Native American Mamas tribe

[Little Bear's Mama]

Any other Native American Mamas out there? Post here!:D

[~member~]

Hello Little Bear's Mama! I am Lakota and Anishinaabe. No longer on the rez. Going to college to become a doctor. Somedays I feel so out of place...some days I am on top of the world and feel so proud of myself. For not only have I survived but am trying to thrive. I want my children to be safe. Did you ever realize that our ppl have only suffered oppression for less than 400 yrs? Think of all the other ppl's who have endured thousands of years! So little time, I feel like I could make this a better world for my children, kwim? I want to make it possible for our people to be able to practice our healing ceremonies without fear of being arrested and thrown in jail.

Well, I'll check in again soon! Time for baby...

[abimommy]

I am Leni Lenape (Delaware) from my father's side and Lakota from my mother's :)

:wave

400 years of oppression from who? We did oppress each other a bit. :eek

[Little Bear's Mama]

Hi! How exciting to meet you!
Mamaintheboonies,it is wonderful to hear you are going to college to be a doctor! I can imagine why you sometimes feel out of place,but it is great that you are strong and you preservere. Your family must be so proud!
Hiya,abbimommy!:D

As for myself,I am Creek and my dh is Southern Cheyenne/Winnebago. He is originally from OK and we usually travel there for ceremonies in the summer.:) I'm a SAHM. Our ds is 4(he'll be be 5 soon :)). I am hoping to homeschool his kindergarten.

The thing I find the hardest,is exposing to my ds to his culture where there is a cultural void. I mean,he is exposed to pow wow culture(my dh sings),but I wonder about him understanding where he comes from when we are so far from everyone. Do either of you feel that way?

And thanks for replying to this thread. This is gonna be fun!:D

[Apricot]

I'm not a mama, yet, but I will be someday. My dad was Choctaw and Cherokee. I am saddened sometimes to know that my kids won't be indian. So Little Bear's Mama, I don't have an answer for you. If you don't mind, I'll just go back to lurking here?

[~member~]

abimommy - I was refering to ppl always talking about how the 'White Man' has been oppressing our ppl for 500 yrs. Columbus may have landed on Plymouth Rock 500 yrs ago, but that doesn't mean that settlers were all over America. It has really only been the last 300 yrs, if that.

Little Bear's Mama - I still speak both my languages and speak them to my children. I am very tradional, ie- pipe carrier, I am the person who names the children, healing ceremonies, etc. I also sing. I do know what you mean, tho, about being away from it all. I had to hide all my ceremonial stuff because of ppl's b.s. Long story short, I was being racially harrassed and was and still am in fear of them calling the police. It is sad that my children see this. I want to be able for us to live in peace and without fear.
My 7 yr old dd struggles with knowing who she is, but that is because of all the stereotyping out there. The kids at school make fun of her skin color and her hair. The teacher told her that 'You get to go to school for free because you are an indian.' :eek My dd was really confused by that statement. The teacher also told the other kids that the reason my dd always has nice clothes and new toys is because all indians get casino money. Arghhhhh!!!:bang

So, lots of discussions and talk and dealing with hurt feelings. I really wish I had never sent her to school, kwim? I won't even go into the crap around Thanksgiving. needless to say my dd was volunteered to be the indian. :angry

Okay, no more ranting lol! Our children will do just fine. If we talk to them and tell them the stories, they will know who they are. I have always taught my children they are human beings worthy of being loved before teaching them anything else, kwim? I just figure that is what we all are first and foremost.

[Little Bear's Mama]

I understand what you mean my dh is a ceremonial person,too.:) He has that to show our ds and I am glad of it. My has an Uncle and cousins that leave in a nearby state and they come to visit regularly,which is helpful.
How wonderful to hear that you are passing your ways on to your children.:)
My dh is fluent in his language and neither am I. Quite sad,really. Luckily,my dh Uncle works with the Johnson O'Malley(sp?) folks for his community and are teaching the Cheyenne language to the kids in head start. So,I will be able to get the materials to begin teaching my ds his language(or one of them;)) at home.
It is SO sad to hear you had to hide your ceremonial objects.:jaw
I'm sorry you are being harrassed. Please stay safe.
May I ask where you're located? Are you far from home?(feel free to pm me).
I'm sorry your daughter is facing the stereotyping. I,too,have heard the "free school" comments along with the whole free healthcare,no taxes,B.S. If people only knew.:D It amazes me the kind of misinformation that is out there. This is one reason I plan to homeschool my ds kindergarten.

[~member~]

I'm about three hours drive from home, so not too bad.
I am so happy to hear you will be able to homeschool! I so wished I could! Being a full time student myself leaves no time for anything. I barely get supper made and then it's time for bed. At least my children see me reading all the time, so they are all into reading lol!
When I was younger I was fortunate that I got to go to school that was all ojibwe's and they taught class in ojibwe. I didn't have to speak english until third grade, when my mom moved to the cities. But, even then, it was mostly Native children. So, I have very little knowledge of what my dd is going through, kwim? I just try to be supportive of who she is and wants to be.
Does your son dance? My ds is a grassdancer, my dd is jingle dress but wants to start fancy shawl this year. We'll see how it goes lol! I found my shawl from when I was her age, but she doesn't have a dress yet. I'll have to make a visit to my aunty's lol! I never did learn how to sew!:o
I do beadwork, and can make moccasins and shawls, but the dresses and everything else...:confused:
I DO have a sewing machine tho!!!:D just don't know how to use it...:p

[Little Bear's Mama]

LOL!!! I'm not a very good seamstress,either. I can sew better by hand than by machine! I like to make dance shawls,that is my thing. I'm not very good at beadwork or leatherwork. Glad to hear that you are!
My ds does not dance. He had a slammin' grass dance outfit,but he didn't like to wear it(mind you this was 2 years ago) he was really liked the bells,though.:p Last time I put it on him,he said "Mama I don't want to dance". I said "why not?" he said "I sing". So there you go! He enjoys singing with his daddy,and that is good enough for me! Glad to hear your children are dancing.:) I wish your dd lots of luck with fancy shawl.
I'm glad to hear you have instilled a love of reading in your children. I have tried to do so in my ds. Story time is one of his favorite things!

[plum]

Hi. My mom is Lakota and Hidatsa and my dad is Mandan. My husband is white and we live about an hour from my reservation. I'm excited to see this thread. I didn't expect to see Indian women on this site.

Umm, not sure what else to say. I'm due in September, but I would like to start school again in January. I would also like to be a doctor.

It's interesting that you mentioned dresses and dancing, because I'm going to start making one. I am not very good at sewing, but I got a sewing maching as a wedding present and lately I've felt like making things. I'm thinking I might be having a boy, so I also want to make a little ribbon shirt.

Speaking of kids in school: my little brother is in third grade. The boys in his class were giving each other nicknames and Justin ended up with 'Chief Joseph.'

[abimommy]

Wow, MamaInTheBoonies I would definately complain to that teacher's superior about her behavior. That is completely and totally inappropiate.

My dh is Blackfoot but they don't know much about it so dd is registered with the Lenape (Delaware) as I am.

[FroNuff]

:hug to you MamaintheBoonies

Just passing through and read about how horrible you and your DD have been treated. I agree with abimommy -- that teacher should be reported to her supervisor.

My father was Ramapough and Penobscot. His sister definitely identifies with being Ramapough, but I wasn't raised by that family and only see her occasionally. I don't really identify with being Indian. I love going to powwows, but am cautious because I don't want to seem like someone who just jumped on the bandwagon because they found some distant relative who is a 1/4 Indian, KWIM? I inquired about registering with the Ramapoughs, but I never got a response back, and I'm not even sure it's a possibility since they aren't a federally recognized tribe. So much for me to learn, but I'm too shy to ask more questions.

