Most Recent Questions
Hey Auntie, I keep hearing a lot of scary things about fentanyl. What’s the deal?
Yes, everyone is talking about fentanyl and for good reason; it’s more common than most think and right now the rates of accidental overdoses is the leading cause of death for 18 to 45 year old’s. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin or morphine and a lethal dose is only 2mg…. Read More
I am a white woman of Ukrainian descent who has been involved in aboriginal ceremonies for the past 12 years. I have been so grateful to have more recently participated in a Ghost Dance and a Sun Dance and a Yuwipi ceremony. I am always careful to honour protocol and wear an appropriate long skirt (hard being 6 feet tall to find one long enough!). I have wanted to be as respectful as possible. I am curious if making a ribbon skirt or a dress to do Ghost Dance is allowed for a participant if they are not native. I have received very mixed messages. Some aboriginal people welcome it and find it extremely respectful and others have said it is appropriation. I feel the only dresses that are suitably long and modest are often from another culture- African, Mexican- unless I make something myself. Can you share your thoughts with me?
I’m glad you asked this question, Please continue to take these precautions and ask these questions, as a non native interested in another culture’s traditional artwork. Good to hear that you have respect for other Native cultures, and coming from being Native there are several things to be aware of. For some tribes, there are traditional and spiritual restrictions for… Read More
Hi Auntie! I’m a white Canadian citizen and I was wondering if it is disrespectful of me or if I am overstepping my boundaries by dating someone who is indigenous? I’ve dated someone for a couple of years who was indigenous and we got along very well, but his mother and friends were not welcoming to our relationship and neither was my mother. His mother preferred that he end up with an indigenous woman in his future and my mom the opposite with me being white. I ended up breaking off our relationship because I didn’t want to cause any hardship between him and his mother and friends, but it really broke my heart because he was also my best friend not just my partner since we were best friends since middle school
Hi there! Thanks for the question. When it comes to relationships like these, it sometimes happens that one or both sides of a family do not approve of the union – it’s tough. Unfortunately, this approval should never have anything to do with the color of someone’s skin. So long as you are both respectful of each other’s culture and… Read More
I am from what I know a primarily white woman with a 1/ 4 Portuguese mixed. I am definitely attracted to native men. I was with a Native American Women’s Riding club and who’s is the Sister club of red rum. I am drawn to the culture, traditions, oral history and want to learn more. I am single and would love to meet some Native men in my are that are actively involved with their culture. I know there are Native dating sites out there but not sure how that would be received. If I joined one would it be disrespectful as I have never taken a DNA test and know my full genetic make up. Thanks for your support
Hi there! Thanks for reaching out, glad to help answer your question. Firstly, it’s important to realize that your preference of attraction is totally up to you, and it’s something that’s personal to each individual. There’s no problem in wanting to learn more about Native Culture as well if you are coming from a place of genuine curiosity and interest…. Read More
I’ve heard there might be actual nature spirits portrayed in Pokémon. Is this true?
Hey there! Thanks for the question. I’m not exactly sure what ‘nature spirits’ are in this context but I’m certainly familiar with Pokémon. As Indigenous people, we believe that all things both inanimate and alive hold a lifeforce or energy, especially the land we occupy – in this way, I think I know what you mean by nature spirits. I’m… Read More
I’m an native elder (Pomo) my older grandchildren were given a Indian name and younger ones do not. I no longer know of spiritual person to do that. So would love to give my grandchildren a Indian name is it proper for me to have that privilege.
Hello! Thank you for writing in! There are several bands of Pomo Indians that are Federally-recognized Indian Nations, many who have Culture & Heritage departments or tribal programs to provide individual, specific guidance on tribal naming traditions and protocols. Identity and knowing who we are is one of the most important journeys we can walk. My heart is full knowing… Read More
Hey! I’m someone who plays a lot of Dungeons & Dragons, and as a result, I tend to write a lot of fantasy worldbuilding. I’m writing a group of people who revere nature (called druids in-game) and have really powerful magic that allows them to befriend the wilderness, shapeshift into animals, etc. They live in nomadic hunter-gatherer groups, which I would describe as “tribes,” because it’s much faster than “small, tight-knit nomadic hunter-gatherer groups.” Is this usage of the word “tribe” offensive?
