Are all Native Americans getting stimulus checks?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law in March included an economic impact payment to every American with a Social Security number. Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Is it appropriate for someone who was not brought up in native culture to seek guidance from a native elder or healer?
Dear Bianca, By asking this question I can see you have concerns. Listen to your gut…and let’s talk this through. Spirituality and seeking guidance are personal. We all connect to our beliefs and traditions uniquely. However you choose to do, is the right way for you. I can’t speak to…
Answered by Auntie Manda
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
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
Is it offensive to Native American culture for a white person to make items that are traditonally Native American? Such as beading work or dream catchers etc. that follow traditonal type practices and but are not for finacial gain?
Thank you for posing this question. This a tough question to answer directly and needs a nuanced understanding, as many people have different thoughts and beliefs about what is appropriation vs appreciation of Native culture. What is cultural appropriation? Cultural appropriation is the adoption or theft of icons, rituals, aesthetic…
Answered by Auntie Manda
How does natives look on caucasians when it comes to romance? Do they prefere a native partner?
Dear Relative, This is an interesting question and one that is hard to answer. People fall in love with others for a lot of reasons and in a lot of ways. Some Tribal families have what are called “arraigned marriages” where two families talk about and negotiate relationships between a…
Answered by Auntie Manda
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
Is it okay for me to own an American Indian Movement flag if I am white?
Well, it’s really up to you and how you feel about it when you see it. You really should only surround yourself with things that have a positive effect on you. If you’re writing in about it, perhaps you feel a little nudge that this should not be in your…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Yá’át’ééh. I am half Native (Navajo and Colville) and half African American. I grew up on the Colville rez and during that time I faced racism from my tribe for being part black. I am visiting the Navajo rez this spring and I’m nervous about facing it aga
Yá’át’ééh, Thank you for this question, it is a challenging question to answer. It saddens me to hear that you have experienced anti-Black racism, or lateral oppression, by your Native American communities. Racism in this country is challenging to address, and anti-Black racism can be even more challenging to address…
Answered by Auntie Manda