[Little Bear's Mama]

Hi,Apple! Great news about your baby. Congrats!

[roarzilla]

Hey ladies! I'm SARAH:) I live in Mpls, MN. Anyway I personally have no Indian heritage of my own but my DF does. And we have chosen to follow the Indian ways. DD had a baby naming ceremony and everything. MIL is very into her Indian heritage and is a Medicine Woman. I am always wanting to learn more. We are expecting our 2nd DD very soon now too.

[abimommy]

Mom2AliKat, you can be registered with tribes even if they are not federally recognized.

Was your grandfather on the rolls for the tribe? I would also try asking his sister about it. Non-recognized tribes are often run by all volunteers and it really is a lot of work to get everything straightened out. Try contacting them again.

A lot of times things are lost when the older generation gets very old or passes away. I would really try and talk with ehr about it. I am sure she would be glad to see you had interest.

[FroNuff]

Abimommy, thanks for the info. :) I don't keep in touch with my aunt nearly as much as I should, but I'll have to talk to her about it. I've never really brought it up to her because she has cancer, and tends to be very sick off and on. Plus, I had to question my reasonings why I wanted to be on the tribal rolls in the first place. I don't want to do it for selfish reasons, and when I was younger that was certainly part of my reasons for looking into it.

[abimommy]

Why do you have to have a reason?? It is your birthright.

[FroNuff]

Originally posted by abimommy
Why do you have to have a reason?? It is your birthright.

:) I guess I felt like since I'm not full-blooded, and I only found about being Indian when I was 19 (now 27), I don't have the same right as someone who has been living their whole life knowing they were Indian. I really don't want to step on anyone's toes or be out of place, y'know?

If you all don't mind me asking, how does one get started in dancing? Is it ok to ask someone that already dances? I know they probably won't teach you *everything* (so you don't copy them step-for-step), but perhaps they would teach you some basics?

[abimommy]

I am sure you can find someone who knows at a pow wow, when you mentioned your tribe I hadn't heard of it and did a search on google and some things came up..maybe you can get an idea there..

Every tribe is different about that sort of thing really, some have tapes, some have classes and some people have to find someone to teach them...

I don't think it matters if you are not full blooded. A lot of tribes don't have any full blood members.

[~member~]

Topic of my dd and her teacher - reporting it to her supervisor would do nothing, as her supervisor is even more ignorant. He believes all non-white children are savages and need to be taken from their parents and raised by non-savages so they learn how not to be savages. Thankfully, with the help of a lot, and I mean a LOT, of people, the charges against me were dismissed. THat man seriously wanted my children removed from my home purely based on the color of our skin.
My youngest dd was born by emergency c-section and I am a single mom with no family near by. So, september 24 until the 27 my dd was not in school because she was in the hospital with me, I have all the documentation and even the nurses notes saying that she was there. The principal waited until January 14 to file charges against me for educational negelct, because in MN it is a crime if your child misses or is even tardy more than 7 times!!!!

Okay, onto other stuff - if you want to learn how to dance at pow-wows, do as the children do and all other beginners...you watch and practice and learn. And, yes, ppl will laugh at your mistakes, but if you stick with it and actually learn, you will be very respected. I have been dancing for 20 odd years and I still don't know all the dances, and that is just for fancy shawl! But I did only put effort into the fun dances lol! Not that they can't all be fun, just that there are a lot of ceremonial ones that I never learned. Now that i am a mother, tho, I no longer dance. Someday, maybe lol!

baby cryin', gotta go

[abimommy]

That is SHOCKING!!!! WHAT A LUNATIC!!! I would complain to the superintendant that these people are crazy.

If that doesn't work I would continue to find people to complain to until I got results.

My grandmother lobbied congress to get the tribal funds that had been placed in trust released to the tribe. One congressman just shrugged and said, "I don't want to, sue me."

She sued the US in a case that became landmark in Native American law. I still have the Supreme Courts with her name on it vs the United States.

That congressman later shook her hand and said "Wow, I didn't think you would really sue.." :rolleyes:

That is chilling people are so ignorant. There was a movie recently made about such things happening in Australia "Rabbit Poof Fence" it is very good.

[Apricot]

I'm just horrified. I cannot believe some people. And he is an administrator, a person respected in his community! Awful! I'm really mad that that is happening anywhere.
My co-workers do not believe that indians are really harassed by police here. They just don't think police are human, too, with prejudices and everything. Well, the one black guy believes me, but why not everyone else? On the grand scheme of life, I think having bad policemen pales in comparison to having it pervade even social government, like teachers and social workers.
I thought it was federal law that foster children had to be placed with indian families?? Our state operates that way and I know oklahoma does, too. When you take away an indian child, there is virtually no possibility that they will go to a white home. The tribal governments also get first "dibs" on the child's case and it reverts to the state only when the tribe says no. And even when the state has the child, he/she still goes to an indian home. Does this man not understand that? What an idiot!

[plum]

About that federal law- People still don't like to follow it, though. It's called the Indian Child Welfare Act and when an Indian child is up for a foster home or adoption, someone in the family or tribe gets first 'dibs', in order to keep them in the community.

However, when my mom tried to adopt my little brother (my older sister's son, so he's really my nephew, which he knows), she had the worst time. Even with a law like that, she met with so much resistance. She even had a lawyer helping her.
It just seems so archaic that people still try to take Indian kids away from their families.

I am also appalled that the school would treat you like that and I don't know what to say.

[~member~]

well, that's the other issue...ickwe only supports those children that are enrolled. The government has implemented a policy of paper genocide. ie - blood quantum is based on land, not actual blood, that is why when two full bloods have children, their oldest is considered 3/4, the next child is half, and so on and so forth. So, even tho I come from a lineage of only natives, my blood quantum is 1/8 less than 3/8 on my mom's side and 1/64 less than 25/64 on my fathers side. So, I am unable to be enrolled in either of my tribes. My children are also unable to be enrolled. There are thousands of indian children who are unable to be enrolled and therefore no longer exist as indian in the eyes of the governement. Both my dd's are considered less than 1/8. Anyone looking at them can see they are full blooded. :rolleyes

So, if my children were taken from me, they WOULD be placed in a non-native home and probably adopted. sucks...always have to be on my toes. CPS has been called on me for breastfeeding my newborn, for not vaccinating, for educational neglect...Arghhhhh! I have social workers and guardian ad lidems visiting unannounced all the time. I have been in court too many times to count, for just stupid shit. I have never drank, never used/abused drugs, don't spank, anyone and just about everyone who meets my girls are so amazed at how loving and caring they are....As most of you know, that's not easy!!! I see my friends and neighbors who yell and spank their kids and it just saddens me, but I know that it is easier to lose your patience and just lash out. It takes a strong mind/will to think clearly ALL the time and be aware of how your actions affect your children. I don't care if my children never have name brand clothes, or even brand new clothes, I just want them to feel loved and cared about, I want them to feel safe and be able to love others and care about others. I don't want my children to think it is okay to hurt others just because they are upset or angry. So many years I have been parenting and doing my best and all this petty stuff keeps happening. It just makes me sick, sometimes.

ok, well, i need to stop. I am on a friends computer. it's raining today, so I didn't want to walk in the rain with my babies, to go to the library.

[abimommy]

What!??!!?!?!?!???!?!?!!?!?!?!?

Um, screw that I would sue. That is TOTAL BULLCRAP!! TOTAL!!

When did this happen? It isn't like that with all tribes!

[~member~]

This has all taken place this last year. the case against me for educational neglect was just dimissed June 2, seven days ago. nice.
Who would I sue? How does one sue? I have no money for attorneys or anything like that. On paper, we are not even indian, so we couldn't sue for racial discrimination.