Hi there! Thanks for writing in. This service is for Native youth but we do try to answer all questions when we can. Your question is a complex one, and I’m happy you’re reaching out to try to make the most informed decision you can. There are multiple things to consider here. There is no one universal opinion on the… Read More
Hi Auntie! I recently have been using crystals but am curious about Native American religion since I am Native American myself, I don’t want to betray any religion but I just want to know if I can believe in both!
Gunalchéesh, thank you for reaching out. You are not the only person who is finding balance in their traditional and personal spiritualities. You can believe in whatever you like! As indigenous people, we constantly walk in two worlds. With one eye we see the western and eastern ways, with the other our traditional ways. We learn western science and indigenous… Read More
I’m a native American from Nevada. Is it possible to go to rehabs outside my state? How do I reach out for funding? I’m already known as a drug addict but I really need treatment I’m scared.
Thank you so much for writing in. Reaching out for help is something that takes strength and bravery; I’m proud of you for doing that. You are not the only one in this situation. Struggling with addiction is scary, and it’s made even scarier when the people around you don’t understand what it’s like. I want you to know that… Read More
We were always told that my great grandmother was apache. Her son,(my grandfather) and my mother half passed. And many of my elders have passed and the ones that are alive only recall that my grandfather did sing and speak in a native language when they were small. I understand that we are not recognized as native unless proved. But as far as the Apache being hunted. I feel like there aren’t any records even more so for the apache in Mexico. We know my grandmother was born in 1894 Guanajuato and passed in 1964 chihuahua. I guess my question is, how is there a way to research more Info in Mexico? And is there any help we can get.
Thank you for writing in. I’m sorry you’re going through this journey without the presence of many of your elders. You’re doing the right thing by connecting with the elders who are still with you and by asking for help. I hope I can help point you in the right direction to finding information about your grandmother. It seems like… Read More
Is it acceptable for a non Indigenous ally to buy and wear a ribbon skirt if it was from a Native business and I learn about the history and meanings?
Hi there! Thanks for writing in. This service is prioritized for Native youth, so I will not be answering this question. However, I encourage you to look for more about this and to ask yourself if buying and wearing something is going to make the impact you think it will or if the intent is to make yourself feel better…. Read More
I am white, but I live in an area that is between 3 different tribes on the PNW coast. I’m a teacher, and more than half my students are Native Americans. I love my tribal kids, they are the joy in my teaching hours. They bring such life and joy and happiness to school with them, always curious, always respectful, always ready to have fun and learn something new. Sadly, I’ve known several Native American parents and a child who died. I just learned about ribbon skirts, and I was wondering if it would be wrong for me to wear one in remembrance of them. I sew, and would really enjoy making a ribbon skirt – but I don’t know if that would offend my students, their parents, or their tribes.
Hi there! Thanks for writing in. This service is prioritized for Native youth, so I will not be answering this question. However, I encourage you to look for more about this and to ask yourself if buying and wearing something is going to make the impact you think it will or if the intent is to make yourself feel better…. Read More
I’m not Indigenous, am of German/English/Scottish ancestry – is it disrespectful for me to make/wear a ribbon skirt?
Hi there! Thanks for writing in. This service is prioritized for Native youth, so I will not be answering this question. However, I encourage you to look for more about this and to ask yourself if buying and wearing something is going to make the impact you think it will or if the intent is to make yourself feel better…. Read More
Hi auntie, I’m trans ftm and I dont know if I can make a ribbon skirt or if I can wear them? Please help!
Hi there Thanks for writing in! Before getting into your question, I will preface with this: what we wear can be a form of expression. You have every right to express yourself in whatever way you choose to. And, it’s okay to experiment… sometimes things fit with how we want to express ourselves and sometimes they don’t. As we move… Read More
How do seniors get transportation to go shopping. Don’t have any way to go shopping
Hey there! Check with your tribe and see if they have any senior programming that you can sign up for. There might be a shuttle service that can work for you. Also, go to your nearest senior center and ask them if there’s anything they can do to help you do your shopping. I’m sure that they can at least… Read More
