MORE FROM YOUR RELATIVES

I have not taken a genetic test, but my family beliefs that we are from the Ojibwa tribe

Hello Auntie! I have not taken a genetic test, but my family believes that we are from the Ojibwa tribe. I am scared to learn about Ojibwa culture for fear that I will look like a pretendian and of being ridiculed. What is your advice for reconnecting? Firstly, there’s nothing…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Hi Auntie, I’ve had sex with a guy and oral sex with another. I am 21 but still under my mother’s insurance. Is my info confidential?

Hi Auntie, I’ve had sex with a guy and oral sex with another. I started to freak out when starting to feel sick. I feel nauseous and my throat hurts. I tested negative for strep. I am 21 but still under my mother’s insurance. Is my info confidential? Hey there.…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Physical Health, Relationships, Sexual Health

I’m a Native girl who primarily dates non-Native men.

Dear Auntie. I’m a Native girl primarily dating non-Native men. I still feel impacted by historical trauma. How can I talk to my partners about this cultural divide, if I should? It is challenging to address these complex conversations, but it is important that we have these conversations with everyone…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies, Relationships, Spirituality

I’m half native and half European. Are there resources out there to learn more about this topic?

Dear Auntie, I’m half native and half European. I’m really trying to understand if the European parts of me and my ancestors from Ireland, France, and Germany have indigenous practices. Are there resources out there to learn more about this topic? What a fun journey! Start with what’s readily available…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

Neither sides of my family accept me and treat me as if I’m “off”. What should I do?

Dear Auntie, I’m half White Mountain Apache, half Hispanic and neither sides of my family accept me and treat me as if I’m “off”. What should I do? Not being appreciated for your heritage can be difficult, especially if it’s coming from your family members who you want to love…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Intolerance, Relationships

Laws that protect indigenous families

I will like to know what are the laws that protect indigenous families all over the Americas? You’ll hear Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) when talking about Indigenous families in North America. This was in response to the separation and sometimes forced removal of Native children from their homes and…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Are there still sweat lodges ?

Are there still sweat lodges available? Yes. Many tribes still use sweat lodges in their traditional practices. Generally, sweat lodge ceremonies are lead by an elder of a tribe as purification, healing, or a rebirthing process. The exact details including the type of structure, and specific ceremonial practices differ from…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

A feather from my living room was found in my bedroom. I’m looking for the significance of such an act.

Hmmm. That’s interesting. Feathers and the types of feathers used by tribes can have variations in their meanings from tribe to tribe. Generally speaking, feathers like eagle feathers are considered sacred because of the relationship and proximity that eagles have with the heavens and the Creator. It’s a symbol of…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Spirituality

How should I help my friend stop smoking?

What a great friend you are! The good news is that people can stop smoking even though it may be hard. Cold turkey – means quitting all together Slow but Steady – slowly cutting down until you’re no longer smoking Support Groups – are especially helpful for teens. Check with…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Mental Health, Physical Health

I wasn’t raised in my culture. How do I go about the reconnection process without seeming like a pretendian?

I wasn’t raised in my culture, homeland, or languages, I’m Métis and Eastern European, and I’m the palest. How do I go about the reconnection process without seeming like a pretendian/feeling like I’m taking native spaces? Thank you for submitting this important question, there is a lot to talk about…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

MORE FROM YOUR RELATIVES

I have not taken a genetic test, but my family beliefs that we are from the Ojibwa tribe

Hi Auntie, I’ve had sex with a guy and oral sex with another. I am 21 but still under my mother’s insurance. Is my info confidential?

I’m a Native girl who primarily dates non-Native men.

I’m half native and half European. Are there resources out there to learn more about this topic?

Neither sides of my family accept me and treat me as if I’m “off”. What should I do?

Laws that protect indigenous families

Are there still sweat lodges ?

A feather from my living room was found in my bedroom. I’m looking for the significance of such an act.

How should I help my friend stop smoking?

I wasn’t raised in my culture. How do I go about the reconnection process without seeming like a pretendian?

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