[Little Bear's Mama]

Just checking in. Hope everyone here is doing well.:D
Not much to report,really. Just enjoying the great weather! My dh's drum is hoping to compete at the 4rth of July pow wow in Cherokee,NC. My ds and I will be staying home:( On the up side, I will be able to participate in the online chats that coincide with the LLL International Conference.:)

Mama In The Boonies, I'm so sorry to hear about all the struggles you have been through. I hope that everything is on the mend for you! Stay strong.

[abimommy]

I wouldn't sue for discrimination but I would look into breech of contract. See what kind of agreements the gov had with your tribe. It must be something or they wouldn't have done this.

And talk to the elders about getting on the roles. This sounds like a heck of a fight but it would certainly be interesting.

[Little Bear's Mama]

Just checking in. Hope all is well with all of you.:D
Do any of you post at www.powwows.com?

[CarrieBeary77]

I just wondered if any of you knew much about the Mohegan tribe? Other than we built some casinos. :D

What I know of my Native heritage is this: Grandma's grandfather left the tribe and now that she is the family geneologist and has been researching her roots, the tribe doesn't want to admit that she's (we're) part of it. They think that because my great-great-grandfather left, none of us are worthy of being considered Mohegan. Many of them treat my grandmother poorly and are very unkind! She's just as much a part of the tribe as any of them! Just because we're 'white' doesn't mena we have no roots.

Does anyone else have any other info or can someone point me in the right direction to finding it myself? Honestly, if your great great grandfather was Indian, then so are you, if your great great grandfather was African, then so are you. Ousted from the tribe or voluntarily leaving should not matter. Does that make sense?

It means alot to my grandmother to belong. If I can help her somehow, I want to.

And how can I be recognized as part of the tribe? My mom has a tribal card but I do not.

Anyway, I'm rambling. Any ideas? Thanks!! :)

[~member~]

CarrieBeary77 - as far as I know, lineage is usually passed down from the females side. In a lot of tribes it doesn't matter if your great-great-great grandfather was indian or not, even if it's your father. Offspring are usually considered indian if their mother was indian. It is different for some tribes, tho. Also, if you were never involved with your tribe, they may not recognize you as a part of them. A lot of enrollment issues are dealt with by a committee and if the ppl on the committee don't know you, they won't let you get enrolled. It's all politics, anyways. It has nothing to do with ancestry. If you are truly interested in connecting with your tribe, I would find out if they have a newsletter or newspaper and start attending the events they offer. One thing to remember is that these are tribal ppl, not an organization or religious group. If you have never been involved with tribal ppl, there are some huge differences in the way of thinking and living. For example - I can go anywhere on this earth and be welcomed into any tribe, it is a way of life, we recognize one another. It is hard living in two worlds, but it is possible.

It takes time, but if you are willing to put in the time and effort, you will be accepted.

Is anyone else on the pow-wow trail?
i am thinking about dancing again! I am still trying to decide if I should continue in fancy shawl or take the time to learn jingle...I feel like an old woman, sometimes, tho, lol! Maybe I should do jingle so I don't break any bones lol! Does anyone know any mothers who dance fancy?

[Little Bear's Mama]

Hi mama!
Long time no "see".:D
YES! I know several moms that dance fancy. One mom I know is in her 30's and has 5 children! If you still enjoy it,I say go for it!
If,on the otherhand,you're being called to jingle,it is a beautiful dance and I'm sure you would be great at it.
I danced southern cloth,although I have not danced in regalia since I became pregnant with my ds. I often think I would like to dance again. Maybe I will someday. A friend of mine is doing some applique work for my shawl(every woman needs a shawl!). I will do the fringe work myself. I can't wait to get it! I haven't had a new shawl in YEARS! Eventhough I don't wear regalia,I still need a good shawl for intertribals and for ceremonies.

[plum]

I worried about that, too. I fancydanced when I was younger and now that I'm older, I would like to start again. But I was worried that, as a mother, that would be considered inappropriate. I wasn't sure if my age mattered at all (21). But my mom said 'It's up to you'.

I am HOT. And VERY pregnant and I am uncomfortable now. It is so humid, too. I am getting to the point I get to every summer, which is 'My hair is too thick and I want to cut it all off!' I hate when it's hot like this because it feels so much heavier and I don't even like touching it. My mom and sisters are coming this weekend and we're going out to the reservation to cook with my grandma. My husband has only been there once (when we went to the casino:rolleyes: ) and my mom wants to show him stuff.

[abimommy]

Carrie, if your mother has a card you should be able to get one too. Some tribes follow a mother's lineage but most just sign someone onto the rolls if one of their parents are from that tribe.

Get all your birth certificates together and go and see them. You'll need a copy of everyone's back to the person on the rolls for your tribe. They shouldn't refuse you.

I know any dances..:( There aren't really many dances for women in our Tribe. I do a lot on the buisness side. I am on the board of Directors for my Tribe I was just elected to it this year and am really excited.

I am supposed to be planning an event for next year..has anyone done this before?? Anyone have recommendations??

We are getting our paperwork together to sue for recognition. :) We have already sued the US once (won) and don't mind doing so again. :) My group tends to be troublemakers..heh

[mamabuzzybee]

YeeeHaw! Indian mommas! :p I'm SO happy to have found ya'll. Hmm. I'm momma to 18 month old Ma'iingan Elizabeth. I'm Anishinaabe from WI, and my partner is Ho-Chunk. I'm a SAHM during the summers, and a graduate student during the school year, though she's with her Jaji (dad in Ho-Chunk) and her Jaji CR (her other dad, her dad's brother) when I'm in class and working a few hours on campus. We're "natural" parents :rolleyes: --though I'd say in Indian way, we're just doing traditional raising--extended breastfeeding, cosleeping, babywearing, and not letting her cry it out "for her own good". Well, I just wanted to introduce myself and say I'm happy to have met this group. Take care all! :) Lea

[Little Bear's Mama]

Welcome,mamabuzzybee!!
My dh is Nebraska Ho-Chunk! Small world,eh?

[rrr]

fantastic to see native mother discussion. i was just at the international La Leche League conference in san francisco asking around about native breastfeeding support groups. especially la leche groups. found very little. LLL alaska has some.

do you all have any info or experience with breastfeeding education and support as a native issue?

i am Lower Columbia Chinook. the chinook lived on both sides of the columbia from the ocean at Astoria, Oregon (and on the washington side, of course) all the way to the Dalles, oregon. if you want to consult map. they continue to be concentrated in washington on the olympic peninsula not far from astoria, oregon.

any other natives from the pacific NW? a discussion about full blood or what percent is silly here, because we are so dispersed with no res. unrecognized. and yet-- the greeters of Lewis and Clark! Welcome to the Pacific! well...anyway, i know my ancestry and that is enough, if not plentiful.

who are you and what are your visions for native mothers? rrr

[Little Bear's Mama]

Welcome rrr!
It's great that you got to go to the conference. I couldn't go to SF,but I attended virtually via the chats. :)

Native breastfeeding support...I know of one group in WI that has a whole program. They even have breastfeeding videos specific to Native American culture. That might be one place to start. I'll see if I can find the info I have,it's around here....somewhere.:p
This is a topic I am very interested in. I would love to brain storm with you. I do not know of any Native specific LLL groups,but I know there are several groups in areas where there is a large NA population. If only more Native women would take the intiative and move the groups into their communities!

I have set up some information on breastfeeding and Native health at pow wows I have attended before. I have also considered sponsoring a nursing mothers booth or baby changing station at a pow wow to help get some information out there. Have you ever seen this and what would you think about it if you did?

