Q: How can I connect to my culture when I live in the city?
Thanks for writing in!
I would recommend that you go to as many events as you can! Find friends in your community who are also Native, who are may be your age or maybe a little bit older who can offer you some mentorship and some guidance if you need it, or just friendship.
I want you to know that you are alone! Many of your relatives also experience feeling disconnected from their culture when they’re in the city. Don’t think that you’re alone. You are not. We’re here.
I’ll share something funny. Someone asked me recently, ‘Where are the Natives?!? I don’t see any natives around here!’ I told them…”that’s because we’re everywhere!” You know, we’re at the doctor’s office. We’re at IHS. We’re in the city, at grocery stores, restaurants, clinics, Starbucks. We’re everywhere! And, most importantly, we are here for you.
So, come be here for us. Come join your community.
Take care,
Nishgit Nay
Grandma Nay – Renée Roman Nose
