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Hi Auntie, Thank you. I am a non-Native person & been gifted white sage grown by a white friend. I’ve heard not to buy or use it. I want to honor these wishes. Should I stop using the plant I was gifted? Is there a way to give reparations for my use?

You may have heard folks talking about buying locally and environmentally friendly cultivated sage, especially by Indigenous folks. We certainly encourage this especially because most commercial white sage comes from California and with annual wildfires and drought this is not a sustainable practice. If, however, your friend has sourced his…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

How can I find my ancestors clan? I have her name but not her maiden name and I called the Mescalero Apache office. They said all parents have to be registered. My grandma is the only one who would qualify under blood quantum, and her mom is 1/2 MA.

Hi there! Well, there’s no time like the present to start uncovering more about where you come from.  It seems like talking to your grandma (if you haven’t already) would be a great place to start.By asking her simple questions like, “Can you tell me what names you mom used,…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Can I use the name “sk-nwalker” on a podcast where that creature is a villain in the book I’m covering? Or is that disrespectful and I should call it by another name?

You’re right in seeking guidance on using this taboo term. I appreciate you approaching this with caution. Being Zuni and living near Navajo people, we were taught to be weary of animals, especially near sunrise or sunset when witches were more likely to be out. Clearly you know this topic…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Activism, Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Hi auntie, I was gifted a Native American headdress from my cousin who was adopted out of a Native American tribe. Is it ok for me to keep it?

By asking the question, it seems like you may have some reservations about having it being in your possession. Headdress’ are considered sacred items and have to be earned in order to be worn. We know that there has been great and damaging misrepresentation of the headdress by Hollywood and…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Education, Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

Hi Auntie. A family member recently went to Wyoming and took a picture of a sign named "Vision Quest Motel". My family is in an argument about whether the sign is racist or not. I don’t know what to think. Is it racist?

This is a great question and I appreciate you asking it. It shows that you respect and appreciate Native culture. Being from the Southwest (Zuni Pueblo, NM), I often saw Native designs displayed in various ways by Native and non-Native people. As we move forward as a society, we are…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Activism, Education, Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies
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