Who are you and what are your visions for native mothers?
I am a SAHM to one ds(age 5)whom I am currently homeschooling,and wife to my dh of 6 years. I am a great supporter of breastfeeding and all of it's benefits. I am caregiver for my family,immediate and extended. I am a mother,wife,daughter,sister,aunt,friend,and confidant.
My vision for Native mothers is to regain the strength to do for our families what is right and good. That mothers would return to mothering through breastfeeding,following their mothering insticts, baby wearing and co-sleeping. That women would understand the problems that alcohol and drugs can cause and avoid them,and help her partner to avoid them as well. That women would help their families to return to a more natural diet,and realize that the commodity diet is one that is slowly but surely killing off the Native people(I have witnessed this myself),that women would help their children learn the language,lest it be lost. And that Native mothers would learn to love themselves like they should.:)

[rrr]

terrific. hope for more responses. send info and experiences.

if you can attend LLL area conference this next year and especially get to know LLL leaders in local chapter, i bet they would be interested in directing breastfeeding support toward natives.

they would be an excellent source of support and materials for setting up at powwow. why not invite leader to hold an LLL meeting at the pow wow?

giving info and demo to middle and high school kids reaches mothers b4 they are mothers. if you can set something up and invite LLL leader to present info. or a good LC.

how about organize a native nurse in and invite the press. we are getting new long house here, and that wd be good location for that. or just wherever people like to hang out. like the bowling alley. ? where do people hang out, anyway?

or write a story about how natives used to care for their babies. do you know anyone who can tell you? rrr

[Potty Diva]

Hi native Mamas!

I am not a native american, but I am mother to one, and wife to one.

My husband is Lumbee, and of course Kailey is part as well. Both hold cards for their tribe.

I am really interested in learning more about the Lumbee traditions, so we can incorporate them into our lives. We also plan on attending more ceremonies this year. DH's family like to say they are native when they can get something by it. I really want to live it!

I know a lot about the Lumbee history, and am fascinated by all the folklore and legend surrounding dh's ancestors(namely Henry Berry Lowry).

PS- I think getting native mamas to realize and take control of their environment, bodies, and history is a fabulous idea!

[Potty Diva]

Who are you and what are your visions for native mothers?

I have a vested interest in this, since I am raising a native child. :)

I am Teresa, NOW SAHM to Kailey who is 29 months old. We practice EBF, family bed(she occasionally wants to sleep in her own bed), we cloth diapered until she decided she wanted panties, use gentle discipline, and try to be an open loving fmaily.

My vision for native mamas? To feel strong enough to rise up against oppression and make a change in society(both nationally and locally). To be able to live their lives as they see fit without harrassment(either in a tradional or western setting). To not be judge by color, but by ability, but mostly I want my daughter to feel the power of her ancestors, to gain strength from their struggles, and to live proudly and happily.

[mamabuzzybee]

Hi all--
The woman in WI who runs the breastfeeding advocacy program is a great asset--she's non-native but has a passion that is extraordinary. Her name is Barb Stoddard and she works for Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, and their number toll free is 800-472-7207 (that's from memory, it its wrong their other number is 715 588 3324). She worked with my mom when I was a teen, and it is because of her that I new as a 15 year old that feeding formula (if you can breastfeed) is doing a detriment to your child and that longterm breastfeeding is natural. And that breastfeeding is beautiful.

Little Bear's Mama said (sorry I can't figure out quotes once you start a message)
"I have set up some information on breastfeeding and Native health at pow wows I have attended before. I have also considered sponsoring a nursing mothers booth or baby changing station at a pow wow to help get some information out there. Have you ever seen this and what would you think about it if you did?"

I've been playing around with starting a business so I can be home with my kiddo (and potential kiddos) after I'm done with grad school, and the focus would be stuff for Native kids--for a pow-wow stand and an online store. One aspect I really want with the vending stand is a tent for moms to come and breastfeed--and others are welcome also. There would be toys, and a place to do diapers, and food and snacks for the breastfeeding mothers. I think I could actually find grant monies that could help defray the costs. And of course there would be plenty of informational stuff. I'd like to do some Native-specific breastfeeding advocacy products too. The only stuff I can really find has a woman in buckskin, with her long black hair flowing, and feathers in her hair--don't get me wrong, I don't HATE that kind of stuff, but I really think its important to show women that all Native women can relate to. Plus I think those kinds of images seem like ones white people do because they can only see is as positive when viewed through the lens of the past.

Alrighty, my kiddo wants a bath, so I'll write more in a bit. :)

[rrr]

what about those breastfeeding dolls like what they sell thru LLL catalogue? those could be made native american specific and wd. be great for kids? my kids love ours. baby fits up inside tummy, too. rrr

[Potty Diva]

There's a mama on Amitymamas who does Waldorf style dolls and Iam sure I have seen her do native ones as well. I know I have seen multi-cultural nursing dolls from LLL.

[Little Bear's Mama]

Welcome Potty Diva!
My SIL is dating a Lumbee. He sings with the koatano(sp?)jrs.:)

Wow! Alot of great ideas floating around. I'm so excited to "meet" other moms with the same vision as mine. I hope we all can continue brainstorming and perhaps put some of these ideas into action!

I live far away from any large NA communities,but I can bring the info to the places where people gather,such as pow wows. At the booth I mentioned,a friend and I gave out info sheets on whole foods,diabetes,using native foods to prevent and heal disease,and breastfeeding. I also included some LLL pamphlets.:) We sold some fruit juices and coffee to help with our expenses. We broke even.:D I have an idea for something similar to what you mentioned,rrr...well,it's EXACTLY what you mentioned.;) I would like to have a booth in an area facing the arena where the moms could still watch,and not feel cut-off. I would like to have some comfy chairs,nutritious snacks,maybe a fan?,a diaper changing area,and TONS of info. AND I agree that I would like to see some breastfeeding info geared towards the NA mom. In fact,I have a friend who might be able to help me there!

This is so cool:thumb

[Little Bear's Mama]

I LOVE the doll idea,and those would be fairly easy to make!
What about nursing necklaces with a NA theme?
Baby Pendletons,or Star blankets?

[rrr]

what is a nursing necklace. what wd. it looke like? the nursing dolls we bought at LLL conference were on sale for 10$. veryaffordable, but too much time to make. they had 3 or 4 little pieces of clothing. a lot of work---but a great idea. how to simplify?

new idea: are there native chat groups? how about a breastfeeding forum there? or set up a link to this forum? what could be easier?

chinook have a website. i'm gonna see if i can set up a link. tell us what you know about native communications besides the less convenient pow wow. rrr

[Potty Diva]

The Lumbee Tribe has an official site with links to other Lumbee members site and businesses. It would seem most tribes would have a site. Perhaps advertising/advocating natural/breastfeeding info and products there?

[Little Bear's Mama]

Nursing necklaces:necklaces made to be worn while nursing,used to distract busy hands and keep a distractable baby interested in nursing. They are made out of beads(different shapes,sizes,colors)and are usually made of brightly colored,muted,or even red,white and black beads for the newer babies.:)

Communications: I know that the Winnebago of NE have a website,and the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho(C&A)has one as well.
I don't know of any NA chat,aside from those on MSN. I know of www.powwows.com ,we could probably get a link there.
What about setting up a chat room on AIM or something similar?

[mamabuzzybee]

Yahoo has a ton of groups that are focused on Native people, though I've tried to subscribe to them an there's so much in fighting or other bullsh*t that it wasn't worth staying.

I think nowadays almost every tribe that has any money coming in has a website, though I question how much use posting on individual tribal sites might be. I guess although we are all computer savvy, I think of my home and my sister and friends, who although they may know how, aren't really online much. I'm one who's more for face to face stuff, which is why being at pow-wows and conferences really appeals to me.

