ASK YOUR RELATIVE QUESTIONS

What are some of the risk factors for young Natives who receive mental health treatment and return home?

Hi there! Thanks for writing in. From the question and email address, I’m guessing you might be looking into some resources for school? I’m happy to help! Here are some things to get you started: check out We R Native’s website and the International Association for Suicide Prevention’s (IASP) or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) webpages for more…

Hi Auntie, I’ve been getting a lot of messages from a man who is catfishing me and pretending to be a boy. On a daily he asks me for nudes! What should I do?

Ah, I’m so sorry this is happening to you! You can immediately block this person on all your social media channels. Just go to their profile and tap “Block” or block their cell phone # by going clicking on the info button and selecting “Block.” If it’s an adult asking you as a minor for nudes, this is called pedophilia…

How do I live a life of continual dysfunction? – Sincerely a Anishinabekwe Living on a Reservation

Dear Relative, Huge kudos to you for reaching out. I understand that sometimes it is really hard to ask about resources for help. We are living in an unprecedented time, there is a lot of stress that we are all dealing with right now. There are many ways we navigate this world, some of those ways can be seen as…

How to begin to trace what tribe(s) I belong to??? Recently did a genetic test I’m 44% native American I want to know where I belong.

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 do people mean by DNA testing? According to the National…

I grew up in a white household because my parents are divorced. I feel disconnected from my culture, i used to jingle dance when i was younger but i wanted to know how to get involved in the community as a teenager who doesn’t have much native family.

Dear Penelope, 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 for doing this. If you feel comfortable, reach out to your extended family. Tribal…

I had a vivid dream where I was told my native name. This young woman I’ve seen more than once, unsure if she is my ancestor or my spirit guide, announced or gave it to me. I’m proud of my name but am curious if it’s okay to use my native name publicly?

Hi Merrick! Dreams are such a fascinating story to tap into. I too have incredibly vivid and detailed dreams. Often, I can feel, smell, and make decisions within them. They used to scare me because some of them were pretty intense. If you have an elder to talk to, start that conversation. This is a great question to ask your…

I am believed to be a mix of Onondaga and Seneca but I can not prove my heritage because of documentation loss and dodging.My grandfather and parents have cut all ties with the Rez.I live all the way across country. How can I connect with my people?

Dear Relative, 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 for doing this. I am always glad to hear when people want to explore…

Uncle gives his HUGE thanks

HUGE Thank You

Hey auntie, I started liking one of my close guy friends a while back but I don’t want to ruin anything what do I do?

This is a question many people before you have asked and one that will continue long after…how do you make sure you don’t to get in the friend zone. Here’s a couple tips: Make sure you don’t get in the friend zone by moving towards romantic partner status Take a healthy risk and put feelers out there. Ask your crush is…

How do I deal with family members who treat me differently because I’m mixed and act ugly to my mom ugly because she’s not a tribal member?

Dear Relative, I am so sorry that your family members are not treating you well. Not being appreciated for your heritage can be difficult, especially if it’s coming from your family members who you want to love and respect. Not feeling connected to your family because of it can be really disheartening. You’re not alone in feeling this way. I…