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I’m non-binary and I named myself after a book character, when I was thinking back on the book I remember that at the end the main character had small bird feathers intertwined with her braid and I’m scared I named myself after someone who has appropriated from native culture, fictional or not.

Hi there! Thanks so much for writing in! From what I can gather, there’s a couple of things to talk about in your question: affirming your gender-identity, the use of feathers, and cultural appropriation. Let’s go in that order. To start, I would affirm that taking a name for yourself,…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Dear Auntie, what are you grateful for this year?

I love this question! In reflecting back on this crazy year, one thing that stuck with me was when we first started hearing and preparing for COVID, I, probably alongside most of the world, was looking at the world infection maps. Maps that showed varying sizes of red dots indicating…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: 2SLGBTQ, Activism, Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Intolerance, Life Tips, Mental Health, Non-Native Allies, Physical Health, Relationships, Sexual Health, Spirituality

Hi Auntie Amanda, I was reading about suicide rates in the United States and Native Americans were the highest in rates. As a Caucasian person, would it be acceptable for me to pursue a degree in psychology to help tribes?

Hi there, Thanks for reaching out. It’s important to know about these topics, and to approach them in a respectful way. It is true that Native American communities have high rates of suicide. The Center for Disease Control found that from 1999 to 2017 the suicide rate for American Indian…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Mental Health, Non-Native Allies

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

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’ve been wanting to get involved with showing my support for BLM and protest, but I don’t know how to get started. And my cousins on the rez want to support too, but can’t get to any protests. What should we do?

[Auntie Manda] These are really great questions. I think it’s so great that you are interested in joining the movement on the streets! It is so important for Native youth to support our Black relatives who are fighting for liberation and an end to police brutality! The fight for Indigenous…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Activism, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies
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