Do any of you struggle with how to be traditionally respectful while doing advocation work? I am a relatively young person, 24, and I have a hard time imagining doing advocation work in my community because of issues with respect, and a long tradition of refraining from telling others what to do. I'd like to consider getting certified as a lactation consultant and doula when I'm done with school and serving in a consultancy basis where the information is provided when it is requested--I feel comfortable with that, but outright advocation seems touchy to me.

JMO
:) Lea

[plum]

Hi, I'm Jamie and I am going to have my first baby in a couple of weeks. Just wanted to say hi to the new Indian moms on the thread.

[rrr]

First why don't you describe what you think would be disrespectful. then we can think of alternative ways to reach same goals. rrr

[MFuglei]

Hey ladies, wanted to introduce myself. I'm Tinde (Jicarilla Apache) and Tsa La Gi (yup, my grandmother was a Cherokee princess :LOL ). I'm not enrolled in either tribe due to a slacker of a grandfather who abandoned the family - a long and sadly not uncommon story. I'm a 26 year old mama to an 8 1/2 month old baby girl, Lilly. I'm married to a Amer-European guy with little to no knowledge of NA issues. . . he's not dismissive of me, culturally, he just doesn't know much. I took him to Denver March powwow this year and he was in AWE (well, DUH!). Wanted to put that intro before I popped out of the blue to address this:

Originally posted by mamabuzzybee

Do any of you struggle with how to be traditionally respectful while doing advocation work? I am a relatively young person, 24, and I have a hard time imagining doing advocation work in my community because of issues with respect, and a long tradition of refraining from telling others what to do. I'd like to consider getting certified as a lactation consultant and doula when I'm done with school and serving in a consultancy basis where the information is provided when it is requested--I feel comfortable with that, but outright advocation seems touchy to me.


Mamabuzzybee - that's been an issue for me for a lng time. I'm very fair complected despite our heritage and I grew up far far away from the rez, your typical disconnected Urban ndn. What was even harder was that most of my activism was in Omaha, NE -- and while I loved working with the U'ma'ha and Ponca, it was tough because it took lots of time and patience to earn a presence in the community.

Most of my advocacy work was for the University of Nebraska in recruitment and retention of NA students as well as teaching many of them in my English courses, doing volunteer tutoring, and just keeping track of everyone. It was much easier because they came to me -- with one NA graduate student on campus, where else were they to go???

But now - I find myself in a new town (Denver) and I've only been here for a few years. I'm completely tribally disconnected and suffering from some major homesickness. I've sort of been floundering and it's been difficult. . . that said, it's nice to find you mamas!

[Little Bear's Mama]

Welcome back,Apple! Glad to hear you're doing well.:D

Welcome,MFuglei!:)

Mamabuzzybee,
I understand what you mean about being disrespectful. I'm sure,together,we can find a way to state what needs to be stated and offend the least amount of people possible while doing it!;)
IMHO,NA women really do need the kind of support that we mostly aren't getting elsewhere. I would LOVE to see that changed. I think it would be great to have some info out there that is geared towards the NA woman that takes into account the concerns that are unique to NA culture. Maybe more women would accept the info that way? Maybe together we can find a way to state the important information without sounding "preachy",or crossing the line into being disrespectful.
Is that addressing your concern at all? Or is your concern something entirely different? Please feel free to explain,I'm quite dense sometimes.;)

[onecolville]

Hey,
I'm colville and living in the midwest....

[Little Bear's Mama]

Welcome,onecolville!:D

[rrr]

what kind of interaction feels disrespectful to you? specifics will lead to productive ideas. thanks, rrr

[abimommy]

I am not certain what you mean either. I do know NAs are more prone to ear infections and nursing helps lower the risk. So maybe compile a comprehensive list of things that NAs are more at risk for and various ways to help them avoid those things.

Is that what you mean?

[mamabuzzybee]

Sorry for the delay--I had a very long post ready to send, but got called away from the computer, then someone closed my browser. D*mn!

BTW-Hey OneColville ;)

Alrighty. There are a number of reasons why I'd say that I'm hesitant about advocacy in my community. Some for personal reasons and some for traditional reasons. Firstly, the personal. I'm the youngest in a family of 8--I've learned how to keep my mouth shut. I left the reservation 7 years ago to go to school and although I return at least once a month, I am no longer really a part of the community. Don't know if I ever truly was—I was a “good” girl—like school, wasn’t allowed out of the house to party, wasn’t allowed to 49 at pow-wows (I was a “camper” girl as my partner calls it—I had to stay at the camp with my gramma). So though I lived on the rez, and danced at pow-wows all my life, I spent most of my time with my family, and knew the pow-wow dancing/singing crowd, but did not interact with the party crowd, which is a lot of the rez. When I go home now and talk with friends who are having kids, I ask about breastfeeding and they firmly reply it isn’t anything they are interested in, or that they tried and it didn’t work. And from here, the traditional teachings come in—though traditional child rearing practices are far and few in between (with the exception of extended family involvement)—what is still traditional are the notions about telling people what to do. I have to dance around the concept of breastfeeding—I talk about myself and what a good experience it has been for me, trying to work in obesity/SIDs/diabetes factors when I can without sounding preachy. There have always been subtle insinuations that I thought I knew more than everyone else—even from my family—so to try to find a way to speak about breastfeeding and childrearing without getting those vibes is difficult. I am also a relative young person, though not a young mom by rez standards, LOL, at 24, and that also makes it hard.

I see advocacy folks around here in Madison as being out there, and at times, being in your face. And I cheer inside for them. But I couldn’t do that at home. I would be shunned as a no-it-all and dismissed as quick as can be. At this point all I feel like I can do is be an example, bf my 19mo old in public, carrying her in a sling and raving about it when people are curious. I also try to be a gentle parent, and be very patient and gentle with other kids when their parents are around.

At this point, I’m thinking of getting certified as a lactation consultant when I finish grad school, and that I’d do consultation work with tribes who request help. I’m in WI and we have the breastfeeding program through Great Lake Inter-Tribal Council, and that’s a good resource. However, as dedicated and wonderful as the woman who runs it is, she is non-Native and that does make a difference—sometimes good and sometimes bad. I’d like to be able to do hands-on work with Native women.

So, I’m comfortable with the thought of helping people who ask, but and uncomfortable with finding the means to actively advocate breastfeeding among the folks most unlikely to be willing to try (and who are most in need of help).

I feel like there have been 2 or 3 generations of non-breastfeeders, and the “geez, when my gramma didn’t breastfeed, why should I?” attitude is very strong. And on my rez, body image among women isn’t exactly strong—most of us still wear Tshirts and shorts to swim, and those who have bodies seem to showcase them only in sexual ways. I think breastfeeding freaks a lot of women out because breasts are seen as sexual in the mainstream and that’s it.

Ahhhh. Please excuse my ramblings. This is a hard one for me. I so strongly have the urge to advocate, but don’t know how to go about doing it. I’ve played around with switching my field of study from education to family studies so I can work with families. I’d love to work with elders who were raised in traditional ways and write down their narratives. My partner’s gramma is so supportive of what we’re doing, not because she understands it on an intellectual level, but because it was what she was taught. Most important thing for a mother to do is never let your infant cry. She told us that “those babies choose to come here and if they’re not happy, they’ll leave” and you have to work to make them comfortable and happy.

I think about that when I think of our astronomical SIDs rates. I thing I believe that basic (and advanced too) science and spirituality are one in the same—that the energy science talks about is a spiritual thing. And that part of who a spirit comes from who you are—and part of who you are depends on your genes. If those spirits are coming to us and they are a part of what came before, then they remember how spirits should be treated because it was only a few generations ago that we all raised babies in respectful ways. Maybe those spirits leave because they’re not getting what they expect. Does that make sense? It does to me, particularly when I think about the “scientific” facts that breastfeeding and cosleeping reduce the rates of SIDs.

