I'm half Cherokee (father) and half Irish (mother). That's a huge contrast.... my mother had extremely fair skin and firey red hair. Unfortunately, I got mostly mom's genes. I have light olive-toned skin (not as fair as hers), and light brown hair. I've been hassled for years by people whenever I say I'm Cherokee.
Ten years ago I was separated from my parents and my father soon passed away. We were always very involved in our heritage, but it took me ten years to be able to find my tribe and be reunited. My tribal membership had been (for lack of a better word,) suspended, b/c we hadn't been heard from. I've regained my membership and have recorded proof of my ancestry.
So here's the problem: I'm afraid than when I try to get back into the powwows, dancing, etc. of my people, that other Natives may not believe that I'm Cherokee b/c of my appearance and shun me. I feel my heritage in my heart and know it from my past, but I'm worried about this.
Any opinions, please? Do you think other tribal members will take me seriously and accept me, even though I don't look much Indian at all?
Ten years ago I was separated from my parents and my father soon passed away. We were always very involved in our heritage, but it took me ten years to be able to find my tribe and be reunited. My tribal membership had been (for lack of a better word,) suspended, b/c we hadn't been heard from. I've regained my membership and have recorded proof of my ancestry.
So here's the problem: I'm afraid than when I try to get back into the powwows, dancing, etc. of my people, that other Natives may not believe that I'm Cherokee b/c of my appearance and shun me. I feel my heritage in my heart and know it from my past, but I'm worried about this.
Any opinions, please? Do you think other tribal members will take me seriously and accept me, even though I don't look much Indian at all?
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