Voices Interpreting Company

11/22/2025

Táku waštéšte ayákhipȟapi kte
(Translation: You will experience good things)

"Within each day lies opportunity and possibility. Let’s start our day off well and full of hope. Manifest some wonderful things and tell yourself that you will experience good things. We hope that the flowers that bloom along your path are beautiful!" - Lakota Language Consortium

Aŋpétu wašté yuhá pe
(Translation: You all have a good day)

Because we reside in the Des Moines, Iowa metro area we celebrate Native American Heritage Month by honoring and recognizing the First Peoples who held this land before us - Báxoje Máyaⁿ (Ioway), oθaakiiwaki‧hina‧ki (Sauk) & Meškwahki·aša·hina (Fox), and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ nations. We are privileged to be a piece of a bigger, worldwide initiative to enable Indigenous youth, pioneers, thoughts, and societies, with the power to have their voices heard so that we may all create a superior future together.

11/20/2025

11/19/2025

“It takes more courage to reveal insecurities than to hide them, more strength to relate to people than to dominate them, more ‘manhood’ to abide by thought-out principles rather than blind reflex. Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles and an immature mind.”
– Alex Karras, athlete, actor, and author

International Men's Day is celebrated annually on November 19 (today) to promote positive male role models, focuses on men's mental and physical health. Its observance aims to encourage a more inclusive and empathetic society where men and boys are actively reshaping the narrative. The goal is to stimulate conversations about gender equality, men's mental health, and positive masculinity.

Get out there and talk, people!!

11/17/2025

In order to show each other affection when greeting, many modern day Nahuas, descendants of the Aztecs, say the word “pialli”, which means “I carry you in my heart”. We 💜 this sentiment on - maybe it'll help you succeed throughout this week knowing that there is someone out there caring about you.

"Ma Xipahtinemi" (Be well)

November is Native American Heritage Month! A month to celebrate the countless contributions of Native Peoples from the past and in the present. There is no aspect of American history that hasn't been impacted by tribal communities... Let's honor their continued courage, hope, and resilience, their vibrant cultures, and diversity.

Because we reside in the Des Moines, Iowa metro area we celebrate Native American Heritage Month by honoring and recognizing the First Peoples who held this land before us - Báxoje Máyaⁿ (Ioway), oθaakiiwaki‧hina‧ki (Sauk) & Meškwahki·aša·hina (Fox), and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ nations. We are privileged to be a piece of a bigger, worldwide initiative to enable Indigenous youth, pioneers, thoughts, and societies, with the power to have their voices heard so that we may all create a superior future together.

11/13/2025

"Give me knowledge, so that I may have kindness for all." - While often cited simply as "Native American Proverb," specific tribal origins are sometimes missing, but the sentiment aligns with core Native values of understanding leading to compassion.

Today we're celebrating the importance of being kind - to each other, ourselves, and the world! Compassion and empathy brings us all together.

"To be kind" here and around the world ➡️ Kia atawhai (Māori). Há'áhwiinít'į (Diné Bizaad - Navajo). Seja gentil (Portuguese). Kisêwâtisiwin (Plains Cree). Berbaik (Indonesian). Sii gentile (Italian). Être gentil (French). Nûñts (Tsalagi - Cherokee). Sè amable (Spanish). Budite ljubazni (Croatian). Tử tế (Vietnamese). Být milý (Polish). Sei freundlich (German).

11/11/2025

“As we search for ways to come together…some of our best examples are the men and women we salute on Veterans Day,” ... “Whenever the world makes you cynical; whenever you seek true humility, and true selflessness—look to a veteran.” - President Barack Obama's final Veteran's Day address

As we all honor the Veterans in our lives today, let's also be mindful to continually recognize and appreciate the sacrifices they, and their families, have made and make. If you have the time and resources, consider seeking out a local veterans affairs organization to see how you can help!
➡ dva.iowa.gov/benefits
➡ dva.iowa.gov/veterans-home/donate-or-volunteer

11/10/2025

Happy 56th Anniversary (and mannnny moooore)! ! 💛💚 💜

The neighborhood you love, bringing sunny days your way, now and forever. Happy ! Here’s to 56 years and counting! 💛💚

11/08/2025

According to the blog Native Hope, most Native tribes revere the bear. Each tribe’s cultural view of the bear varies; however, at the most basic level, the bear represents authority, good medicine, courage, and strength. Bears are said to be a healers and protectors... Like a mother bear protects her young, it is said that leaders who possess bear medicine, they stand up for what is right, good, and true.

🐻 Lakota: The bear (mató) is a sacred presence and a symbol of strength, healing, and spiritual connection.
🐻 Anishinaabe: The bear is part of the Seven Grandfather Teachings, representing courage and the will to face fear with integrity.
🐻 Cree: In Cree culture, the bear (Maskwa) symbolizes strength, wisdom, and leadership, as well as a connection to heritage and ancestors
🐻 Cherokee: The black bear was a definitive spirit guide, representing strength, courage, healing, wisdom, and transformation
🐻 Haida: The bear is known as the "Elder Kinsman" and is treated with great respect as a noble guest
🐻 Navajo (Diné Bizaad): The bear is believed to have supernatural healing powers and represents introspection and insight.

The bear symbolism appears across First People's cultures and reminds their people to protect their ways of life, their history, to fight for what is right, and to restore balance amongst their communities. "The strength of the bear will bring healing."
🔗blog.nativehope.org/native-american-animals-bear-mato-is-a-gift-to-mother-earth-and-her-people

11/07/2025

11/04/2025

11/04/2025

If you haven't already done so, today's the day, friends! It's voting day and it may not be a big flashy one, but it's just as important... Local elections shape our daily lives just as much as general elections—if not more! From the roads we drive on to the schools in our neighborhoods, the leaders we elect locally make decisions that directly impact our communities. Victory for one candidate may be determined by just a few votes more than the other. So your voice does, truly make an impact.

🕓 The polls are OPEN TODAY 7am - 8pm (in Iowa) ➡ find your polling place apps.sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx
🚪 If you're in line when the polls are supposed to close, stay in line! You have the right to vote.
✏️ In Iowa, you are able to register to vote today if you aren't registered already. Just make sure you have the proper identification ➡ voterready.iowa.gov
❗️ If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one.
🚨 If your citizenship, criminal record, or other qualifications are questioned, immediately call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) where trained volunteers are available to help.
**Spanish = 888-839-8682
**Arabic = 844-925-5287
**Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and more = 888-274-8683

Tell everyone you know to vote, you go vote, and then treat yourself!
🗳💙🤍❤💜