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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

In Maine, many native children were taken and placed in non-native families up until the 1970s. I believe my late grandmother was one of these children, but I don’t know if these records were kept. How can we reconnect when there was so much displacement?

Yes, our history of being colonized has left a dark cloud over our identities and familial ties, but the good news is that there is a large community of folks with similar stories who have got your back. I applaud you for beginning your journey of discovering more about who…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

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

Could spirits be trying to tell me something? I’m not Native American as far as I know, but things keep happening so often that I can’t ignore it anymore!

Dear Cody, Thanks for writing in. Well, I can’t speak to your experience, only you can do this. What I can say, is that as Indigenous people, we believe that all things both inanimate and alive hold a lifeforce or energy, especially the land we occupy. Many people, including myself…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies, Spirituality

My father is full native(secwepemc and cherokee) my mother is full white (german) i was born very light skinned. I do not look native even tho i am status indian and live on reserve. Is it disrespectful if i learnt to dance jingle i feel wrong even asking

You’ll find dancers have extensive Indigenous backgrounds. The first thing I would do is encourage you to get a mentor. This person can help guide you through all the things you’ll need to know about jingle dancing. They can coach you on dancing with the traditions of style, meaning, and…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

I’m about 4’11-5ft tall i’ve been trying to lose weight for a long time i weigh about 180-220 I’ve done sports all my life yet still the weight won’t come off I’m only 13 will i grow into it?

This is a very important question. You cannot get the full picture of your health by looking at weight or a single point on a growth chart. Children’s bodies change as they grow, throughout childhood and you may experience “growth spurt” (periods of fast growth). What is important right now…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Identity, Physical Health
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