the truth or entice folks to seek the truth," Roxas said. "What I encourage folks to do is seek the truth. Come to places like the Trickster Cultural Center and learn about native culture.
"I believe the way I'm making a difference is being able to share my stories with the next generation and encouraging them to share that story, as well."
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