Final answer:
The connection to opal in relation to Native identity symbolizes the deep spiritual and cultural ties Indigenous peoples have with their heritage. Artistic expression, language, and traditional customs are central to the identity of Native Americans, and modern Indigenous artists are actively preserving and reinvigorating these aspects of their culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The connection between opals and Native identity can be seen as a metaphor for the intrinsic and spiritual ties that Indigenous peoples have with their culture and ancestry. In the context of Native American and Indigenous populations, identity is intimately linked to their tribal heritage, which encompasses cultural practices, languages, spirituality, and artwork. Through various forms of artistic expression, Indigenous artists such as James Luna, Jaune Quick-to-See-Smith, and Daphne Odjig use their work to explore and critique the perception and representation of their identity, often with a blend of humor and solemnity. Classes offered by tribes to teach their arts and crafts not only preserve traditional techniques but also allow for an immersive education in Native philosophy and spirituality, further enriching the identity connection. These cultural expressions are a means for modern Indigenous populations to articulate their identities, commingle contemporary thoughts with traditional customs, and address the ongoing struggles against cultural appropriation and misrepresentation.