• tiktok

MORE FROM YOUR RELATIVES

<< Back to All Questions

Hello relatives, I’m 22 years old about to turn another page. Lately I’ve been feeling depressed and anxious about everything. I’m struggling to find my purpose or what I want to do. I think work and school is taking a toll, I’m full time in both and still don’t know what I want to go to school for. How did you decide this? What helped you? Any advice?

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

I am a white woman of Ukrainian descent who has been involved in aboriginal ceremonies for the past 12 years. I have been so grateful to have more recently participated in a Ghost Dance and a Sun Dance and a Yuwipi ceremony. I am always careful to honour protocol and wear an appropriate long skirt (hard being 6 feet tall to find one long enough!). I have wanted to be as respectful as possible. I am curious if making a ribbon skirt or a dress to do Ghost Dance is allowed for a participant if they are not native. I have received very mixed messages. Some aboriginal people welcome it and find it extremely respectful and others have said it is appropriation. I feel the only dresses that are suitably long and modest are often from another culture- African, Mexican- unless I make something myself. Can you share your thoughts with me?

I’m glad you asked this question, 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.…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

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 a white Canadian citizen and I was wondering if it is disrespectful of me or if I am overstepping my boundaries by dating someone who is indigenous? I’ve dated someone for a couple of years who was indigenous and we got along very well, but his mother and friends were not welcoming to our relationship and neither was my mother. His mother preferred that he end up with an indigenous woman in his future and my mom the opposite with me being white. I ended up breaking off our relationship because I didn’t want to cause any hardship between him and his mother and friends, but it really broke my heart because he was also my best friend not just my partner since we were best friends since middle school

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

Hello, I am from the San Pasqual Indian Reservation. We had to take are tribe to court to fight to get our Per Cap my question is do you know how long it should take in order for you to get your money. Also do you have to hire a Native America Attorney to help fight case to get your Per Cap.

Hi there! Thanks for writing in and sorry it took a while to get back to you! One of the many strengths of Indian Nations today is tribal sovereignty. Tribal sovereignty means that tribes have the power to govern themselves. Each federally recognized tribe retains the rights of an independent…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Life Tips
Menu