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I had a vivid dream where I was told my native name. This young woman I’ve seen more than once, unsure if she is my ancestor or my spirit guide, announced or gave it to me. I’m proud of my name but am curious if it’s okay to use my native name publicly?

Hi Merrick! Dreams are such a fascinating story to tap into. I too have incredibly vivid and detailed dreams. Often, I can feel, smell, and make decisions within them. They used to scare me because some of them were pretty intense. If you have an elder to talk to, start…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Mental Health, Spirituality

Hello! I feel kind of embarrassed by some “full” natives saying things like “you’re not actually native if you’re half native” and things like that. My mother is native, my dad is white. What do I say or how should I feel when people say things like that?

Dear Angelique, You’re not alone in feeling this way. I have people write to me all the time about not feeling “Native enough”. Being half-Zuni, I have felt this myself. What I can tell you, is that you are enough… of everything. Many people of different backgrounds share this experience.…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

I looked and tried to find an answer to this but I was interested on a native americans perspective. I absolutely love "southwestern" rug patterns and was hoping to buy one but cannot afford to buy one from a trading post

Dear Haley, Thank you for your question. There is so much beautiful artwork made by different Native communities. 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…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

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

Are all Native Americans getting stimulus checks?

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law in March included an economic impact payment to every American with a Social Security number. Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Topics: Identity, Intolerance
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