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I don’t look Native and I get a lot of teasing for it. How do I convince people I’m Native?

Anna, you are not alone. I know many young people who don’t feel “Native enough” and who are made to feel less because they are bi-racial, lighter skinned, don’t speak their tribal language, or because they didn’t grow up on their rez. We are battling among ourselves when we judge…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Mental Health, Spirituality

I live in California, and am considering a move to Oklahoma…Am I just hoping for the best or is it a real possibility?

I live in California, and am considering, seriously, a move to be with extended family in Oklahoma. So many considerations… I’ve never lived there, but have visited many times. Am I just hoping for the best, or is it a real possibility? No matter what age you are, making any…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Life Tips

I want to learn more about my community and history, where do I even begin?

I was raised away from all traditions and my family did not have their name on the Rolls. I know who and what I am, but I want to learn about my community and history. I want to be a part of the community. Where do I even begin? Should…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

I’ve been trying to become Traditional for a few months, but it is hard.

I’ve been trying to become Traditional for a few months, but it is hard because part of my family follows Christianity. I don’t want to disappoint my family. Hi Liz, I think it’s pretty wonderful that you are seeking help and guidance for this question and I hope that you…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

I’ve heard about self-determination. Do you know how it applies to me or my tribe?

Dear Auntie, I’ve heard my teachers and tribal council members talk about “self-determination,” but I’m not really sure what it means. Do you know how it applies to me or my tribe? Great question! So essentially this means a federally recognized tribe has the right to decide on and take…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Activism, Culture and Language, Identity

My kids are "part Cherokee" but I’m scared to take them to meet Native youth groups.

Dear Auntie, Here’s a different kind of question for you. I’m a mom. I got a DNA test for my kids that shows they are “part Cherokee,” but I’m scared to take them to meet any Native youth groups. Why? I feel like it should be ok for them to…

Answered by Auntie Manda

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

So I’m labeled as a Mexican. Are Mexicans considered Native Americans?

So I’m labeled as a Mexican. Are Mexicans considered Native Americans? Love this question…because my grandma (hota) always says, “We’re all the same people.” I think what it comes down to is that every ethnic population is diverse and at some level is interrelated. This applies to different tribal groups…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

What are some stories of your beliefs according to your culture?

What are some stories of your beliefs according to your culture? Thanks for the question! One of my favorites…story telling. Now we just need to be sitting around the dinner table sharing some good food. 🙂 One of my favorite stories is one about the Sacred Four Year period. My…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Spirituality

What is the creation story that relates to the Grand Canyon?

In the video “Are Mexicans considered Native Americans” You mentioned you heard the creation story over and over again. My question is: What is the creation story that relates to the Grand Canyon? I am curious to know. I’m from Los Angeles and have family in Phoenix. I would really…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Where can I find information on cattail matting?

Where can I find information on cattail matting? Hey thanks for the question…I had to look this one up, as I’m from the Southwest and hadn’t heard of this before. I’m always happy to learn something new! So from what I could find, it seems that Cattail Matting refers to…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

I don’t look Native and I get a lot of teasing for it. How do I convince people I’m Native?

I live in California, and am considering a move to Oklahoma…Am I just hoping for the best or is it a real possibility?

I want to learn more about my community and history, where do I even begin?

I’ve been trying to become Traditional for a few months, but it is hard.

I’ve heard about self-determination. Do you know how it applies to me or my tribe?

My kids are "part Cherokee" but I’m scared to take them to meet Native youth groups.

So I’m labeled as a Mexican. Are Mexicans considered Native Americans?

What are some stories of your beliefs according to your culture?

What is the creation story that relates to the Grand Canyon?

Where can I find information on cattail matting?

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