Thank you for writing in.
I’m sorry you’re going through this journey without the presence of many of your elders. You’re doing the right thing by connecting with the elders who are still with you and by asking for help. I hope I can help point you in the right direction to finding information about your grandmother.
It seems like you’re off to a good start with the information you have.
Ideally, asking your family members to point you in the right direction would be easiest. If there are family members you haven’t talked to about this subject yet, perhaps this might be the perfect opportunity to reconnect.
Start with an Internet search – a lot of tribes have official tribal websites where you can at least find a phone number to their tribal office. Give them a call. Most tribes have someone who can answer some questions for you. Ask about your grandmother and maybe someone in the community knew about her or could point you in the next right direction to learn more about her.
Ask your local library. Librarians are experts at finding useful information and regularly help people in situations like yours. Ask if they can help you find more info about your family history and provide them all the information you have so far. Birthdates and cities, death dates and cities, names, and similar information are the most helpful. The more information you can give them, the better.
Best of luck to you. I think you are hearing your ancestor’s voices reaching out. Extend your hands and reach back.
Take care,
Uncle Paige
