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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

Hi Auntie. A family member recently went to Wyoming and took a picture of a sign named "Vision Quest Motel". My family is in an argument about whether the sign is racist or not. I don’t know what to think. Is it racist?

This is a great question and I appreciate you asking it. It shows that you respect and appreciate Native culture. Being from the Southwest (Zuni Pueblo, NM), I often saw Native designs displayed in various ways by Native and non-Native people. As we move forward as a society, we are…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Activism, Education, Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

I grew up in an urban city in Oklahoma. I want to move back to my ancestral lands, but I’m scared of not being accepted by my relations back home. How do I confront this fear?

Thanks for writing in. I find your journey incredibly brave and exciting! It seems like you have a strong idea or expectation of what will happen if you move home. Take time to think about what is it exactly that you want. What are you hoping to gain from moving…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Intolerance, Mental Health, Non-Native Allies, Spirituality

Hi auntie, i found out im Tohono O’odham and they wont let me enroll in the tribe because my grandfather (who was a member) passed away and i don’t have their code to show proof

How native do you have to be to enroll in a tribe? Every tribe has their own requirements for enrollment. Some tribes base this off of blood quantum (how much tribal blood you have), while others base it off of lineage, or a combination of both. I tried looking on…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies

I’m not Native American, but I am Indigenous Australian and I just got rejected from a job because my skintone apparently scares away customers. What do I do??

Happy to help! Of course we know this is illegal; to discriminate based on race, and color, as well as to discriminate based on religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. This definitely seems to fall under this…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies
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