Alrighty, that’s enough for now. I could go on and on and on. J Thanks Mommas.

[plum]

Wow, mamabuzzybee, that was very well-put.

I understand what you are saying about breastfeeding being lost and breasts being seen as only sexual. I had to laugh about the girls swimming in shirts and shorts because my younger sisters all do that and they were scandalized when I bought a (modest) bikini.

I am seeing this now in my own family. I am planning on breastfeeding and while I know it is better, I wouldn't feel comfortable telling anyone else in my family they should do it (for instance, my SIL). Mostly because it would turn them off and they would think I thought I was better than them. My mom breastfed, but she still doesn't expect that anyone else would want to.

[rrr]

AHHHHH. good answer. now we have something to think about. one idea leads to another.

1. can you start interviewing the elder women on the topic of traditional childbirth and babyrearing, including breastfeeding. buy a small tape recorder and gather a bit of priceless history.

2. the venues for sharing the stories of these women are endless, but here's a great one: middle and high school health class.
you can approach individual teachers about this idea and also find out who creates the curriculum for helath classes in the district. are there classes in school designed to teach traditional ways, too?

children and young teens are the perfect audience for teaching abuot breasts and breastfeeding. of course, later they find out that the breast has some sexual applications, but then primary function of the breast is to feed children! it should be the first lesson that kids have about the breast, too.

the secondary function of the breast, is that through the act of breastfeeding, especially extended breastfeeding, the mother builds up her own health. 2 ways are reduced breast and ovarian cancer risk. i've been nursing everyday for the last 7 years and can attest to the daily and monthly benefit of evenly regulated hormones and neurotransmitters. feel better, think clearly, bond to my children.

if there are elder women who want a chance to talk about the ancient ways of childbirth and babyrearing/breastfeeding, maybe you could show them how the studies confirm them. you could help to create a 20 or 30 minute program using video or live speakers. show how things are coming full circle.

how's that for ambitious? rrr

[Little Bear's Mama]

Apple,
It's great that you're going to breastfeed your baby.:love If you ever need info or support,please don't hesitate to let us know. AND...you may not realize it,but when your breastfeed your baby,you ARE advocating to others. :)

Mamabuzzybee,
I am right with you on everything you said! I,too,heard that you should never let a baby cry. I just remembered that when others have told me that I was "spoiling" my baby. :D
Yes,you are correct that there is sort of a barrier there,a way of not PUSHING info on others. We just have to remember that the info still needs to get out there. This is something that has been on my mind for YEARS and I really don't think it's a coincidence that we are discussing this here,now.;) I believe,together, we could find a way of stating information where it would not be offensive. We would give "suggestions" instead of advice. And information,where moms could make informed choices. If the information and support are not there,fewer moms will make these choices. They might,instead,choose to use "free" formula instead of free breastmilk,you know? I think there is alot of misinformation out there,and moms might be led to believe that breastfeeding is more of a burden than a joy. Family might pressure them to use bottles so they can care for the baby,the father might pressure mom to use forumla so they can take off on a whim or he doesn't want her to "expose" herself,or she may choose to use formula because she mistakenly thinks it is simpler,better for baby,she needs to work and thinks she can't breastfeed,ect. That being said,I feel that not only mothers and potential mothers need this information but fathers,grandmothers,and the whole community as well. Perhaps if we could find a way of stating the info in in reference to the difference it will make in the present and the future(especially in relation to diabetes),as well as the way breastfeeding helps us to "reconnect" with the past,which is pretty much what rrr has stated.:)

rrr,
I really like your ideas. Say,we have the information. We have interviewed,we have researched,we are prepared. What next? How do we compile the info? Any ideas for funding?
P.S. There is NOTHING wrong with ambition.;)

[rrr]

have you already done interviews like that? at the library or the used bookstore you could find books on interviewing basics.

call the journalism school at your local college or university and ask them to recommend a basic interviewing text. or ask if they would give you some handouts. my reporter husband may still have something like that. i'll ask him.

develop a relationship with a like-minded newspaper or tv news reporter. ask them for interviewing tips. if you know an elder woman who has something to say, is ready to talk, perhaps you've already done some interviewing yourself, you could suggest this to said reporter as a story idea.

young native mom gathering native childbirth and babyrearing history from elder women.

someone would definitely want that story. if one news organization does a story, others will follow. local news as well as historical publications, magazines like mothering, indian country today, etc.

you can create news by starting a research project.

this build interest, creates awareness, draws support. it may also hook you up with elders who want to talk.

do you know that steven spilberg has poured a huge amount of money into interviewing every single holocaust survivor. he is very committed. he is doing it for history. we can do the same. most of the old ways are lost for most tribes.

what to do with the information? write a play! write songs! write a musical! create a video documentary! (collaborate with film school students) write social studies or health curriculum, create a position paper supporting traditional childbirth and babyrearing and get your tribal council to recognize it. ask them to add it to their agenda somehow. create handouts for hospitals or birthcenters or ob/gyn or pediatrician. create a partnership with a pediatric group to promote healthy native ways to native mothers. (BREASTFEEDING!)

the easiest way to change the future is to focus on kids.

create a page of media contacts and then once you get going, you inform them whenever anything significant is going to happen.

hold a creative press conference. we had one in my backyard last summer in the pouring rain. we wore crazy hats and sang a song to kick off the gold ribbon for breastfeeding campaign. we in vited breastfeeding mothers who had challenging situations. got a long time on the health segment.

well--- we're way ahead of ourlelves now. what are your ideas!?

rrr

[Little Bear's Mama]

You have some really great ideas,rrr.

My ideas? I would like to compile information that would include childbirth,breastfeeding,family bed,baby wearing,nutrition ect. of the past and add it to facts about the great things about these same things that we can do now,and how they will benefit baby,mama,family,and community.
I would like to have pamplets,videos,booklets,and perhaps even a book with this information written for and by NA women. I also would like to see an organization that would back these things up in the communities. Something that would cross the tribal lines and be national(thinking big,huh?;)).

[rrr]

how will you start? and when?

when you look at your community, who would want to talk about these things?

who would want to learn about these things.

you know who is fascinated with these topics...young girls. my daughter is 7 and she can't get enough of this stuff.

"tell me a story about when you were a girl" and she remembers everything. rrr

[Little Bear's Mama]

Good questions.
Well,the "now" research would be easy for me. I have access to lots of resources(written and persons with experience). The "then" will be somewhat harder as I live an an area that is basicly void of NA culture,and the people that are around most are men!:lol But,I could look ahead to the pow wows(I have several women in mind)and when we travel back to Okalahoma. I could interview and ask for insight then.
How will I start? By compiling information over time.
When do I begin? Anytime I would guess. A few lines here,and a few lines there.
Who would I want to learn about these things? Young girls,teenagers,mothers-to-be,mothers,fathers,grandmothers,sisters...you get the idea. I think there could be different forms of the information. Some would be written for young people,some from a woman who is pregnant's perspective,some for new mothers,some for fathers,and some for the community.
Is that too broad?

[rrr]

it can be helpful to pick one action, give yourself a short timeline to finish and gather info specific to completing your action.

example: a handout for new fathers (studies show that the main reason women quit breasfeeding early is for lack of husband support.)

what do you want them to know? what are you asking them to do? who and what are your sources of information?

keep it simple, do it in a month. or by christmas.

network as you go. have LLL and lactation consultants and pediatrician review your work. have native experts and elders revies and endorse that particular handout.

find printing business to print it for free.

decide and put it where you think it should go. doctors' offices, tribal center, health center, teen pregnancy program, pow wow, etc.

if you make it finite, with a deadline, you'll get something valuable done. something that didn't exist before. rrr

[mamabuzzybee]

Someone posted this on another list I'm on. Interesting for me to think of how many women use welfare programs or WIC at home.
Lea

Here's an article declaring that some US States' welfare work
requirements significantly decrease breastfeeding rates.

