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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…
Answered by Cousin Asia
Topics: Culture and Language, Non-Native Allies

Hello, I am from the San Pasqual Indian Reservation. We had to take are tribe to court to fight to get our Per Cap my question is do you know how long it should take in order for you to get your money. Also do you have to hire a Native America Attorney to help fight case to get your Per Cap.

Hi there! Thanks for writing in and sorry it took a while to get back to you! One of the many strengths of Indian Nations today is tribal sovereignty. Tribal sovereignty means that tribes have the power to govern themselves. Each federally recognized tribe retains the rights of an independent…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Life Tips

I am a tribal member of the Cherokee nation. I work for the federal government. I do not want to get the Covid Vaccine because I believe it the dividing the of the two trails in the Hopi Prophecy. I want to get a religious exemption but where would I get that since my religion is traditional first nation?

Hi there! Thanks for writing in. This pandemic and the responses to it have certainly brought a lot of complexity into the mix, especially now that some organizations are requiring their employees to get vaccinated. Here’s what I could find on religious exemptions: The right to request a religious exemption…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Life Tips, Physical Health

I’m Navajo but was raised in the corn pollen way. We live in Southern California now because we’re in the military however I want our son to be involved with his Native roots. How do I find him a mentor to start being in powwows?

Yá’ateeh, hello, my name is Cousin Corey. I am Ask Auntie/Relatives Navajo cousin here to help with some questions. I’m glad your reaching out to us with this question. Living away from Native communities does get a little tough connecting to cultural practices of all sorts. Some things to think…
Answered by Cousin Corey
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Life Tips, Spirituality

Hi Auntie Manda and Uncle Paige, both my husband and I are Native and work in the helping field with Indigenous communities. We wanted to create a presentation piece that can be presented to our volunteers for going above and beyond. I know the teachings of the ribbon skirt but I’m not familiar with teachings of the ribbon shirt. Can you share a teaching that we can offer to go with our presentation piece? Miigwetch, Niawen, Marsii and Thank you. Sharon

Hi Sharon! Thanks for writing in! I love this idea! What a beautiful representation of your appreciation. I had to check with a couple of my friends who make ribbon skirts and shirts. My friend Ryan shared this really cool article from the Milwaukee Public Museum, which talks more about…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Activism, Culture and Language, Education, Life Tips
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