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How do I tell people I am as Native American as American?

Auntie, how do I tell people I am as Native American as American, without being called a person who “doesn’t appreciate the ‘American’ lifestyle?” Check out this video for Auntie Amanda’s response.

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

How would you represent yourself as a Native American to someone who thinks all Native Americans are the same?

How would you (me) represent yourself (myself) as a Pueblo Native American to someone who thinks all Native Americans are the same based on movie stereotypes?

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Intolerance

I don’t look Native and I get a lot of teasing for it. How do I convince people I’m Native?

Anna, you are not alone. I know many young people who don’t feel “Native enough” and who are made to feel less because they are bi-racial, lighter skinned, don’t speak their tribal language, or because they didn’t grow up on their rez. We are battling among ourselves when we judge…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Mental Health, Spirituality

I live in California, and am considering a move to Oklahoma…Am I just hoping for the best or is it a real possibility?

I live in California, and am considering, seriously, a move to be with extended family in Oklahoma. So many considerations… I’ve never lived there, but have visited many times. Am I just hoping for the best, or is it a real possibility? No matter what age you are, making any…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Life Tips

I want to learn more about my community and history, where do I even begin?

I was raised away from all traditions and my family did not have their name on the Rolls. I know who and what I am, but I want to learn about my community and history. I want to be a part of the community. Where do I even begin? Should…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

I’m a Transgender powwow dancer. I want to talk to my grandma about wearing regalia…How can I handle this?

I’m a Transgender powwow dancer. I want to talk to my grandma about wearing regalia that fits my identity, but I don’t want to disgrace my tribe, or my family. How can I handle this? Thank you for writing in. This was a tough question that I have been playing…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: 2SLGBTQ, Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

I’ve been trying to become Traditional for a few months, but it is hard.

I’ve been trying to become Traditional for a few months, but it is hard because part of my family follows Christianity. I don’t want to disappoint my family. Hi Liz, I think it’s pretty wonderful that you are seeking help and guidance for this question and I hope that you…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

I’ve heard about self-determination. Do you know how it applies to me or my tribe?

Dear Auntie, I’ve heard my teachers and tribal council members talk about “self-determination,” but I’m not really sure what it means. Do you know how it applies to me or my tribe? Great question! So essentially this means a federally recognized tribe has the right to decide on and take…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Activism, Culture and Language, Identity

My kids are "part Cherokee" but I’m scared to take them to meet Native youth groups.

Dear Auntie, Here’s a different kind of question for you. I’m a mom. I got a DNA test for my kids that shows they are “part Cherokee,” but I’m scared to take them to meet any Native youth groups. Why? I feel like it should be ok for them to…

Answered by Auntie Manda

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

So I’m labeled as a Mexican. Are Mexicans considered Native Americans?

So I’m labeled as a Mexican. Are Mexicans considered Native Americans? Love this question…because my grandma (hota) always says, “We’re all the same people.” I think what it comes down to is that every ethnic population is diverse and at some level is interrelated. This applies to different tribal groups…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

How do I tell people I am as Native American as American?

How would you represent yourself as a Native American to someone who thinks all Native Americans are the same?

I don’t look Native and I get a lot of teasing for it. How do I convince people I’m Native?

I live in California, and am considering a move to Oklahoma…Am I just hoping for the best or is it a real possibility?

I want to learn more about my community and history, where do I even begin?

I’m a Transgender powwow dancer. I want to talk to my grandma about wearing regalia…How can I handle this?

I’ve been trying to become Traditional for a few months, but it is hard.

I’ve heard about self-determination. Do you know how it applies to me or my tribe?

My kids are "part Cherokee" but I’m scared to take them to meet Native youth groups.

So I’m labeled as a Mexican. Are Mexicans considered Native Americans?

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