Linda Silvas, born and raised in San Diego, her heritage is the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, located on the southern California coast.
Living in Pacific Northwest since 1987 she built her studio at the base of the Olympic Mountains, it is there that she lives a simple life enjoying the gifts of the Pacific Northwest, she loves canning fruits, making jellies, baking and entertaining family and friends, sitting by the fire pit and telling stories.
Linda is an Author, Public Speaker, Weaver, Artist, Drum Maker and teacher, Actor and Native American Coordinator for Bluewood Films.
She owned and operated American Indian Tours, LLC, a Geo-Tour Company specializing in cultural education through Indian Country in the Pacific Northwest. Linda is well-regarded for her strong commitment to keeping the Native way alive.
Author of "Mama Bear Baby Bear" Indian Lore and an International Speaker on substance abuse in honor of the children and the elders.
She is the mother of Scott Silvas and the grandmother of Beau Silvas. Their story is about substance abuse and how it directed their lives.
Mama Bear Baby Bear Book is based on a true story, one of which touches many lives.
The photo is Linda’s grandson, Beau Silvas “Baby Bear” and his dog Bella Silvas. Four months before Beau died, he came to me and said he wants a girlfriend or a dog. I said go get a dog but, you are responsible for it.
Linda raised Beau from the age of three months, both his parents were using drugs and his mother was gone. Even though Beau’s dad was using, he still tried to participate in his son’s life and show him love.
I stopped what I was doing, made changes to my life style, created a business at home and raised my only grandson.
Beau grew into a healthy, funny and loving young man. Beau started racing motorcycles at the young age of 5 years old. In his teens he became top in his field until an accident, breaking his collar bone, Dr. prescribed pain meds and that is when it started. It only took a few years before he was a full blown heroine addict. After several treatment centers, jail and a lot of tears the final phone call came.... My only grandson had died.
It felt like the end was here, there was no longer a purpose, no longer will my family lineage would go on, who was I going to hug, kiss, do holidays with and cook for? Who was I going to leave my home to? It is over!
After the heartbreak, my only son, Beau’s dad, stopped doing drugs. Bettersweet yes.... I lost my grandson but my son came back home.
After two years of healing, my son is doing better than he has ever done in his life. He has a responsible, full time job, bank account, license, insurance, truck and RV. We are now a family and he is happy.
Bella is a full grown hound dog, chases her own shadow, is so funny and helped heal our family, her ears still go up when she hears a truck that sounds like Beau’s drive by... so do mine. I am writing Mama Bear Baby Bear book two in honor of my grandson, his story will be heard.
The world keeps turning, we will keep walking and life goes on.
My story is not alone, there are many who walk the same paths and I feel your pain.
