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Hi. I have a friend whose 4 yr old son is dealing with a rare tumour on his pituitary gland. Would it be appropriate to make him a star blanket as a symbol of healing and strength?

Dear Relative, I am so sorry to hear about your friend’s son, thank you for being a good relative and reaching out about him. I hope healing comes to him soon. Star quilts have a long and beautiful history, starting with buffalo robs, and are given to mark important life…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Life Tips, Non-Native Allies

Hello Auntie, I’m 1/64 Cherokee and my parents don’t know much about the culture, and I don’t know my grandparents. I was wondering if it was still okay for me to learn about my culture and if I could, where do I start?

Hi Oak, Thanks for reaching out! Identity and knowing who we are is one of the most important journeys we can walk. I encourage you to explore your identity. This is a great start. There are many ways you can do this, yet there is no right or wrong way…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Life Tips, Non-Native Allies

Hello, I have Native heritage but live in central Europe (long story). I’ve never come into contact with anyone native so I wanted to ask if you know of any communities here? I’d like to learn jingle dancing and I’d love for someone to teach me. Thank you! Jane.

Hi Jane, Identity and knowing who we are is one of the most important journeys we can walk. I encourage you to explore your identity. This is a great start. A few people have asked me about how to start jingle dancing, and here are my answers: https://www.wernative.org/ask-auntie-questions/how-do-i-start-dancing-jingle https://www.wernative.org/ask-auntie-questions/i-wanna-make-a-jingle-dress-but-need-help-who-could-i-ask-for-help Another…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

My family has already received Indian money back in the 1980’s. Indian affairs said we would get more off of land. Where do I start by checking the status

Hi Natalie! The best place to start would be to check with your Tribe. I did find this resource on the U.S. Department of Interior that might be helpful too: https://www.doi.gov/buybackprogram/FAQ Just do an internet search to find out your tribes contact info and start making calls. Hope this helps…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Life Tips

Hey Auntie, Why is it so hard for me to find love as a teen? i dance, sew, bead and go ceremony but still fail to find a high school sweetheart or companion of any sort.

Hey there! Thanks for writing in. One of the hardest things for me to learn when I was younger was patience and trust. These are still lessons I’m constantly challenged with today. What I have learned is that my ancestors roll hard. I know they have my back and are…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Relationships

Hi Auntie, I was put in foster care when I was two. I just found out that my mother and grandfather are apache, but I’m not sure how much my mother’s percentage is, and I don’t know what tribe!! How do I found out what tribe? He came from TX?!

I believe this is an important question. Finding where you come from and helping establish your identity are all necessary in life. Knowing why and what things are in place to protect your cultural knowledge is important as well. ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) exists to protect the best interest…
Answered by Uncle Paige
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

I want to get my children who are registered with a tribe to become a dancer. I know the recommendation is to get a mentor first. How and where can I find a mentor?

Great question. I would start with your tribe, or your children’s tribe. If you know of any dancers there, reach out to them either through social media or mutual friends. If you don’t live on, or near your tribe’s reservation, then look for Native organizations in your city or near…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Why do they call us Indian?

I like this question a lot. It’s not a question about how we got our name, everyone knows the failed discovery of Columbus. But the Why, to me that’s the most important question to ask. Knowing their why can help strengthen who you are. I want to preface this by…
Answered by Uncle Paige
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity
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