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I recently found out, that I’m Apache. Is there a lost history in Mexico?

Hi, Auntie Amanda. I recently found out from my grandmother, who was born and raised in Mexico, the state of Michoacan, that I’m Apache. My grandmother said she was half but estranged from the culture or any information. Is there a lost history in Mexico? Thank you for reaching out.…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Dear Auntie, I wanted to ask do you think tribeless Native Americans have a right to claim native heritage?

Dear Auntie, I wanted to ask do you think tribeless Native Americans have a right to claim native heritage. I’m half Mestizo Mexican making me 1/4 Native, but I don’t anything about what tribes my native ancestors came from. What are your opinions? I think people have a right to…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

I started to learn about my culture last year (ICWA) and one family member told me I carried bad medicine after an argument

I started to learn about my culture last year (ICWA) and one family member told me I carried bad medicine after an argument, they told community that I’m on drugs, I know this is just my side but I know myself. Now I’m ashamed to go to ceremony. What do…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

I have not taken a genetic test, but my family beliefs that we are from the Ojibwa tribe

Hello Auntie! I have not taken a genetic test, but my family believes that we are from the Ojibwa tribe. I am scared to learn about Ojibwa culture for fear that I will look like a pretendian and of being ridiculed. What is your advice for reconnecting? Firstly, there’s nothing…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

I’m a Native girl who primarily dates non-Native men.

Dear Auntie. I’m a Native girl primarily dating non-Native men. I still feel impacted by historical trauma. How can I talk to my partners about this cultural divide, if I should? It is challenging to address these complex conversations, but it is important that we have these conversations with everyone…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies, Relationships, Spirituality

I’m half native and half European. Are there resources out there to learn more about this topic?

Dear Auntie, I’m half native and half European. I’m really trying to understand if the European parts of me and my ancestors from Ireland, France, and Germany have indigenous practices. Are there resources out there to learn more about this topic? What a fun journey! Start with what’s readily available…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

Neither sides of my family accept me and treat me as if I’m “off”. What should I do?

Dear Auntie, I’m half White Mountain Apache, half Hispanic and neither sides of my family accept me and treat me as if I’m “off”. What should I do? Not being appreciated for your heritage can be difficult, especially if it’s coming from your family members who you want to love…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Intolerance, Relationships

Laws that protect indigenous families

I will like to know what are the laws that protect indigenous families all over the Americas? You’ll hear Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) when talking about Indigenous families in North America. This was in response to the separation and sometimes forced removal of Native children from their homes and…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Are there still sweat lodges ?

Are there still sweat lodges available? Yes. Many tribes still use sweat lodges in their traditional practices. Generally, sweat lodge ceremonies are lead by an elder of a tribe as purification, healing, or a rebirthing process. The exact details including the type of structure, and specific ceremonial practices differ from…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

A feather from my living room was found in my bedroom. I’m looking for the significance of such an act.

Hmmm. That’s interesting. Feathers and the types of feathers used by tribes can have variations in their meanings from tribe to tribe. Generally speaking, feathers like eagle feathers are considered sacred because of the relationship and proximity that eagles have with the heavens and the Creator. It’s a symbol of…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Spirituality

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

I recently found out, that I’m Apache. Is there a lost history in Mexico?

Dear Auntie, I wanted to ask do you think tribeless Native Americans have a right to claim native heritage?

I started to learn about my culture last year (ICWA) and one family member told me I carried bad medicine after an argument

I have not taken a genetic test, but my family beliefs that we are from the Ojibwa tribe

I’m a Native girl who primarily dates non-Native men.

I’m half native and half European. Are there resources out there to learn more about this topic?

Neither sides of my family accept me and treat me as if I’m “off”. What should I do?

Laws that protect indigenous families

Are there still sweat lodges ?

A feather from my living room was found in my bedroom. I’m looking for the significance of such an act.

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