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Hello Auntie, call me E. I am a convert to Judaism, but have become fascinated by native cultures and beliefs. My question is if and when a native "prays" to something other than the creator, does that constitute an act of worship? Thank you.

Hello E. This is an interesting question and the answer is based on what your individual understanding of what “worship” means. Worship can be defined as a show reverence and adoration for (a deity); or honor with religious rites. For many American Indian people our connection with the Creator, spirits,…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Non-Native Allies, Spirituality

Why would the spirits of Native Americans visit me every night as a child? Every night before my parents moved us they came from my closet and would surround my bed and touch my ears or my mouth. They looked as real to me as my parents. Why???

Wow, how cool! Well, I can’t speak to your experience, only you can do this. What I can say, is that as Indigenous people, we believe that all things both inanimate and alive hold a life force or energy, especially the land we occupy. It is said that when we…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Spirituality

My friend made a comment about a video she’d seen of an POC dancing, and how she was shocked on how they were ACTUALLY good at dancing. When me and a friend said she sounded racist, she got mad and sat at a dif table(lunch). What do i do

Well, when we see or hear someone being intolerant of another culture, it’s good to speak up! So good on you. There are ways of doing this that might be better than others, so when you are talking to this person, I want to encourage you to be patient and…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Intolerance

Hello. At my college there is Native American Burial Ground Hills. I’m simply wondering if it’s considered disrespectful to stand or sit on the hills or relax. I haven’t done it because I’m worried about if it’s distasteful or not.

Well, if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, then trust your instinct. I’m a firm believer of listening to your gut. As Indigenous people, we believe that all things both inanimate and alive hold a life force or energy. So, if your gut is nudging you to stay away, I…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Non-Native Allies, Spirituality

Am I ‘allowed’ to follow beading tutorials on YouTube if I want to learn? I am too shy to talk to people on the Reserve. My grandmother is ‘half’ which makes me barely Native, so I struggle with identity as it is.

Yes! Absolutely. As Indigenous people, we have a very long and devastating history that has stolen so much of our culture, languages, and identity. But there’s no need for that anymore. With brave people like yourself, we can reclaim our heritage and live the lives that our ancestors gave so…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

I’ve been arguing with my brother about this but my dna test said we where 36% indigenous Americas-Mexican and 28% spain am I still considered indigenous because he says we are just mexican

Identity and knowing who we are is one of the most important journeys we can walk. I applaud you for taking this path. With the information you’ve gathered from your DNA test, you’re off to a great start. Your next steps are going to take some digging. If you feel…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Hi auntie, My great great grandma was indigenous and my grandpa never found out much. I’ve felt “called” to know more. Am I allowed to follow the path? Or because she was my great great is that too far back to try and reconnect with heritage now?

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 for doing this. I am always…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

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
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