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Dear Auntie, I’m Russian/Cherokee. Unfortunately the Cherokee side of my family has turned their back on me because I’m "white". How can I find out what band of Cherokee I am? How can I connect with my culture if I don’t know it? Where do I star

Well, good for you for taking things into your own hands. To find out what band of Cherokee you are from, you’re going to need a little information like, names and ancestor’s location. This can help to narrow down the band that your family is from. Ideally, asking your family…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Hi Auntie! How do I accept that I’m not Native? I was to told we were Native on my dads side but I don’t know the tribe and It’s just a drop in me. Native culture played a big role in my life but I don’t want to be a wannabe it’s sad for me to let it go.

Thanks for writing in! There are all types of identity: personal, group, cultural, racial, ethnic identity…and the list goes on. The really great thing about identity, is that ultimately you get to decide how you want to see yourself. If you have a strong connection to Native traditions; integrate that…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Yá’át’ééh. I am half Native (Navajo and Colville) and half African American. I grew up on the Colville rez and during that time I faced a lot of negativity from my tribe for being part black. I am visiting the Navajo rez this spring and I’m nervous about facing it again.

Yá’át’ééh, Way̓, Hello! Thank you for this question and reaching out for help. I’m sorry to hear that this has been your experience and continues to be something that weighs heavy on your heart. You are not alone in this experience because of the tied relationship between Native American and…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Intolerance

Why does it seem like emotional and spiritual health are lower in Native communities?

Dear Malia, What we know is that there is a strong connection between emotional and spiritual wellness that are directly tied to the history of Tribal communities. Currently, Native American communities are looking to Traditional Indigenous Knowledge (TIK) and culture to address these conditions. It becomes complicated because there are…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Mental Health

Hello I’m Métis. I’ve always felt a strong connection to my native roots. Is it wrong for me to just embrace them and not Métis culture , for example I’d rather learn jingle than jigging

I think people have a right to identify with their culture however they choose to. Go with what you’re feeling. You’ll find dancers have extensive Indigenous backgrounds. The first thing I would do is encourage you to get a mentor. This person can help guide you through all the things…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

I manage a shop that rents costumes, and I found two costume headdresses in our rental inventory. I pulled them and finally convinced the powers that be that we cannot rent these. Is there a respectful way to destroy these headdresses?

Hey! Thanks for you support! First, know there is a team of people behind you who are working on this same issue. We’ve got your back and together we can make a difference! As strongly as I can say this, ‘There is no circumstance where dressing up like someone from…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Activism, Culture and Language, Identity, Intolerance
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