The Modern Native American Story | Eric Hernandez | TEDxUCIrvine

[@mrsfeathermusicteacher]

Crying tears of joy as I watch you dance. Thank you for representing our Lumbee tribe with such positivity and beauty. ❤️

[@brittanyfarmer559]

You performed at the Orange County rescue mission. I work there with the kids. Two of the residents there are native and were so encouraged and felt seen by your performance. One of our kids, who is autistic, was able to roll the ring back to herself (you were teaching the kids that) and when she did, I saw joy on her face that we hadn’t seen before. She ran up to the staff, including me, and hugged us while shouting, “I did it! I did it” Thank you so much for sharing with us!

[@locoHAWAIIANkane]

From a native Kanaka (Hawaiian) to you my native brother, I say MAHALO for enlightening the world with your heritage and traditions. It’s so easy for us to lose who we are in todays world of instant gratification and technology. We are the balance, the ones who carry our kupuna (ancestors) with us. Often, people believe the word “mahalo” as to mean thank you. But it is so much more than that. In its essence it says that I am in a state of gratitude because of what you have done. It says that my entire being (mind, body and soul) is overflowing with gratitude for what you have done. Mahalo brother. Aloha from Hawaii

[@ericmicha3l]

So grateful for this opportunity. Thank you TedxUCIrvine!

[@jaewchargualaf]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@jaewchargualaf]

Yesssss🙌🏽 where there is smoke there is fire 🔥🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 keep that flame alive!

[@LoganShmogen226]

Pure inspiration, dude. Nice job.

[@arethascruggs7930]

@@jaewchargualafI heard you mention your ted talk at fellowship church Sunday and just watched it! What an amazing story and message! Thank you for sharing your story

[@DogTrots]

When the music first started, it brought tears to my eyes. I'm proud.

[@ramonaesteves6569]

Omg me too!

[@ChristyJeanWagoner]

One kid, no lights, no smoke just him and God. Amazingly beautiful.

[@mathias.goguen]

Eric is definitely one of the hardest working persons I have ever met. This is a beautiful and inspiring moment of your career Eric and I am so proud of you and how you hit the ground running.

[@ericmicha3l]

Thank you Kit. I miss working with you. We had some great times.

[@bzsmith4420]

Tears flow from these eyes, an old Wandat mother. In my later years I've finally found the chance to strengthen my understanding of my own Native roots, and to learn my Indigenous Nation's ancient stories. I will hold hope that our paths might cross some day so that I can see your stories told in your dance while we breath the same air.

[@CalebWilloww]

This is not where I thought the story was going to go. Thank you for sharing.

[@kmoore6105]

I love that you are keeping your culture and spirit alive. It’s beautiful. Please continue to pass this stunning culture on. You must.❤️

[@sisom1956]

Such beauty and enlightment. I am not Native American, I am African American. And I can so appreciate this proud and beautiful culture.

[@misscuff]

So am I as a 61 y/o African American woman!!!

[@TheBrandonAndre]

this is soooo dope!!! Eric you're so inspiring bro! Not only a talented hoop dancer, but also a great storyteller! Such a great Ted Talk... learned a lot!

[@ericmicha3l]

Thank you Brandon

[@tambooks]

Your talk is so moving. Thanks for sharing it with others. Your ancestors must be very proud.

[@user-jz9jw3xf3q]

"Still here" beautiful narrative ❤

[@Patricia_NMCL]

Oh Eric, thank you for being brave and not holding back. We miss out on so much beauty because of prejudice. But one brave act of sharing can steer the course on a better path. Much love and respect :)

[@ericmicha3l]

Thank you Paty

[@justined.4934]

This is absolutely beautiful & inspiring. Brought tears to my eyes. You are incredible storyteller in language & dance. Healing for sure ❤🙏🦋

[@MC-vw9eu]

Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you ❤🙏🏼❤️🔥🔥🔥

[@user-jz9jw3xf3q]

"We are still here" What a beautiful narrative ❤

[@sylviamito7045]

Wow, beautiful dance, emotional ❤️

[@adamsmith4584]

Such a beautiful dance. I remember seeing a similar dance by someone of the Dine (Navajo) tribe near the entrance of Antelope Canyon. That dance moved me then, but your story moved me even more watching this. Thanks for having the courage to shared your God-given gifts and talents!

[@ramonaesteves6569]

I cried as soon as the music started/ such talent and dedication/ respect! I first saw at Totem in NYC and your performance made me cry there as well!