"If welfare reform's work requirements had not been adopted beginning in
1996, national breastfeeding rates six months after birth would have
been 5.5 percent higher than they were in 2000, according to a study
published in the August issue of the journal Demography.

By 2000, states with the most stringent welfare work requirements for
new mothers had breastfeeding rates 9 percent lower than expected based
on trends in states with more lenient policies, the study found.

The policy changes appear to have had a pronounced impact on low-income
mothers' breastfeeding practices, report demographers Steven Haider of
Michigan State University, Alison Jacknowitz of the RAND Graduate
School, and Robert Schoeni of the University of Michigan.

They also examined breastfeeding rates of mothers enrolled in the Women,
Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program, a federal program aimed at
low-income women eligible for welfare. Among WIC mothers living in
states with the most stringent welfare work requirements, breastfeeding
rates six months after birth were 22 percent lower than those of WIC
mothers in other states."

Rest of article is at:
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=115-08212003

The full text of the study can be found at
http://www.prb.org/cpipr/articlesdemography.html

[rrr]

hey- there you are. haven't heard from anyone in the native thread for a while.

my mother has made her own paddle in a workshop with our tribe and will use it in a canoe ceremony this weekend. (we are coastal) i ithink it's part of a lewis and clark celebration.

wish she'd been interested in this stuff when we were kids. it would have been fun.

the local wic office does a fair amount to promote breastfeeding. they host an LLL meeting and check out breast pumps.

i will read that whol article later. the names are worth noting. i always wonder who does bf research.

rrr

[onecolville]

rrr - what's your tribe?

[mamabuzzybee]

Originally posted by rrr
hey- there you are. haven't heard from anyone in the native thread for a while.

Sorry--School is just starting and things are a bit hectic to say the least. Its hard because my school interests are not necessarily congruent with my personal passions right now, so its hard to find a balance. But I need this for my personal fulfillment, so I'll find a way to find time. :)

the local wic office does a fair amount to promote breastfeeding. they host an LLL meeting and check out breast pumps.

THAT is super cool. That is not the case with our tribe. There is some stuff going on with breastfeeding promotion, but not enough, that's for certain. And certainly no LLL-type supports. I'm really interested in getting certified as a lactation consultant, and doing some support stuff at home. I think its important for Native women to be doing some of it--right now the main breastfeeding person up there is white and she's new to the community, so I don't know how much she'll be able (allowed?) to assist.

i will read that whol article later. the names are worth noting. i always wonder who does bf research.

ME TOO!

rrr [/B]

[rrr]

lower columbia chinook. that means on either side of the columbia river close to the pacific ocean. tribal office and meetings are on the washington side, this weekend's celebration is in oregon, close to astoria at ft. clatsop. this is lewis and clark's winter camp where they lived until they could turn around and go back.

ft clatsop is a very interesting historical interpretive center. lots to do and see if you're headed this way.

i live 3 1/2 or 4 hours from where the meetings are, so we don't make the trip. but my mother drives down from seattle and i know other people drive several hours each month.

i would like to be more involved. it will be easier when my kids are older.

clinton recognized our tribe as he walked out the door, and bush unrecognized it as he walked in.

we have no money and we share a lawyer with 2 other tribes who don't want us to be recognized or have any power, so we're a little stuck.

my ancestor, Tonwah, was an orphan ward of john mclaughlin at ft. vancouver. that was 1860' or 1870's. there is lots to read about them.

i never really knew my grandmother's father, but my grandmother didn't think of herself as indian. there was so much racism. she inherited timber land on the quinault reservation, which she eventually sold.

my mother always identified herself as part indian, and was proud of that, but wasn't raised with any native traditions or even basic information. it's only that last few years that she's done tons of research and enrolled and joined committees and bought a little house in bay center, a continuous chinook settlement.

the chinook never had their own reservation, and the descendents are mostly dispersed.

more than you wanted to know?

************************************************** **

is there an LLL meeting in the area? or is there a leader looking for a place to hold a meeting? the wic office is a great place for a meeting. wic mothers get a voucher for attending an LLL meeting.
i might be able to get you some material on how this came about. i'm not sure about other wic offices all over the state. of course, there is a shortage of LLL leaders. you know, it's easier to become an LLL leader than a lactation consultant. look at the LLL website.

do you live far away from the wic office you are talking about?

rrr

[Little Bear's Mama]

Hi everyone!
I've been busier than a one armed coat hanger,sorry I haven't checked in.:)
Glad to hear everyone is doing well!

Thanks for the article,mamabuzzybee. That's something to ponder. I do think that WIC and medicaid should be more proactive in getting pumps to mothers who work/go to school/cannot breastfeed for one reason or another. I believe it would make a huge difference.They also need some good,solid information. Moms need to know that they can continue to breastfeed,whatever lies ahead!
About becoming an IBCLC,here is some info on that and becoming a LLL Leader. If you think being a Leader is something you'd like to do,I'm sure you'd be a HUGE asset to your community!
www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/LC.html
www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/leader.html

[Little Bear's Mama]

Hello! Just checking in!
How is everyone doing? Anything new? Anything you want to discuss? Travel lately? New ideas for getting info to other NA moms?

We're all doing well here.:D We're going to a pow wow this weekend. My dh drum is host,so I'm sure we'll be busy. I'm looking forward to getting out of the house!
About the pamphlets and stuff,I just heard through an email list I'm on that there is a group that collects books for their group that gives free prenatal care on different reservations. I'm trying to find out more about it. I'll let you all know when I hear anything.

[rrr]

hi

nice to hear from someone.

we had a wonderful day with our lower columbia chinook 2 saturdays ago.

ceremonial naming of 3 authentic chinook canoes, ceremonial washing of canoes with cedar boughs. testimony about the canoe way of life from elders. gifts to commemorate the day. potluck. lots of salmon.

then we all went down and took turns paddling up and down a little stretch of the lewis and clark river--a tidal river-- as did my ancestors. it was easy to connect to the past. our culture is all but lost.

my mother was very proud to be in the special canoe with her daughter and grand kids all at once.

we're going to look through a stack of chinook stories for a basis for a wetlands dance. you know, if you research your native stories, you can write a play based on it. everyone would be thrilled.

news: the siletz indians have created a charter school where the local gradeschool was closing. they get state education money. clever and on the ball.

have you been watching the pbs show on race? there was one tonight about an apache-navajo family with small children, living away from home. tune in.

rrr

[plum]

hey there. i had my baby and she's awesome.

[Avonlea]

Hi, I have a situation to share/questions to ask.

My stepfather is half Seneca Iriqious from the Seneca nation in New York state.

He now lives in Pennsylvania, about three hours drive to the nation. However he has never gone and is afraid to go.

His Mother abandoned him and five of his siblings to different familys/homes accross Arizona and California.

My stepfather looks Very native...This is has been hard for him as he was raised by white familys. Unfortunalty he had an awful non-exsistant childhood and never met his bio dad until he was 36.Long story short..I know he would LIKE to go to the res inNewYork, but I also know he is petrified to go.


He has no understanding of Native culture, but feels drawn to the sound of drums and the call of his people...just very unsure of how to go about it and if he would be welcomed home or scoffed at and told to go back with the white people( whom he feels odd around too.)

Can anyone give me any advice about this? What do you think? Is there any one here from that nation or near it? Can you give me some advice?


My second question:

When I was nine my grandparents took me to the Winnebago res in Nebraska. It was about 1984/85. I went to the pow wow and stayed with the Bird family.

