MORE FROM YOUR RELATIVES

What is your favorite song?

Thanks for writing in. For an all time favorite, probably ‘Follow Me’ by Uncle Kracker. I just remember hearing that song for the first time and it felt like everything clicked. This is why people like music, I get it now. My passion for music has only grown since then—…

Answered by Quinn Christopher

Topics: Life Tips

What does it mean to be gender-queer?

These days, more and more people are describing themselves as genderqueer, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming. These terms mean different things, but they all describe people whose gender identity is something other than woman or man. Read More

Answered by Guest Relative, Quinn Christopher

Topics: 2SLGBTQ

You have asked a powerful question. When a woman is on her “moon/period” there are a few protocols in place when it comes to ceremony.

A woman cannot make tobacco ties for ceremony. A woman cannot cook for ceremony. A woman cannot be around the ceremony. In Lakota belief a woman is very very powerful during her time. She is encouraged to pray from home. With her power magnified it is believed she has a…

Answered by Collins Fields, Guest Relative

Topics: Culture and Language

Do you have advice on how to cope or get through tough times?

We all have tough times in our lives and I think having some tools to help yourself along the way is really important. For me, making things always helps me work through challenges. This can be any type of creation, you could bead, carve, writing, photography, etc. For me singing…

Answered by Guest Relative, Quinn Christopher

Topics: Mental Health

Do you have advice on how to cope or get through tough times

Two things have been tremendously helpful in maintaining stability in my mental/emotional health and getting through hard times. First has been my relationship with Creator. I look for Creator everywhere, and I find it within everything, animals, people, growing things. My tribe’s creation stories teaches that creator is everything and…

Answered by Guest Relative, Jeremy Fields

Topics: Mental Health

I feel like I don’t belong in my tribe

As someone who supports urban natives and advocates for their well-being, I understand the complexity of your situation and the sense of disconnection you’re experiencing. It can be challenging to navigate one’s identity and sense of belonging, especially when cultural traditions and teachings have not been passed down within the…

Answered by Guest Relative, Sutton King

Topics: Identity

Will my dad disown me if he finds out I’m bi?

Will my dad disown me if he finds out I’m bi? He’s very homophobic and I’ve heard him say that being queer is a sickness. I know he loves me a lot even though I’m the problem child. Will I lose him if/when I come out? Thank you for writing…

Answered by Guest Relative, Quinn Christopher

Topics: 2SLGBTQ

What are some hygienic practices for genitalia, especially for those that live in rural areas with no running water?

Dear Tojan/Toska (Tow-Jhawn/Tow-Skah), This is a great question, and I applaud you for asking! If we are living in an area with little to no water access it’s important to understand how to take care of our bodies. I’ve reached out to my community of women to see if we…

Answered by Collins Fields, Guest Relative

Topics: Physical Health

What are the best resources for learning your native language?

Hello and good day, Befriending local speakers/elders is a great way to begin to learn as they can help you absorb the language in its spoken form. Common phrases, sentences, questions that can be used conversationally, keep the language useful and easily absorbed. Another good way to start is learning…

Answered by Guest Relative, Jeremy Fields

Topics: Culture and Language

How do I fully embrace my native identity without any of the essentials?

If you live in or around an indigenous community, rural or urban, wether it is your specific tribe or not, learn to contribute. We each have unique talents and gifts and these make us integral members of the community. Indigenous identity is in large part an expression of internal character.…

Answered by Guest Relative, Jeremy Fields

Topics: Identity

MORE FROM YOUR RELATIVES

What is your favorite song?

What does it mean to be gender-queer?

You have asked a powerful question. When a woman is on her “moon/period” there are a few protocols in place when it comes to ceremony.

Do you have advice on how to cope or get through tough times?

Do you have advice on how to cope or get through tough times

I feel like I don’t belong in my tribe

Will my dad disown me if he finds out I’m bi?

What are some hygienic practices for genitalia, especially for those that live in rural areas with no running water?

What are the best resources for learning your native language?

How do I fully embrace my native identity without any of the essentials?

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