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My momma is really homophobic, and I asked her once what she would do if I came out to her. She said she would kick me out and disown me. My dad is pretty homophobic too, and I’m really scared of the finding out on accident that I’m bisexual. Can you help me think of a plan if they do find out?

Before we talk about a plan, I want to send you a big virtual hug. I’m so sorry about hearing how your parents might react. This is such inexcusable and incredibly hurtful behavior coming from people who are supposed to have your back. Just know there are a lot of…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: 2SLGBTQ, Identity, Intolerance, Spirituality

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 I’m not Native but I want to start an ecovillage and I want to learn the ways natives have lived with nature. The farming, the building, the hunting, the cooking, everything lifestyle so I can live the best way possible

Hey there! There are some good writings on Traditional Ecological Knowledge, I particularly like the works of Raymond Pierotti and Daniel Wildcat, especially Red Alert!.. There is another Indigenous Devon Pena, who works around Indigenous food sovereignty. I would suggest you reach out respectfully to the Indigenous people in is…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

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

how do i get my tribal card from Seneca?

Hey there! Happy to help. Check out this link that has the contact info for the Seneca Enrollment Department: http://sctribe.com/service/enrollment-department/ You can also download the application from this site. Looks like you’ll need your birth certificate and SSN card, plus you’ll need to fill out a family record form, which…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity
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