Staying Up to Date on COVID
Hey Auntie, I’m trying to stay up to date on all this COVID stuff, but I feel like I’m getting mixed messages. What do I need to know and what should I be doing? Read More
How do I live a life of continual dysfunction? – Sincerely a Anishinabekwe Living on a Reservation
Dear Relative, Huge kudos to you for reaching out. I understand that sometimes it is really hard to ask about resources for help. We are living in an unprecedented time, there is a lot of stress that we are all dealing with right now. There are many ways we navigate…
How do you celebrate July 4th?
Hi there! This is a good question! I first want to say that it’s okay to celebrate any US holiday however you choose to. It’s also okay if you want to boycott or redefine the holiday by reflecting on how the holiday might look through an Indigenous lens. For example,…
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
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…
Is “Thunderbird” Cultural Appropriation?
Hello! I work for a company that has a project they have titled “Thunderbird.” We are not at all a Native-owned or operated company. I am worried that this is culturally appropriative. Is it? Read More
How to begin to trace what tribe(s) I belong to??? Recently did a genetic test I’m 44% native American I want to know where I belong.
Hey there, Thank you for your question. I am always glad to hear when someone wants to connect to their culture. The issues around DNA testing are complicated and controversial. The short answer is that there is no DNA test to prove ties to a specific tribe. First off what…
I just did my ancestry dna and found out I’m 44% Native American. I was adopted into a family at the age of four. I was always told I was native but I never had proof until last year. How do I see if I qualify for funds?
Hey there, Thank you for your question. I am always glad to hear when someone wants to connect to their culture. The issues around DNA testing are complicated and controversial. The short answer is that there is no DNA test to prove ties to a specific tribe. First off what…
Is It Okay to Purchase a Navajo Style Rug from Outside the Tribe?
Hi Auntie, I’m drawn to Navajo style rugs and blankets. I love the symbolism like the diamond, which I understand may represent the four corners of the Dinetah. Is it okay to purchase a design like this from a non-tribal person? Read More
I got a birth control implant 2 days ago… I feel like it was placed in the wrong area. Should i be worried? Is it still going to work?
Hi there! Thanks for writing in Let’s go over some basic facts about implants. What is it?The implant is a flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick, which has a progestin hormone. How does it work to prevent pregnancy? It is placed under the skin of the woman’s…