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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

My family has already received Indian money back in the 1980’s. Indian affairs said we would get more off of land. Where do I start by checking the status

Hi Natalie! The best place to start would be to check with your Tribe. I did find this resource on the U.S. Department of Interior that might be helpful too: https://www.doi.gov/buybackprogram/FAQ Just do an internet search to find out your tribes contact info and start making calls. Hope this helps…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Life Tips

Hi I’m not Native but I want to start an ecovillage and I want to learn the ways natives have lived with nature. The farming, the building, the hunting, the cooking, everything lifestyle so I can live the best way possible

Hey there! There are some good writings on Traditional Ecological Knowledge, I particularly like the works of Raymond Pierotti and Daniel Wildcat, especially Red Alert!.. There is another Indigenous Devon Pena, who works around Indigenous food sovereignty. I would suggest you reach out respectfully to the Indigenous people in is…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Hi Auntie! I recently have been using crystals but am curious about Native American religion since I am Native American myself, I don’t want to betray any religion, but I just want to know if I can believe in both!

Hey there! Thanks for writing in. Spiritual well-being is best defined by each person. Each person has a right to experiment and discover what makes most sense for them and their life goals. This ‘well-being’ will look different from person to person but does have similar themes which may include:…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies, Spirituality
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