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Could spirits be trying to tell me something? I’m not Native American as far as I know, but things keep happening so often that I can’t ignore it anymore!

Dear Cody, Thanks for writing in. 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 lifeforce or energy, especially the land we occupy. Many people, including myself…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies, Spirituality

My father is full native(secwepemc and cherokee) my mother is full white (german) i was born very light skinned. I do not look native even tho i am status indian and live on reserve. Is it disrespectful if i learnt to dance jingle i feel wrong even asking

You’ll find dancers have extensive Indigenous backgrounds. The first thing I would do is encourage you to get a mentor. This person can help guide you through all the things you’ll need to know about jingle dancing. They can coach you on dancing with the traditions of style, meaning, and…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

I’m about 4’11-5ft tall i’ve been trying to lose weight for a long time i weigh about 180-220 I’ve done sports all my life yet still the weight won’t come off I’m only 13 will i grow into it?

This is a very important question. You cannot get the full picture of your health by looking at weight or a single point on a growth chart. Children’s bodies change as they grow, throughout childhood and you may experience “growth spurt” (periods of fast growth). What is important right now…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Identity, Physical Health

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

Ever since the birth of my first grandchild, I have been more drawn to my native American side. I am Cree my grandbaby is enrolled Cherokee, would it be wrong for me to make her a ribbon dress when her Daddy’s family disowned them after his father’s death

Over the last few years, after events at Standing Rock, the Ribbon Skirt has been making the rounds on Turtle Island. Ribbon skirts are a symbol of resilience, sacredness and survival and is not bound to one specific tribe, but influences by the Plains Tribes. Water protectors at Standing Rock…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality
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