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Is there a thing called the shining time in Native American culture?

Hi there and thanks for writing in! Growing up I had never heard of the ‘shining time’ of Native culture. I also couldn’t find anything online. If I were to make a guess, I could make a couple assumptions. I might guess this term (The shining time of Native Americans)…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Spirituality

Hi Auntie! I’m reconnecting to my mi’gmaq roots, but worry I may not be Native enough!

Hi Auntie! I’m reconnecting to my mi’gmaq roots, but worry I may not be Native enough to do so. I don’t actually know when the last “full blood” ancestor I had was, but I’d guess traditions stopped being passed down about 3-4 generations ago. Read More

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Blood Quantum Test

Hello Auntie, I recently found out I am a little over 50% Yaqui from Sonora and Apache from Southwestern Arizona through a DNA test. I know my great grandmother was full blood Yaqui, however we have no birth records. How would I take a blood quantum test? Read More

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Who is Ray Natrall?

Ray Natraoro Natrall is a Northwest Coast Salish artist. He produces masterful wood carvings learning the art form from his late uncle who carved canoes. Ray has been creating work since roughly 1994 and had several successful art mentors guiding his way. His work embodies different styles of wood carvings…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

What is the history of the Fancy Shawl Dance? Did it originate in the Northern plains states in the 1930s?

First, I would like to say that powwow in itself is Intertribally influenced by many Tribes as certain styles and dances vary by region. There are multiple stories when it comes to how certain styles or parts of powwow originated and developed. That is one of the many beautiful things…

Answered by Auntie Rosa, Guest Relative

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

I’m in foster care and I’m a Native, but I want to tap into my Native side and was wondering how would I be able to do so?

Thank you for writing this question in. I would encourage you to begin by looking inward. What does being native look like to you? When you say “tap into my native side” what does that mean, and what do you imagine when you say that? I believe these questions are…

Answered by Uncle Paige

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Hi! I have some First Nations ancestry – I’m not sure how much, but it’s farther back than my grandmother. I would like to know this: Is there some sort of tattoo or something that I could get to honor my ancestors without being culturally insensitive?

I am always glad to hear when people want to explore their Indigenous identity and heritage. Indigenous cultures are diverse and beautiful. But this exploration should be conducted with respect to our ancestors, past, present and future. To begin, it is important to understand who Indigenous peoples are. Across North…

Answered by Uncle Paige

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

Hey Auntie! How do I explain the r-word to my friends?

Hey Auntie! My non-Native friends don’t see why it’s such a big deal that the R-word name has been banned. How do I explain this? Read More

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Hi Auntie, I want to wear to keep the traditions of my family alive, but I was told I was too white!

Hi Auntie, my grandma’s family is Choctaw and honoring ancestors is important to us. I want to wear their regalia to keep the traditions of my family alive. However, I was told because I’m White and too removed, that I can’t. What are your thoughts? Read More

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

I just found out both Great grandmother’s were Native. Since I am crossed with 2 tribes which roll number should I turn into BIA?

Hi there! Great! What an amazing gift that your family had some information on what tribes you’re from. Keep asking questions, especially from the elders and I’m sure you’ll find some helpful information. It is super common for people to be from multiple tribes, so you are in good company…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Culture and Language, Identity

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

Is there a thing called the shining time in Native American culture?

Hi Auntie! I’m reconnecting to my mi’gmaq roots, but worry I may not be Native enough!

Blood Quantum Test

Who is Ray Natrall?

What is the history of the Fancy Shawl Dance? Did it originate in the Northern plains states in the 1930s?

I’m in foster care and I’m a Native, but I want to tap into my Native side and was wondering how would I be able to do so?

Hi! I have some First Nations ancestry – I’m not sure how much, but it’s farther back than my grandmother. I would like to know this: Is there some sort of tattoo or something that I could get to honor my ancestors without being culturally insensitive?

Hey Auntie! How do I explain the r-word to my friends?

Hi Auntie, I want to wear to keep the traditions of my family alive, but I was told I was too white!

I just found out both Great grandmother’s were Native. Since I am crossed with 2 tribes which roll number should I turn into BIA?

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