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How can I be a healthy and productive Native person, when my community does not value me?

Dear Auntie, my family is unashamedly assimilated, I fall below blood quantum, and I have light skin and do not look native. I identify myself only as native, but am struggling with self-harm because my tribe will not recognize me as a tribal citizen. How can I be a healthy…

Answered by Auntie Manda

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

How do I get in touch with my rez?

Hi Auntie, how do i get in touch with my rez? i live in maryland and if ur from here anyone can see there are barely any natives. i feel alone, my ancestors said they were black so they wouldn’t be culturally persecuted back then, but now the truth is…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

How do I start an intertribal club at my school?

Charles, that’s a great idea. Starting an inter-tribal club is a great way to bring people together and make a large school seem smaller. It’s not that hard to do, and it could have an awesome payoff in the end. You might want to consider talking with someone at the…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity

How do I tell people I am as Native American as American?

Auntie, how do I tell people I am as Native American as American, without being called a person who “doesn’t appreciate the ‘American’ lifestyle?” Check out this video for Auntie Amanda’s response.

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

How would you represent yourself as a Native American to someone who thinks all Native Americans are the same?

How would you (me) represent yourself (myself) as a Pueblo Native American to someone who thinks all Native Americans are the same based on movie stereotypes?

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Intolerance

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

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

How can I be a healthy and productive Native person, when my community does not value me?

How do I get in touch with my rez?

How do I start an intertribal club at my school?

How do I tell people I am as Native American as American?

How would you represent yourself as a Native American to someone who thinks all Native Americans are the same?

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?

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