How really native is your native world?

[chickendad]

How really native is your native world. I've read answers to the other simular threads. I've tried to start threads to get our ways talked about. I've asked where are the elders. So how really native is your native world? Is being native and living on a rez, going to and dancing in pow wows, talking about native subjects on line, and I've heard talk about the fakes and the need to stop them. Well, what are we going to do? We've seen other cultures fight and get attention. We have black history month, we have women in history month, and other simular months for everything but us. I have seen once a Native American history week. If we want to stop the fakes, have our children be a part of our culture and not wannabe's of someone else's, we must come forward to give our children and others the truth about us. Like I said in the other simular thread, people in search of a connection will listen to whomever is out there to give them what they want, the fakes. If our culture isn't seen, felt, and learned, our children will go to what looks cool. There isn't enough pow wows for the sharing to go around. We must find other means to put us back on the public map. We must share our knowledge within ourselves, even though we are of different tribes, because there is a universal sameness about our tribes. We must accept those of not full blood who wish to be included in the circle, because we are all of one people in reality. The Great Spirit loves all.

[hywalker]

actually, november is recognized as native american month. it just doesnt get any hype like black american month.

[Hwii Siziinii]

Here in Phoenix ,they have Native American Recognition Days (NARD) that run from early October to early November. There is a parade as well as pow wows, kids days, art shows, the Phoenix Suns have a 'Native American Night' at one of their games, and other scattered events. I've not been involved in any official capacity at any native event but I'm always at the majority of them and spread the word as much as possible. That's another thing I really like about this site is that it's another outlet for information. As soon as I find out the details (they have a website too), I'll post them here as well. NARD does help elevate the native profile here during that time. Every little bit helps...

[WhoMe]

Okay, I'll go first. I guess I can be the first "prototype" to see what is and isn't Native.


I am a proud "urban" Indian (meaning I like air conditioning in the summer and central heating in the winter).

I attend tribal ceremonies often (as opposed to "intertribal" powwows).

I also go to powwows when I can. I even support the smaller community ones.

When I dance, I wear shorts (My ancestors just wore a breech cloth).

I work at an 8 to 5 job. I pay taxes. I sometimes worry about bills.

I have a daily weekly routine which includes making it to work on time.

I eat tribal traditional foods (as opposed to Indian Tacos which I don't think are "really" traditional). Mixing white flour, lard and salt? Someone's idea of a joke? *L Just kidding I love good frybread.

I don't excersize like my ancestors. Heck I take my car to go two blocks, roll up the windows and crank up da' jams! (Disclaimer: I am on my second week of roadwork/running).

My parent's? Full bloods. But they were part of the relocation program and live in a nonIndian neighborhood.


So how Native is YOUR Native world???

[Blackbear]

Well when I wake up I'm tuscarora,
When I go to bed I'm tuscarora... LOL

I am always and never ending to learn all I can about our history and that includes learning of other nations in the same state we left because it all ties in with each other.

I work on my language skills daily.

I prefer traditional foods but I live with a bunch of spice and grease lovers so I don't get to eat it as much as I'd like... and I am addicted to cookies

I do traditional beadwork and clothing.

I go to and am a part of a group that does powwows, but that's not really traditional for my people... but it's fun. And I might not be from the native communities here but I get involved with them when I can .. it's the next best thing for me.

[little bird]

Here we go again!

[chickendad]

Okay, I'll go first. I guess I can be the first "prototype" to see what is and isn't Native.


I am a proud "urban" Indian (meaning I like air conditioning in the summer and central heating in the winter).

I attend tribal ceremonies often (as opposed to "intertribal" powwows).

I also go to powwows when I can. I even support the smaller community ones.

When I dance, I wear shorts (My ancestors just wore a breech cloth).

I work at an 8 to 5 job. I pay taxes. I sometimes worry about bills.

I have a daily weekly routine which includes making it to work on time.

I eat tribal traditional foods (as opposed to Indian Tacos which I don't think are "really" traditional). Mixing white flour, lard and salt? Someone's idea of a joke? *L Just kidding I love good frybread.

I don't excersize like my ancestors. Heck I take my car to go two blocks, roll up the windows and crank up da' jams! (Disclaimer: I am on my second week of roadwork/running).

My parent's? Full bloods. But they were part of the relocation program and live in a nonIndian neighborhood.


So how Native is YOUR Native world???

Not Native enough. I get up for work at 0430, but I try to say my prays and give a tabacco offering. I try to honor Mother Earth, the elders, and the spirits. I'm a mix blood, so pow wows and sites like this one is where I try to communicat with the people. To learn what I can from those who follow our traditions, to learn more traditions. On my motorcycle I travel to Cherokee, NC. So for me, I try to live as Native as I can.

[OLChemist]

I've heard a lot of talk about technology, economy, and material culture in these threads. But I think the essence of a Native tribal identity is far and away more subtle and enduring than those things.

First and foremost there is kinship. Culture is the vehicle by which humans order their interactions with one another. Within the stylized, ingrained behaviors we direct toward our relations (human and otherwise) is much of our "Nativeness." We enact our fundamental assumptions about proper moral behavior within this framework. What make us different from "them" -- whether the them is the guys from across the ocean or the folks across the river -- is the value we place in the others around us and the responsibilities we undertake for those we call kin (again, human and otherwise). How we act toward our children, mother-in-law, and siblings says more about our identity than what we eat for breakfast or do to pay the bills.

Then there is the language. Neurobiologists are finding language, both mode and structure, has a profound effect on brain function. Within language are also the basic metaphors of a culture that arise from shared myth and ethos.

Finally there are a series of other things that are fundamental to the underpinnings of a worldview: Assumptions about time -- cyclical or teleological. Understandings about the relationships between body and soul. Structural relationships between things in the natural world. So on....

Powwows, ceremonies, and art are some forums in which we ritualistically embody these intangibles. Sometimes in our rush to measure ourselves and others on the authenticity scale we place too much value on the forms and lose sight of the less flashy underpinnings.

[KeetersCAT]

[wannabeUrNo1Snag]

i for one am not in support of the so called "native american month"...our people ARE a part of this country's history, all of which could not possibly be put into a 31 day time frame...to try and "dedicate" a month and educate, in my opinion, is pitiful...
honestly...how educated are people now due to black history month??..i know i'm not...and in fact got sick of seeing commercials...i only saw those commercials on mtv and bet when i would flip thru them...
although, i do have to say i think mtv's approach towards cultural awareness is alright...anyone seen the commerical of the ndnz dancing??..someone mentioned they thought one of those dancers was wearing a wig...not too sure about that...