[@jimp3538]

I am crying beyond touching.. thank you

[@misscuff]

Love this!!!! Always be proud of your heritage and ancestors!!!

[@carolbenge-u9m]

Eric, I was mesmerized by you and your hoops until I heard you talk, I could listen to you all day. You’re so very handsome and kind. I have Cherokee blood running through my veins with other cans mixed in, but the thing I like most is hearing about the tribes of Indians. i’m so proud you chose your heritage. Your brother is gorgeous and you look like her may God bless you and yours like he already has

[@layladylou22]

I LOVED THIS. Thank you for sharing your light ❤

[@kh-uw6um]

Perfect song...there is no one like you.

[@TheSuzberry]

Champion hoop dancer 2022! Bravo.

[@AndreaSwiedler]

You asked us to celebrate and share our culture. I have none, mixed European, Irish, Scottish, Latvian, Swedish, Prussian, Jewish and who knows what else. It bites me to the core to know how much damage has been inflicted on all indigenous peoples, it is a shame that must have been passed down through generations. Those who tried to squash ypur culture have little to know culture of their own. The hoop dance is amazing, when i hear the drums I feel it coursing through my body, along with the shame of what was done. Blessings to you. ❤

[@toddflanagan7707]

What a wonderful talk. I followed his you tube for quite a while and watched him grow as a person and a performer. I’m glad you have continued to share you story and inspire others.

[@BillWadeAtInletDance]

I saw you, Eric, in Totem many years ago when you all performed in Columbus, OH. I will never forget it. KEEP GOING! Bravo!

[@CarrieFDehls]

Stunned. Fascinated. I will have to process awhile. Your state of grace I just witnessed. Thank you. Cfd

[@ericmicha3l]

Thank you

[@Richardiba]

That was impressive!!!! It's a wonder how you're getting all that hoop-work done; seems like sleight-of-hand the way you keep getting into and out of those hoops. I appreciate the story and what you've been able to do to elevate your community. God bless in this beautiful endeavour.

[@marciaanneescoffery7194]

So powerful thank you for sharing your rich culture. Bless you Mine is sound & music as medicine. Love and light, Muna Light 💫🙏🏽🌻🦋

[@BaiboBibiaWorld]

I can see the beauty of God’s grace over Eric…the Native Americans were always close to nature and the respect and the love for nature, God’s creation brings us closer to God. If man can only take a moment to listen to nature, man can hear God speak for in our Creator is the empowerment of who we are for we were created in his image, so let us embrace it…I thank you so much Eric for this awakening🕊God bless🕊

[@lucygreen888]

Eric, you are such an inspiration. Bless you and thank you for your beauty, courage and your very bright light.

[@yejiha_2845]

this is so inspiring! i can't wait to share your video and experience with my classmates as i am doing a research on native americans!

[@seagypsy574]

YAY!!! Congratulations. Another superhero saving the world. Thank you.

[@beaneeb418]

Your message is beautiful and inspiring. 🙌🏼 For me, it soeaks to the depth and beauty of our individual cultures. We are meant to share our history with others. It truly can unite us. My great great grandma was Native American (Navajo) who married my Brazilian great great grandpa. My mum tells me stories of her heritage as well as their amazing love story (married 53 years!) .. love and respect can truly conquer all! ❤

[@marnkalman]

Thanks for everything you’ve done for America

[@GUDRUNHOLCK]

🧡💛 so true! Thank you for sharing!

[@mariaelenaloveslove]

Your moms ancestors taught u and mom 2 b so brave. Such a powerful place. I have strong feelings just seeing ur performance on phone. Your an allstar storyteller.

[@michellerocco5073]

Mad RESPECT Eric 🙏 💯

[@delyanadimitrova2426]

Beautiful and so inspiring

[@anamariacanata1597]

Eric how much I admire you!! You showed ys that is so important to show who we are! And be proud of it!! Well yes you are so right! I felt out of place many times becausr of being mixed; on my father side 100% PARAGUAYAN NATIVE GUARANY, on my mothers side 100% HISPANIC ,!! So I never knew where i belong, and felt like not belonging many times! But listening to your encouragemente and positivism! I am saying here to you and the group!! I am proud to be a HISPANIC/NATIVE! May the CREATOR BLESS THE FUSION OF THE RACES!! AND YOU FOR BRINGING YOUR STORY TO US! ERUC QUE VIVA TODA A RAZA NATIVA!!❤❤🦅🦅🦋🦋🌹🌹💯x💯

[@Mister_Mr_Man]

I wish I had friends like this young man amazing

[@offal12]

What a wonderful story and fabulous dance, thank you for sharing ❤. I once watched a world champion hoop dancer who came to the Barbican in London many years ago and I was so impressed, inside, such a special dance. I wonder if it was your uncle?!

