ASK YOUR RELATIVE QUESTIONS

Hey Auntie, I’m 20 and I finally have the courage to become a powwow dancer & I’m super excited! But I’m so nervous at the same time! What do I do to get in shape? –Anonymous Wohoo! So stoked for you! So there are actually some really cool videos that the Coeur D’Alene tribe from Idaho did that you should…

How do I tell people I am as Native American as American?

Auntie, how do I tell people I am as Native American as American, without being called a person who “doesn’t appreciate the ‘American’ lifestyle?” Check out this video for Auntie Amanda’s response.

I’ve been trying to become Traditional for a few months, but it is hard.

I’ve been trying to become Traditional for a few months, but it is hard because part of my family follows Christianity. I don’t want to disappoint my family. Hi Liz, I think it’s pretty wonderful that you are seeking help and guidance for this question and I hope that you continue to do this with the people you meet along…

I don’t look Native and I get a lot of teasing for it. How do I convince people I’m Native?

Anna, you are not alone. I know many young people who don’t feel “Native enough” and who are made to feel less because they are bi-racial, lighter skinned, don’t speak their tribal language, or because they didn’t grow up on their rez. We are battling among ourselves when we judge one another’s “Indianess.” In a way, though, it is not…

I’m a 17 yr old male in the closet….I have to figure out how to come out.

I’m a 17 yr old male in the closet. On top of graduating, college and social life I have to figure out how to come out. For starters, I’m sending you a big virtual hug! You’re right…on top of everything like graduating and getting ready for college you’ve got another major challenge to confront. Props to you for reaching out…

What are some stories of your beliefs according to your culture?

What are some stories of your beliefs according to your culture? Thanks for the question! One of my favorites…story telling. Now we just need to be sitting around the dinner table sharing some good food. 🙂 One of my favorite stories is one about the Sacred Four Year period. My uncle Kirby tells it like this… In Zuni tradition, there…

I’m a Transgender powwow dancer. I want to talk to my grandma about wearing regalia…How can I handle this?

I’m a Transgender powwow dancer. I want to talk to my grandma about wearing regalia that fits my identity, but I don’t want to disgrace my tribe, or my family. How can I handle this? Thank you for writing in. This was a tough question that I have been playing over and over in my mind, which I’m sure you…

As a U.S. Marine how can I stay close to my home traditions when they are not offered at my current duty station?

Hello Auntie, My Name is Ongelic Johnson, I am Muckleshoot, Cherokee and Cowlitz. I am also a United States Marine and my question is: How can i stay close to my home traditions when they are not offered at my current duty station, as far as attending pow wows and going to church, like back at home? First and foremost…you…

I hear there are threats to our water supply. What’s that mean?

Yeesh, this is a good question, but an important one to start thinking about. We know that water in Indian County is considered sacred. We use it in ceremonies and in our prayers. For us water serves as a symbol of the interconnectedness of all life. Some tribes are rich in water, and live in areas with a bunch of…