• NPAIHB

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

<< Back to All Questions

Hi, Auntie. As an undocumented Native (Cherokee/Osage/Senca) married to Choctaw Native, what clothing is acceptable to wear? My daughters wear Choctaw diamonds and ribbon skirts.

Hi there and thanks for writing in! There are all types of identities: personal, group, cultural, racial, ethnic identity… and the list goes on. The really great thing about identity, is that ultimately you get to decide how you want to see yourself. If you have a strong connection to…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Is it offensive to American Indians for a non-Native to make items that are traditionally Native American? Such as beading work or dream catchers that follow traditional type practices but are not for financial gain?

Thanks for writing in! By asking this question I can see that you are coming from a place of respect and wanting to do the right thing when it comes to respecting Native culture. As we move forward as a society, we are starting conversations with great questions like the…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

Ever since the birth of my first grandchild, I have been more drawn to my native American side. I am Cree my grandbaby is enrolled Cherokee, would it be wrong for me to make her a ribbon dress when her Daddy’s family disowned them after his father’s death

Over the last few years, after events at Standing Rock, the Ribbon Skirt has been making the rounds on Turtle Island. Ribbon skirts are a symbol of resilience, sacredness and survival and is not bound to one specific tribe, but influences by the Plains Tribes. Water protectors at Standing Rock…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

My friend made a comment about a video she’d seen of an POC dancing, and how she was shocked on how they were ACTUALLY good at dancing. When me and a friend said she sounded racist, she got mad and sat at a dif table(lunch). What do i do

Well, when we see or hear someone being intolerant of another culture, it’s good to speak up! So good on you. There are ways of doing this that might be better than others, so when you are talking to this person, I want to encourage you to be patient and…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Intolerance

Am I ‘allowed’ to follow beading tutorials on YouTube if I want to learn? I am too shy to talk to people on the Reserve. My grandmother is ‘half’ which makes me barely Native, so I struggle with identity as it is.

Yes! Absolutely. As Indigenous people, we have a very long and devastating history that has stolen so much of our culture, languages, and identity. But there’s no need for that anymore. With brave people like yourself, we can reclaim our heritage and live the lives that our ancestors gave so…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

I’ve been arguing with my brother about this but my dna test said we where 36% indigenous Americas-Mexican and 28% spain am I still considered indigenous because he says we are just mexican

Identity and knowing who we are is one of the most important journeys we can walk. I applaud you for taking this path. With the information you’ve gathered from your DNA test, you’re off to a great start. Your next steps are going to take some digging. If you feel…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity
Menu