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Hi! I’m a biracial child (African American & Irish) that was inspired by a past teacher to learn about fancy shawl dancers. I’m an aspiring artist as well, I love drawing the shawls that I’ve seen in past powwows. Is that okay for me to do being non-native?

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: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

I made a painting of an Indian maiden and wanted to know if it is acceptable to the Native American culture and that it does not offend anyone. I have a friend who lived on a res and said it was okay, but I want to be sure. It is based off of Arizona.

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, Identity, Spirituality

How do I find out if I got a grant?

Hi there, Thanks for reaching out! First, great job applying for a grant! Applications can be daunting so give yourself a pat on the back. Whether you applied for a grant to help with college expenses, a mini-grant to do a community project, or a grant for your job, good…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Identity, Life Tips

A teen recently told me that using the phrase “find your tribe” or using the word “tribe” is offensive to Native Americans. I wanted to ask a reliable source if this is true or is simply an opinion. What are your thoughts?

Hi there, Thanks for reaching out. It’s wonderful that you’re looking for more information. As we move forward as a society, we are starting conversations with great talking points like the ones that were brought up to you. What was once okay, or seen as normal can shift as we…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Hi Auntie! I’m reconnecting to my mi’gmaq roots, but worry I may not be Native enough to do so. I don’t actually know when the last “full blood” ancestor I had was, but I’d guess traditions stopped being passed down about 3-4 generations ago.

Hey there, Thanks for reaching out! 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…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Hello Auntie, I recently found out I am a little over 50% Yaqui from Sonora and Apache from Southwestern Arizona through a DNA test. I know my great grandmother was full blood Yaqui, however we have no birth records. How would I take a blood quantum test?

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

Who is Ray Natrall?

Ray Natraoro Natrall is a Northwest Coast Salish artist. He produces masterful wood carvings learning the art form from his late uncle who carved canoes. Ray has been creating work since roughly 1994 and had several successful art mentors guiding his way. His work embodies different styles of wood carvings…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity
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