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Hello! I work for a company that has a project they have titled "Thunderbird." We are not at all a Native-owned or operated company. I am worried that this is culturally appropriative. Is it?

Hey there, Thank you for asking this question and being mindful about how your company may be appropriating Indigenous culture. The thunderbird is significant to many different tribes across North America. It plays an important role in our diverse histories, artworks, and spiritualities. When I talk to others about this,…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Non-Native Allies

How to begin to trace what tribe(s) I belong to??? Recently did a genetic test I’m 44% native American I want to know where I belong.

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, Intolerance, Mental Health, Non-Native Allies, Spirituality

I just did my ancestry dna and found out I’m 44% Native American. I was adopted into a family at the age of four. I was always told I was native but I never had proof until last year. How do I see if I qualify for funds?

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, Relationships

I grew up in a white household because my parents are divorced. I feel disconnected from my culture, i used to jingle dance when i was younger but i wanted to know how to get involved in the community as a teenager who doesn’t have much native family.

Dear Penelope, 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 for doing this. If…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Mental Health, Non-Native Allies, Spirituality

Hi there! I’m currently working on a project for university and I’d really appreciate your input. What is the correct symbol Native Americans used for the sun? Is there a website that contains the proper symbols and their meaning that you could add a link

Hi there! Thanks for writing in! In short, there is no symbol for the Sun that is accepted and used by all Native American Tribes. There are 574 federally recognized tribes with their own religions, languages, art, and customs. Every tribe has different associations with the universe and animals, what…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

I am 50 percent Native American. I’ve always been told I’m Hispanic. I came to New Mexico for work and was shocked to see so many people that look like me. I feel lied to… or that something was taken from us. What should I do.

Dear Relative, 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 for doing this. I…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

I am believed to be a mix of Onondaga and Seneca but I can not prove my heritage because of documentation loss and dodging.My grandfather and parents have cut all ties with the Rez.I live all the way across country. How can I connect with my people?

Dear Relative, 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 for doing this. I…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Mental Health, Non-Native Allies, Spirituality

I had a vivid dream where I was told my native name. This young woman I’ve seen more than once, unsure if she is my ancestor or my spirit guide, announced or gave it to me. I’m proud of my name but am curious if it’s okay to use my native name publicly?

Hi Merrick! Dreams are such a fascinating story to tap into. I too have incredibly vivid and detailed dreams. Often, I can feel, smell, and make decisions within them. They used to scare me because some of them were pretty intense. If you have an elder to talk to, start…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Mental Health, Spirituality

Hello! I feel kind of embarrassed by some “full” natives saying things like “you’re not actually native if you’re half native” and things like that. My mother is native, my dad is white. What do I say or how should I feel when people say things like that?

Dear Angelique, You’re not alone in feeling this way. I have people write to me all the time about not feeling “Native enough”. Being half-Zuni, I have felt this myself. What I can tell you, is that you are enough… of everything. Many people of different backgrounds share this experience.…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity
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