• tiktok

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

<< Back to All Questions

Hi Auntie! I’m reconnecting to my mi’gmaq roots, but worry I may not be Native enough to do so. I don’t actually know when the last “full blood” ancestor I had was, but I’d guess traditions stopped being passed down about 3-4 generations ago.

Hey there, 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

Hello Auntie, I recently found out I am a little over 50% Yaqui from Sonora and Apache from Southwestern Arizona through a DNA test. I know my great grandmother was full blood Yaqui, however we have no birth records. How would I take a blood quantum test?

Hey there, Thank you for your question. I am always glad to hear when someone wants to connect to their culture. The issues around DNA testing are complicated and controversial. The short answer is that there is no DNA test to prove ties to a specific tribe. First off what…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Who is Ray Natrall?

Ray Natraoro Natrall is a Northwest Coast Salish artist. He produces masterful wood carvings learning the art form from his late uncle who carved canoes. Ray has been creating work since roughly 1994 and had several successful art mentors guiding his way. His work embodies different styles of wood carvings…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Hi! I have some First Nations ancestry – I’m not sure how much, but it’s farther back than my grandmother. I would like to know this: Is there some sort of tattoo or something that I could get to honor my ancestors without being culturally insensitive?

I am always glad to hear when people want to explore their Indigenous identity and heritage. Indigenous cultures are diverse and beautiful. But this exploration should be conducted with respect to our ancestors, past, present and future. To begin, it is important to understand who Indigenous peoples are. Across North…
Answered by Uncle Paige
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Hi Auntie, my grandma’s family is Choctaw and honoring ancestors is important to us. I want to wear their regalia to keep the traditions of my family alive. However, I was told because I’m White and too removed, that I can’t. What are your thoughts?

Hi Relative, It is so wonderful that you want to honor your ancestors through your regalia and traditions! This is so important. I’m sorry that people have said some things to discourage you from participating in these important cultural traditions. The great and challenging thing is, that you’re the only…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies
Menu