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Hi, My question is what is a good age to come out to your parents?

For starters, I’m sending you a big virtual hug! Props to you for reaching out and taking an important first step to your person voyage of self-discovery: coming out. It can be scary and hard to come out, especially when you probably have so many other things to think about.…

Date posted: October 13, 2021

Hi Auntie. So I want to start with saying my family is very diverse and disconnected I’m very white passing but on my moms side we have a lot of indigenous blood from multiple tribes how do I find where I fit in and with who? Also what’s the best way to learn more about my family since we are so disconnected?

Dear Akecheta, Thanks for reaching out! 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…

Date posted: July 16, 2021

I want to get my children who are registered with a tribe to become a dancer. I know the recommendation is to get a mentor first. How and where can I find a mentor?

Great question. I would start with your tribe, or your children’s tribe. If you know of any dancers there, reach out to them either through social media or mutual friends. If you don’t live on, or near your tribe’s reservation, then look for Native organizations in your city or near…

Date posted: May 5, 2021

I just found out both Great grandmother’s were Native. Since I am crossed with 2 tribes which roll number should I turn into BIA?

Hi there! Great! What an amazing gift that your family had some information on what tribes you’re from. Keep asking questions, especially from the elders and I’m sure you’ll find some helpful information. It is super common for people to be from multiple tribes, so you are in good company…

Date posted: June 20, 2020

I am 1/4th native American Indian how do I apply for tribal money

Hey there. Well, there are a couple things to keep in mind. First thing, you’ll need to register with your tribe. Second thing, not all tribes and tribal members receive dividends or revenues. So if you haven’t already registered with your tribe you’ll need to do that. Just Google your…

Date posted: May 6, 2020

I have a favorite black polyester skirt, could I turn it into a ribbon skirt by adding ribbon, or are ribbon skirts always out of calico/cotton?

You do you girl! Ribbon skirts are about women being empowered and remembering our sacredness, Tala Tootoosis shares that “It’s teaching them [women] to be empowered and that they already are resilient. Women already have power. A woman is protection because she is a woman. And when you have that…

Date posted: October 15, 2019

Get over my light skin

I’m enrolled with my Tribe on the Yakama reservation, but I have light/white skin and it sometimes holds me back from doing things like dancing in powwows. Is this something I can come to terms with and defeat? Absolutely! The great and challenging thing is, that you’re the only one you…

Date posted: July 22, 2019

I often struggle with feeling native "enough."

I often struggle with feeling native “enough.” My grandma on my dad’s side is Ojibwe (Sault Ste Marie, MI) and my grandma on my mom’s side is Mexican and knows that she has ties to the Aztec and Kikapu people. Do other people struggle with this? This is a tricky…

Date posted: December 7, 2017

Is their truth that Historical trauma could be pass down genetically? If so what can we do to heal as Native Americans?

Dear Auntie, is there truth that historical trauma could be passed down genetically? If so what can we do to heal as Native Americans? Wow. Excellent question! Historical trauma is defined as a collective, cumulative emotional wounding across generations, which is a result of some cataclysmic event. The cataclysmic events…

Date posted: March 29, 2017