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Hey, I need to soundboard something – I just bought a pair of mukluks locally made in northern MN, inspired by the native Cree community. The woman who creates them is not native, yet is a staple person in the northern MN community. They are beautiful boo

By asking this question I can see that you have some concerns. Listen to your gut… and let’s talk it through. As we move forward as a society, we are starting conversations with great questions like the ones you’re asking. What was once okay or seen as normal can shift…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies

My boyfriend is native, but he’s fairly light skinned and his family separated from their tribe years ago. He isn’t confident in who he is and is always doubting his roots though we both know he is apache. How can I help him? What can we do to connect him

What a great friend and girlfriend you are. 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 great allies like yourself and brave people like your boyfriend, we can…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies, Relationships

I was raised mexican but grew up being told I was a couple drops of yaqui native. I did a DNA test and found out I’m a quarter but no ancestors were registered. What can I do?

What an amazing gift that you have such a great lead. Keep asking questions of your family to see what else you can pull up, like names and location. This will be incredibly helpful in your next steps. Next thing is to check with your tribes enrollment department, as every…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies

I have an English final coming up and for it we have to write a speech about social justice issues today. I want to do something on native Americans but have no idea where to start. Any tips??

Hey Sydney! This is something I would like to read. Send it over when you’re done. With any good writing, it’s good to have a thesis, or a main topic. You’ll have to do a little searching to narrow down this very broad topic, as there is a very long…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Activism, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Hi Auntie, Thank you. I am a non-Native person & been gifted white sage grown by a white friend. I’ve heard not to buy or use it. I want to honor these wishes. Should I stop using the plant I was gifted? Is there a way to give reparations for my use?

You may have heard folks talking about buying locally and environmentally friendly cultivated sage, especially by Indigenous folks. We certainly encourage this especially because most commercial white sage comes from California and with annual wildfires and drought this is not a sustainable practice. If, however, your friend has sourced his…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

How can I find my ancestors clan? I have her name but not her maiden name and I called the Mescalero Apache office. They said all parents have to be registered. My grandma is the only one who would qualify under blood quantum, and her mom is 1/2 MA.

Hi there! Well, there’s no time like the present to start uncovering more about where you come from.  It seems like talking to your grandma (if you haven’t already) would be a great place to start.By asking her simple questions like, “Can you tell me what names you mom used,…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies
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