Auntie’s wish for you going back to school…
Auntie’s wish for you going back to school… Read More
Answered by Auntie Manda
Is there protocol on how many ribbons you put on a ribbon skirt and how many?
Hey Rebecca! Ribbon skirts are all about celebrating our individuality yet symbolizes empowerment and is a universal symbol of resistance, land, and water protection and a symbol of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). I had to ask my friend who makes ribbon skirts about the protocol and…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Hi. I have a friend whose 4 yr old son is dealing with a rare tumour on his pituitary gland. Would it be appropriate to make him a star blanket as a symbol of healing and strength?
Dear Relative, I am so sorry to hear about your friend’s son, thank you for being a good relative and reaching out about him. I hope healing comes to him soon. Star quilts have a long and beautiful history, starting with buffalo robs, and are given to mark important life…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Language & Connection
Am I less connected if I don’t speak my language? Read More
Answered by Auntie Manda
Why are Native Americans offended by the use of school Mascots like “Indians” where it’s used as a symbol of pride, strength, good luck, and lifelong connection among alumni? No disrespect is, or was, ever intended. Some schools have had mascots like this for over 50 years and now there are efforts to destroy them and the memories and history they represent. Why?
Thanks for writing in! This is such a great and timely question. For me, it’s a matter of individual perspective. When we group people and say that all Native Americans are offended by mascots it is incorrect. When we see people as a group, it takes away from knowing that…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Hi! I’m trying to reconnect with my indigenous background, I know my grandfather is Mescalero Apache and Navajo, my grandfather and my great grandfather were disconnected from their culture so my mother doesn’t know much about it either. I want to ask my grandfather about our culture but he’s in his 80s now and suffers from dementia. Also I’ve only ever met him 2 times as far as I can remember. I just don’t want out heritage and ancestors to be lost, I’m trying to hold on and reconnect. Do you have any advice at what I can do?
Dear Darby, Thanks for reaching out! Identity and knowing who we are is one of the most important journeys we can walk. I encourage you to explore your identity. This is a great start. There are many ways you can do this, yet there is no right or wrong way…
Answered by Auntie Manda
I am 1/4th native American Indian how do I apply for tribal money?
Hey there. Well, there are a couple things to keep in mind. First thing, you’ll need to register with your tribe. Second thing, not all tribes and tribal members receive dividends or revenues. So if you haven’t already registered with your tribe you’ll need to do that. Just Google your…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Reconnecting with my Ancestral Roots
hello, My name is Jasmin and for the sake of a longer story i will just say that I am Latina. I am on a journey of reconnecting with my ancestral roots and, through no real evidence, I believe that those roots are, at least, partially indigenous. I am working…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Treated Like a Wannabe
Hello. My name is Rosi. My mom is not Native, but she’s Romanian and has dark hair, hazel eyes, and tan skin. So has her mom and grandmother. My father is Native (Oglala Lakota). I am very, very pasty white, with green eyes, and redish/blonde/light brown hair. I am very…
Answered by Auntie Manda
Hi I’m a Pit River Native. I got a roll number, how do I get my tribal money?
Dear Mikas, Thanks for reaching out! There are a couple things to keep in mind. Not all tribes and tribal members receive dividends or revenues. I encourage you to reach out to your tribe to ask them about potential dividends or revenues that tribal members might be eligible for. You…
Answered by Auntie Manda