[@marnkalman]

I’m so happy to see you doing well

[@petrauroda999]

A healing experience indeed. I'm grateful you had the courage. ❤

[@marnkalman]

I’m so proud of you Eric

[@KkittyKkorn]

Lovely ❤❤ I appreciate Native American and Canadian people since I was in White Dog in Ontario CA, I can see you have Mexican last name. Goo for you, be proud of what you are

[@Connie1955]

All Wayzzz

[@SPF-w4h]

This is incredible. Im showing this to my students as a part of a unit discussing telling story through different forms. Beautiful

[@jayfizzle9670]

Beautiful.... thanks for sharing!

[@rosaspanjol673]

Beautiful Dance 😘!.. I saw it for the first time at Knotts berry farm.

[@teresaalvarado8982]

❤ you are such an inspiration.

[@carolcummings728]

Please pass this tradition on to your kids and others.

[@SpinJoyHoopDance]

My heart ❤️ oh my heart ....❤️💔

[@obohob8688]

Thank you for reminding me that everyone has something to share and to embrace our differences.

[@judytat5621]

You made me cry. So beautiful

[@MoanaAshley]

Very inspiring for myself as an indigenous Maori from Aotearoa NZ.

[@thespecialduck5030]

you are so inspiring, i wish you nothing but the best

[@ericmicha3l]

Thank you for watching

[@PatriciaLanteriCravet]

Great, amazing, thank you so much...❤ From France

[@AkjaqGuinn-beth]

In the past, I described this dance by Eric Hernandez as beautiful. I'm sorry if this description was thought to be romantic. I understand such assumption. But I didn't mean in that way. I meant it as a spiritual appreciation of Unity. A most beautiful and indestructible perfection of mind. Which makes me happy. That's all. With rejoice and respect.

[@Bodhismile]

What a joyous presentation. Thank you for sharing this beauty and positive energy. ❤❤❤

[@plumiegirl47]

Awesome!!!

[@teresalee5804]

So precious to me! ❤️❤️

[@JessicaT_CO]

So beautiful!

[@patburton837]

So beautiful. Thank you.

[@wisahkecahk4053]

Inspiring! Hoka!

[@MsBHoopingAllure]

Beautiful. Thank you

[@CharlesDaugherty-kn4bn]

Thank u!

[@nataliephillips9494]

amazing

[@TheZenDruid_OftheMist]

I'm a mix of irish/Scott's and Lakota. Been trying to learn more about the Lakota part of my heritage.

[@sarah-janeharvey8079]

Thank-you for sharing your story your culture it was very inspiring 🙏

[@bellablackmist5033]

I've felt the exact same way about my own native american-ness, but it's mixed with this fear of retuning to my tribes reservation to rekindle more of my relationship to it because of family troubles. Im trying really hard to learn more about what makes my people but growing up all that I knew was what white books and movies taught, and the fear of the government and the white man my abusive mother gave me. Then I learnt of only the most problematic parts of my tribes history after that. I'm trying. And it's hard. But stories like yours help.

[@jeannettelinthicum9654]

Perfect

[@joannlewis3559]

Eric your native dress remind me of God’s chosen - Fringes! Fringes we’re worn by Native Americans, Aztecs and others throughout North and South American Indigenous Tribes. BRAVO!

[@hollivybez]

❤❤❤❤

[@Rav_xgal]

What is the name of the song,it's so beautiful

[@nativeandindigenuscraftcre433]

Hi i understand him completely i went though the same thing beside being brain washed thanks for letting us know about it thanks again good luck with everything

[@brenda8550]

❤

[@Lillipod1]

I love hooping :). I follow him on Instagram

[@LTCUKC]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥Grateful

[@JillofAllTrades2]

I’m so sad that people cannot judge each other solely on the content of their character and allow the rest to be icing on the cake! Forget about anything and everything else. Aho

[@pep590]

CORRECTION: The Modern American Indian Story | Eric Hernandez | TEDxUCIrvine

[@Dmorator]

Brilliant!!

[@nannam7204]

❤❤❤❤

[@luleska1]

❤❤❤❤❤