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I know opinion can vary, but do you think it is ok for white people to wear feathers in their hair? Not eagle feathers, since those have special significance, but ones like robin or chickadee that you find on the ground.

You’re right in saying there are lots of varied opinions on the topic of wearing feathers, especially because feathers like eagle feathers are considered sacred because of the relationship and proximity that eagles have with the heavens and the Creator. It’s a symbol of our connection with the above. However,…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Can I use the name “sk-nwalker” on a podcast where that creature is a villain in the book I’m covering? Or is that disrespectful and I should call it by another name?

You’re right in seeking guidance on using this taboo term. I appreciate you approaching this with caution. Being Zuni and living near Navajo people, we were taught to be weary of animals, especially near sunrise or sunset when witches were more likely to be out. Clearly you know this topic…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Activism, Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Hi auntie, I was gifted a Native American headdress from my cousin who was adopted out of a Native American tribe. Is it ok for me to keep it?

By asking the question, it seems like you may have some reservations about having it being in your possession. Headdress’ are considered sacred items and have to be earned in order to be worn. We know that there has been great and damaging misrepresentation of the headdress by Hollywood and…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

I have a favorite black polyester skirt, could I turn it into a ribbon skirt by adding ribbon, or are ribbon skirts always out of calico/cotton?

You do you girl! 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

In the last 6 months I have had a bird of prey known as a "Prairie Falcoln" swooping down over my car. Last March, while sitting in my car at work, one actually landed on the roof of my car and looked at me! What does it mean?

Hello Steven, This is an interesting question. There can be many interpretations of seeing birds of prey or having them show up in your environment. Hawks are birds of prey and many Native American traditions use hawk feathers in their regalia and in ceremony’s. Hawks scan their environment from high…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality
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