MORE FROM YOUR RELATIVES

Spirit Animal

Q: Hi id like to know whats my spirit animal as I was born on 24 March 2002 Hi Motaung! Thanks for writing in. Here’s a little more information about Spirit Animals that you might find helpful: https://www.wernative.org/articles/spirit-animals. I would recommend talking to someone from your Tribe because every Tribe…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Hello relatives. I wanted to take this moment and acknowledge the big life events that are happening in our world right now.

Hello relatives. I wanted to take this moment and acknowledge the big life events that are happening in our world right now. There is this collective outreach that is taking place. Young people want to talk about what they are seeing on media and hearing in our communities. We are…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Mental Health

Hello relatives, I’ve been feeling depressed and I’m struggling to find my purpose. What do I do?

Hey there! I’m so glad you wrote in. First, I want to give you big props for reaching out for some support and encouragement. That’s what true bravery is, listening to the truth of what’s in your heart and taking action. Go you! There are a few things I want…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Education, Life Tips, Mental Health

What is 988?

Hey there! It’s Auntie Manda! I wanted to let you know about a new resource that you can put into your mental health toolbox. It is called 988, which is the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (used to be called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). You can call or text…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Life Tips, Physical Health

Hey Auntie, I keep hearing a lot of scary things about fentanyl. What’s the deal?

Yes, everyone is talking about fentanyl and for good reason; it’s more common than most think and right now the rates of accidental overdoses is the leading cause of death for 18 to 45 year old’s. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Life Tips, Physical Health

Is it appropriate for a non-Native person to make a ribbon skirt for ceremonies?

Please continue to take these precautions and ask these questions, as a non native interested in another culture’s traditional artwork. Good to hear that you have respect for other Native cultures, and coming from being Native there are several things to be aware of. Read More

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

I’ve heard there might be actual nature spirits portrayed in Pokémon. Is this true?

Hey there! Thanks for the question. I’m not exactly sure what ‘nature spirits’ are in this context but I’m certainly familiar with Pokémon. As Indigenous people, we believe that all things both inanimate and alive hold a lifeforce or energy, especially the land we occupy – in this way, I…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Identity, Spirituality

I am from what I know a primarily white woman with a 1/ 4 Portuguese mixed. I am definitely attracted to native men. I was with a Native American Women’s Riding club and who’s is the Sister club of red rum. I am drawn to the culture, traditions, oral history and want to learn more. I am single and would love to meet some Native men in my are that are actively involved with their culture. I know there are Native dating sites out there but not sure how that would be received. If I joined one would it be disrespectful as I have never taken a DNA test and know my full genetic make up. Thanks for your support

Hi there! Thanks for reaching out, glad to help answer your question. Firstly, it’s important to realize that your preference of attraction is totally up to you, and it’s something that’s personal to each individual. There’s no problem in wanting to learn more about Native Culture as well if you…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Identity, Non-Native Allies

Hi Auntie! I’m white, but I’m dating someone Indigenous. His family doesn’t seem to like me? Is it wrong for us to date?

Hi there! Thanks for the question. When it comes to relationships like these, it sometimes happens that one or both sides of a family do not approve of the union – it’s tough. Unfortunately, this approval should never have anything to do with the color of someone’s skin. So long…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

I’m an native elder (Pomo) my older grandchildren were given a Indian name and younger ones do not. I no longer know of spiritual person to do that. So would love to give my grandchildren a Indian name is it proper for me to have that privilege.

Hello! Thank you for writing in! There are several bands of Pomo Indians that are Federally-recognized Indian Nations, many who have Culture & Heritage departments or tribal programs to provide individual, specific guidance on tribal naming traditions and protocols. Identity and knowing who we are is one of the most…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Identity, Spirituality

MORE FROM YOUR RELATIVES

Spirit Animal

Hello relatives. I wanted to take this moment and acknowledge the big life events that are happening in our world right now.

Hello relatives, I’ve been feeling depressed and I’m struggling to find my purpose. What do I do?

What is 988?

Hey Auntie, I keep hearing a lot of scary things about fentanyl. What’s the deal?

Is it appropriate for a non-Native person to make a ribbon skirt for ceremonies?

I’ve heard there might be actual nature spirits portrayed in Pokémon. Is this true?

Hi Auntie! I’m white, but I’m dating someone Indigenous. His family doesn’t seem to like me? Is it wrong for us to date?

I’m an native elder (Pomo) my older grandchildren were given a Indian name and younger ones do not. I no longer know of spiritual person to do that. So would love to give my grandchildren a Indian name is it proper for me to have that privilege.

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