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Hello. My name is Rosi. My mom is not Native, but she’s Romanian and has dark hair, hazel eyes, and tan skin. So has her mom and grandmother. My father is Native (Oglala Lakota). I am very, very pasty white, with green eyes, and redish/blonde/light brown hair. I am very involved in my culture, but I still get those natives that treat me like some wannabe wasicu. It is not my fault that I am so white, and I cannot change my skin color, although many times I wish I could. How can I try to make them see that I am just as Native as they are??

Dear Rosalia, You’re not alone in feeling this way. I have people write to me all the time about not feeling “Native enough”. Being half-Zuni, I have felt this myself. What I can tell you, is that you are enough…of everything. Many people of different backgrounds share this experience. However, it’s particularly difficult for…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Identity, Life Tips

Hello Auntie, I’m 1/64 Cherokee and my parents don’t know much about the culture, and I don’t know my grandparents. I was wondering if it was still okay for me to learn about my culture and if I could, where do I start?

Hi Oak, 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…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Life Tips, Non-Native Allies

I’m a Chumash native Americans on my mother’s side. I live in Sacramento. Both my mother and grandmother has enrollment numbers. I am being harass by the legal officials here in Sacramento. Like hacking my phone constantly being followed. ECT… Im homeless and have been trying to get out of my situation. Ever place I get refused or ECT. I need help

Dear Dan, Thanks for writing in. It sounds like you are in a really stressful situation and I’m glad you reached out for help. I’m happy to help in any way I can. To start off, if you are being harassed by legal officials, it can be helpful to know…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Identity, Life Tips, Mental Health

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…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Identity, Life Tips, Non-Native Allies

Hello, I have Native heritage but live in central Europe (long story). I’ve never come into contact with anyone native so I wanted to ask if you know of any communities here? I’d like to learn jingle dancing and I’d love for someone to teach me. Thank you! Jane.

Hi Jane, 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. A few people have asked me about how to start jingle dancing, and here are my answers: https://www.wernative.org/ask-auntie-questions/how-do-i-start-dancing-jingle https://www.wernative.org/ask-auntie-questions/i-wanna-make-a-jingle-dress-but-need-help-who-could-i-ask-for-help Another…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity
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