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Dear Auntie, what are you grateful for this year?

I love this question! In reflecting back on this crazy year, one thing that stuck with me was when we first started hearing and preparing for COVID, I, probably alongside most of the world, was looking at the world infection maps. Maps that showed varying sizes of red dots indicating…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: 2SLGBTQ, Activism, Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Intolerance, Life Tips, Mental Health, Non-Native Allies, Physical Health, Relationships, Sexual Health, Spirituality

Hi Auntie! I’m pretty fair skinned compared to a lot of my family and it has always made me feel insecure in my identity. I’ve been called “white girl” or when I say I’m Indigenous I’m asked to “prove it.” How do I gain confidence in my identity as a Native?

Hi there, Thanks for reaching out! I answered a question similar to yours recently. Check it out and let me know if you need any more help: www.wernative.org/ask-auntie-questions/get-over-my-light-skin? Best of luck on your journey, Auntie Manda
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Hello Auntie, I’ve finally found what people I come from (Purépecha of Mexico)! But, I don’t know how to connect with my culture when it’s so hard to find info? I’ve tried looking online to learn but it gets dicouraging bc there’s not a lot available.

Dear Relative, Thanks for reaching out! 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. I am always glad to hear when people want to explore their Indigenous identity and heritage.…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Hi! I’m a biracial child (African American & Irish) that was inspired by a past teacher to learn about fancy shawl dancers. I’m an aspiring artist as well, I love drawing the shawls that I’ve seen in past powwows. Is that okay for me to do being non-native?

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: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

I made a painting of an Indian maiden and wanted to know if it is acceptable to the Native American culture and that it does not offend anyone. I have a friend who lived on a res and said it was okay, but I want to be sure. It is based off of Arizona.

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, Identity, Spirituality

How do I find out if I got a grant?

Hi there, Thanks for reaching out! First, great job applying for a grant! Applications can be daunting so give yourself a pat on the back. Whether you applied for a grant to help with college expenses, a mini-grant to do a community project, or a grant for your job, good…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Identity, Life Tips

A teen recently told me that using the phrase “find your tribe” or using the word “tribe” is offensive to Native Americans. I wanted to ask a reliable source if this is true or is simply an opinion. What are your thoughts?

Hi there, Thanks for reaching out. It’s wonderful that you’re looking for more information. As we move forward as a society, we are starting conversations with great talking points like the ones that were brought up to you. What was once okay, or seen as normal can shift as we…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies
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