Any Native Americans out there?

[holiday]

My great grandmother was cherokee. And for some reason now, I have been very interested in reading anything I can on Native Americans. It feels natural to me. I live in an area where there was lots of different Indian tribes. I don't know if this quest for knowledge has a reason or if it's just curiosity?

Are there any Native Americans here, or anyone from Native American descent that have adapted Native American culture into their lives?

[pema]

hay holiday,
my third great grandmother was married to an indian chief of the chippawa tribe. i totally feel it strongly sometimes but then my fathers side is mostly german. i enjoyed researching the history more than anything. it feels good to know the differant family paths.
are you from the midwest?
unfortunatly a lot of the practices have been washed out and is just another label.
i have met some hardcore devoties who blew my mind though. :tichel:
much love on your journey
pema

[Elbereth]

Hello lady! I am 1/2 Olgala Lakota (Sioux), derived from my father. While I have never lived on a rez, I do frequently attend powwows here in AZ. When we move to the NW, I hope to continue doing so. The benefit is that I have several paternal aunts out there who work for IHS.

My grandmother was taken from her family and "educated" when she was 8. This was standard practice in the first half of the cerntury. Kids were taken to boarding schools to learn how to act less indian. She didn't see her mom again until she was 20.

My DH grew up in the four corners area, and had many friends who were Navajo. So, he feels very comfortable mixing with my family, and in the powwow situation.

I don't look terribly native, unless my hair is long. I just look like a brunette.

I am also not active in the culture, other than powwows, simply beacuse I am very far from my rez (S. Dakota). However, I am quite proud of my descent and intend to raise my kids with some understanding of where we come from. All of my children have moccasins and barrettes made by my uncles just for them, with traditional symbols.

What you can do is contact the Cherokee nation, and see what you can learn from them. Go to a powwow, and see if you can meet some Cherokee. There are usually many nations represented at powwows all over the country. Go to one if you can. :)

I understand what you mean about it feeling natural. I'll tell ya, when my DH and I step into a circle dance at a powwow, it's like coming home.

here's a link for you
http://www.cherokee.org/

[TheJoyfulMom]

My husband is Assiniboune. We are are trying to raise our children to know their heritage. :)

Study up but be careful. There is more MISinformation than truth out there.

[holiday]

thanks guys. I was sure hoping I wouldn't be laughed at...lol. I sure don't look Native American at all. My dad does, although most people think he is mexican. BUT I just can't help being pulled into learning what I can and it feeling so normal and natural. From what I have read it seems that most Indian tribes are very accepting of individuals whether you are full-blooded or it's just in your ancestory.

[Little Bear's Mama]

Hi mamas! There is a tribal thread that gets pretty good traffic. There are quite a few Native mamas here. :) Here's a link to the thread.
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=63036&page=1&pp=20