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Hi Auntie, I’m drawn to Navajo style rugs and blankets. I love the symbolism like the diamond, which I understand may represent the four corners of the Dinetah. Is it okay to purchase a design like this from a non-tribesperson?

Hey there, By asking this question I can see that you have some concerns. Listen to your gut…and let’s talk it through. In general, I recommend that people buy Native art from Native artists. There are so many talented Indigenous artists out there to support! Native art done by non-Native…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

My baby is Native. I’m white & her father’s only 1/16 Chickasaw, looks white & has not been raised up in his culture at all. l want her to be connected to her heritage while being sensitive to people who are full Native.

Dear Anna, You’re a good mom. Identity and knowing who we are is one of the most important journeys we can walk. I encourage you to help your daughter explore her identity. This is a great start. There are many ways you can do this together, yet there is no…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Hi! I have a friend who has learned beadwork from an elder in our community. She has started selling her own work, and while it’s not all indigenous designs and symbols, she’s making a profit off of it all. She’s 100% white. Should I call her out?

Hi Emma! By asking this question I can see that you have some concerns. Listen to your gut…and let’s talk it through. From a design standpoint, Indigenous designs are the bomb. However, what is missing when non-Natives replicate traditional designs is that they are likely to not be taught in…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Activism, Education, Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

Hi! I am a white woman who supports organizations like NWW. I love the beauty and significance of ribbon skirts to indigenous women. As a white woman, would it be appropriation if I purchased and wore one?

Dear Amber, Thank you for posing this question. This is a tough question to answer directly and needs a nuanced understanding, as many people have different thoughts and beliefs about what is appropriation vs appreciation of Native culture. What is cultural appropriation? Cultural appropriation is the adoption or theft of…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

In Maine, many native children were taken and placed in non-native families up until the 1970s. I believe my late grandmother was one of these children, but I don’t know if these records were kept. How can we reconnect when there was so much displacement?

Yes, our history of being colonized has left a dark cloud over our identities and familial ties, but the good news is that there is a large community of folks with similar stories who have got your back. I applaud you for beginning your journey of discovering more about who…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

Is it ok to create the art work of another tribe? As a kid I was taught Haida art by a Haida artist and I would like to explore it more now. I am part Cree but did not grow up with the culture as my father was put into foster care during the 60’s scoop.

I’m glad you asked this question, Auntie and Uncle asked me as a Diné artist to respond to your question. Please continue to take these precautions and ask these questions, as an artist interested in another culture’s traditional art work. Good to hear that you have respect for other Native…
Answered by Cousin Corey
Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

Hi, Auntie. As an undocumented Native (Cherokee/Osage/Senca) married to Choctaw Native, what clothing is acceptable to wear? My daughters wear Choctaw diamonds and ribbon skirts.

Hi there and thanks for writing in! There are all types of identities: personal, group, cultural, racial, ethnic identity… and the list goes on. The really great thing about identity, is that ultimately you get to decide how you want to see yourself. If you have a strong connection to…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Is it offensive to Native American culture for a white person to make items that are traditonally Native American? Such as beading work or dream catchers etc. that follow traditonal type practices and but are not for finacial gain?

Thank you for posing this question. This a tough question to answer directly and needs a nuanced understanding, as many people have different thoughts and beliefs about what is appropriation vs appreciation of Native culture. What is cultural appropriation? Cultural appropriation is the adoption or theft of icons, rituals, aesthetic…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

Hi Auntie! How do I accept that I’m not Native? I was to told we were Native on my dads side but I don’t know the tribe and It’s just a drop in me. Native culture played a big role in my life but I don’t want to be a wannabe it’s sad for me to let it go.

Thanks for writing in! There are all types of identity: personal, group, cultural, racial, ethnic identity…and the list goes on. The really great thing about identity, is that ultimately you get to decide how you want to see yourself. If you have a strong connection to Native traditions; integrate that…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies
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