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why do people say native americans took the land from the british when its the oppsite way around?

Hey there! Thanks for writing in. It sounds like this might be a small circle of folks that you’re around. This isn’t a general opinion that I have ever heard and I asked around a bit. What it sounds like, is perhaps there might be a couple folks you’re around…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

What should I say when non-natives ask if I speak my language? I feel insulted because it’s their fault we don’t know our languages and I feel mocked.

I get the frustration. Sit in it, spend some time there and look around. So that when you’re done with it, you can be ready to move on and you’re not dragged back into that space in the future because you’ve made peace with it. I also think you already…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Activism, Identity, Intolerance, Non-Native Allies

Should I Go to School to Help Tribes?

Hi Auntie Amanda, I was reading about suicide rates in the United States and American Indians were the highest in rates. As a non-Tribal person, would it be acceptable for me to pursue a degree in psychology to help tribes? Read More

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Mental Health, Non-Native Allies

What forms of payment does this organization accept? Does the organization identify as faith-based?

Hey there! Thanks for writing in! We are a non-profit and can take donations. If you’re interested in making a donation, checks can be made out to: Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (c/o We R Native) 2121 SW Broadway, Suite 300 Portland, OR 97212 Web: http://www.npaihb.org We operate in…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Life Tips, Non-Native Allies

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

Is making and selling corn husk dolls cultural misrepresentation?

Thank you for posing this question. This 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, especially when it comes to the creation of cultural items without the traditional passage of…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Is “Find Your Tribe” Offensive?

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? Read More

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

Hi Auntie! I’ve been wanting to get involved with showing my support for BLM and protest, but I don’t know how to get started. And my cousins on the rez want to support too, but can’t get to any protests. What should we do?

[Auntie Manda] These are really great questions. I think it’s so great that you are interested in joining the movement on the streets! It is so important for Native youth to support our Black relatives who are fighting for liberation and an end to police brutality! The fight for Indigenous…

Answered by Auntie Manda

Topics: Activism, Education, Identity, Non-Native Allies

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?

Hey there, There’s a lot of back and forth on this one, with a lot of different emotions ranging from ‘what’s the big deal’ to ‘this is a fundamental value’. I have been asked this question before and my response was; what happens when you dress up like someone from…

Answered by Auntie Manda

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

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?

Hi Relative, It is so wonderful that you want to honor your ancestors through your regalia and traditions! This is so important. I’m sorry that people have said some things to discourage you from participating in these important cultural traditions. The great and challenging thing is, that you’re the only…

Answered by Auntie Manda

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

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

why do people say native americans took the land from the british when its the oppsite way around?

What should I say when non-natives ask if I speak my language? I feel insulted because it’s their fault we don’t know our languages and I feel mocked.

Should I Go to School to Help Tribes?

What forms of payment does this organization accept? Does the organization identify as faith-based?

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?

Is making and selling corn husk dolls cultural misrepresentation?

Is “Find Your Tribe” Offensive?

Hi Auntie! I’ve been wanting to get involved with showing my support for BLM and protest, but I don’t know how to get started. And my cousins on the rez want to support too, but can’t get to any protests. What should we do?

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?

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?

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