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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

Hey Auntie, Why is it so hard for me to find love as a teen? i dance, sew, bead and go ceremony but still fail to find a high school sweetheart or companion of any sort.

Hey there! Thanks for writing in. One of the hardest things for me to learn when I was younger was patience and trust. These are still lessons I’m constantly challenged with today. What I have learned is that my ancestors roll hard. I know they have my back and are…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Relationships

Hi Auntie, I was put in foster care when I was two. I just found out that my mother and grandfather are apache, but I’m not sure how much my mother’s percentage is, and I don’t know what tribe!! How do I found out what tribe? He came from TX?!

I believe this is an important question. Finding where you come from and helping establish your identity are all necessary in life. Knowing why and what things are in place to protect your cultural knowledge is important as well. ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) exists to protect the best interest…
Answered by Uncle Paige
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

I want to get my children who are registered with a tribe to become a dancer. I know the recommendation is to get a mentor first. How and where can I find a mentor?

Great question. I would start with your tribe, or your children’s tribe. If you know of any dancers there, reach out to them either through social media or mutual friends. If you don’t live on, or near your tribe’s reservation, then look for Native organizations in your city or near…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Why do they call us Indian?

I like this question a lot. It’s not a question about how we got our name, everyone knows the failed discovery of Columbus. But the Why, to me that’s the most important question to ask. Knowing their why can help strengthen who you are. I want to preface this by…
Answered by Uncle Paige
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

i adopted my daughter who is native american, she is such a blessing, and she is registered with the rosebud lakota tribe, we live in georgia, i just wanted to know if they offer her health ins?

Dear Erin, You are such a great mom! A great place to start is the Indian Health Service (IHS), which is the health care system for federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Natives in the United States. IHS provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 2.2 million American…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Physical Health, Sexual Health

Hello Auntie! I’m Nehiyawak and a member of the Cold Lake band of First Nations. The twist in my story is that my father is dead and my uncles are totally disconnected from our Cree heritage. My grandma still lives on the Rez in Alberta (the rest of us are American), but she has severe dementia. Therefore, I make my own regalia and am learning to dance on my own. I want a feather, and cannot get one from a repository because I’m First Nations, not Federally Recognized. What now! My friends and mentors are all Salish and Blackfeet and they also know nothing about Cree-specific tradition.

Hey there! Thanks for writing in. First, go you! I love how you are taking things into your own hands and reclaiming your culture. Gosh, this is tricky. My first thought goes to asking your Uncles if they know anyone from your Cree side who might help. Secondly, have you…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity
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