• NPAIHB

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

<< Back to All Questions

I looked and tried to find an answer to this but I was interested on a Native perspective. I absolutely love “southwestern” rug patterns and was hoping to buy one but cannot afford to buy one from a trading post

Dear Haley, Thank you for your question. Yes, authentic and traditional art can definitely be an investment that depending on where you are at in life, might be something to continue to dream about. But keep on dreaming! There are a couple of things you might consider: 1) are you…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Hi! I have some First Nations ancestry- Im not sure how much, but it’s farther back than my grandmother-but I would like to know this: is there some sort of tattoo or something that I could get to honour 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, Spirituality

I want to learn about the story of the spider catching the snake but I can’t verify or find it. Is this a real Ojibwe tale? I am trying to learn more about my Native American culture.

Hi there! And, thanks for writing in. There are many stories about spiders, like spider woman or grandmother spider. However, I’m not familiar with the spider catching the snake story. Perhaps because it is Ojibwe, which I’m not so familiar with. If it’s possible, try to reach out and start…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

I was recently given photos of my great, great grandmother. She is holding a long bow and dressed in what I assume is her native clothing. I am very interested to know more about her and what tribe or band she is from. How do I go about doing this?

Dear Robin, How meaningful that you found this picture of your great, great grandmother! 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,…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

HI, I want to make a Ribbon Skirt inspired mask to share my heritage and art. I want applique something on top, can it be two columns of a bldg I enter each day? be anything? Or does it have to be cultural? Can I put two coo

I love this idea! Ribbon skirts are about women being empowered and remembering our sacredness, Tala Tootoosis shares that “It’s teaching them [women] to be empowered and that they already are resilient. Women already have power. A woman is protection because she is a woman. And when you have that…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

Is it ok to create the art work of another tribe? As a kid I was taught Haida art by a Haida artist and I would like to explore it more now. I am part Cree but did not grow up with the culture as my father was put into foster care during the 60’s scoop.

I’m glad you asked this question, Auntie and Uncle asked me as a Diné artist to respond to your question. Please continue to take these precautions and ask these questions, as an artist interested in another culture’s traditional art work. Good to hear that you have respect for other Native…
Answered by Cousin Corey
Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies
Menu