When we left, one of the women came and gave me a beautiful blue shawl .

I have often wondred why she gave me such a beautiful thing.

Was there a signifigance in this, was it out of hospitality? Should I track this woman down and give her something?

I recall so many things from my week there, adn have often wanted to return but I am white and ..so..I just don't go. I don't want to be thought of as one of those weird people who try to pass themselves of as native or what have you..I just had a good time as a kid playing with the other kids, liked fry bread and enjoyed the dancing and music.

anyway, it is late but I wanted to get this out somewhere and see what you ladies thought.

Thanks,

[Little Bear's Mama]

rrr,
Thanks for sharing about the naming of the canoes. That sounds wonderful! Also,I'll look into the show about race. I'm sure dh would be interested in it,too.
Apple,
Congratulations!! I'm so happy for you!:D Tell his the details. How big? Alot of hair? How are you feeling?
Avonlea,
Your step father could call up to the Seneca and Iriquois nations and see if he is enrolled with either of them. If he was born on the rez,chances are he is enrolled with one or the other of them. If not,if he wants to be enrolled now,he probably has the documents available to do so. Also,I'll bet there is a coming home pow wow or something to that effect up there. Perhaps he could find out when it is and go. Maybe you could go with him for support? Maybe he could do a little research and find out if he has blood relatives living there. If so,I'm sure they would welcome a call from him! Let us know how it goes.
On the subject of the shawl. It was a gift given to *you*. Obviously,you made an impression on the lady that presented it to you.:) You wouldn't want to give it back. To do so would be an insult. It was a gift given from the heart and it would be best to keep it. About the Winnebago pow wow...there would be nothing wrong with going if you wanted to. They welcome visitors. About being white pretending to be Native...there is a big difference between someone coming and watching and/or participating with respect and someone going to the pow wow and trying to dance in some made up costume-like regalia,feeling like it's their right because their great great great great great great grandmother was a Cherokee princess,all the while showing no respect for the circle,themselves,or others and making a mockery out of the pow wow.;) I'm sure you would be welcomed.:D
Honestly,it's not the color of the skin,it is the *attitude*. If you show respect,you'll get it. Plain and simple.

[rrr]

about the stepfather, i don't know. calling the office is a good idea. email with the office. check the tribe website for news and calender.

most pacific coastal indians are long lost from the native culture. tribes have been wiped out. instead of contrasting natives and whites or indians and whites, i think it's more accurate to contrast natives and non-natives.

i mean, i'm german, english, french and lower columbia chinook. so, i'm both "white" or anglo or european and also native american.

as far as my right to participate, if i don't, who will? there are no full indians among us, that i know of. i feel an obligation to learn and teach the history and culture of a lost people.

and wouldn't you know it, i am descended from a chief named comcomli, who was famous for his dealings with lewis and clark as well as, john mclaughlin of fort vancouver. but that was a long time ago.

did your step father have any natural children? if so, they might be able to be enrolled. it's neat that you are encouraging him in this. your interest reminds him of the value of the connection.

congratulations to the new mother. i wish you wonderful support and help to overcome any breastfeeding trouble. my tip, take magnesium with calcium and full water at bedtime. it's the magnesium that really helps. but think about how much mineral it takes to make milk. if i take magnesium when i get up in the night, i don't lie awake after.

greetings all.

rrr

[abimommy]

Hey, rrr has your tribe contacted NARF? My tribe is working with them. They might be interested in your tribe's case. I know they have won some cases that were similar.

http://www.narf.org/

[abimommy]

Avonlea, I am sure they wouldn't just scoff at someone. I would try and see if his ancestors are on the rolls at least, they may not be aware of his existance if it is as you described. They may welcome him with open arms.

When my own tribe "found" some people we weren't aware of we were thrilled to be reunited with a branch of the tribe we thought was lost and they are now active members.

[Little Bear's Mama]

Well,I found out about the charity. It is American Indian Relief Council (www.airc.org) . They don't do the prenatal care as the person told me,but they do give baskets to all the newborns on the Pine Ridge reservation. You can find the info for what is included in the baskets by looking under the heading "infants and elders" then clicking on "baby baskets". My resource said there is another part of the AIRC,the NWAIRC,that gives breast pumps in their baskets.
I don't know what you're thinking,but I'm thinking this might be a nice place to start *doing* something. How would you guys feel about collaborating on a tri-fold info sheet for these baskets? If it's a go,how would you like to go about doing this? Funding for printing? And,most importantly,what would you like to see go *into* the brochure. I was thinking it would be just a print-off type thing,not a professional looking brochure(yet;)). So,tell me what you think!

[rrr]

great idea. super d duper. sorry to be so silly. it's late.

i would start by looking at the benefits of breastfeeding tear sheet from LLL. you can by a tablet of those from LLL. i will look and see if you can read it on their website.

do you have an LLL catalogue? it has so many good ideas in it.

after close reading of some LLL material, you could decide if you wanted to do something that was tailored to a native audience, instead, or in addition.

LLL has the best breastfeeding info, they work hard at that.

i'll look for appropriate prilnted material. and tell you what i find.

so yesterday, i made signs and posters for an LLL info table at a fashion show, called the best dressed breast. it was breast cancer awareness and prevention for 300 sorority girls.

we were thrilled that the organizers were rightfully promoting breastfeeding as cancer preventative. but the girl i talked to was more impressed with the idea that breastfeeding would give her a break from pms.

all the world's a stage.

rrr

[Little Bear's Mama]

The person I know has been donating "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" and LLL pamphlets to the charity. The person she was working with doesn't seem very receptive to the donations. :( But there is another person she is working with now who is a little more receptive,so I think the book and pamphlets might still make it in there.
I think the tear-off sheets are a GREAT idea. They are really inexpensive and have TONS of info on each one.
I would still like to make a sheet or tri-fold with info that would be by Native women for Native women. I think both the charity that distributes them and the moms would really appreciate them.
Thoughts? Anyone?
And,rrr,that is fantastic! You probably reached many more women than you realize.;) Keep up the good work!

[rrr]

they were children. they were girls. and yet on the doorstep of womanhood.

we decided after, that we would give out candy next time to draw interest.

actually, if we put little how breastfeeding benefits you quizes in each program, they could do the quiz and turn it in for candy.

it's a whole different audience than the new parent who cares about the baby.

i have this theory about appealing to the needs of the more powerful (the desicion maker), rather than to the needs of the powerless (the baby).

OK. so what do youwant to say in your brochure? you gotta' start somewhere.

maybe think about what i just said about the needs of the mother.

and...what about choosing a native principle and applying it to breastfeeding?

let's brainstorm some native themes.

do you know these women personally?

what organizations are connected? for example, does WIC work with LLL? etc.

oh---can you look up and read some native stories from your area? maybe there is one that you cd. use as an intro.

or--learn the attributes of the animals and find one that relates to mothering. these are fun ideas.

here in the LLL catalogue, it says you can buy a sample packet of one of each of the 19 different tear sheets. this might help you with lots of briefly stated info, as well as help you choose an appropriate tear sheet to accompany your native one.

tear sheets are 5.50 for 50.

rrr

[Apricot]

I think I can write something up this weekend. No obligations to anyone, but I'll see it what I'm thinking comes out well on paper. I'll post it if it's good and get some critique.

My idea:
Your new baby. Positive and breezy, light.
Short paragraph about how the baby was designed for breastmilk, including digestion, immune system, mouth.
Longer paragraph about the benefits to the mother-child duo. Sleeping more, no washing, always available, freedom, contentedness, nursing to sleep, soft stools (ie, no constipation issues), always perfect temp and content, etc.
Shorter paragraph about benefits to mom, weight loss, breast cancer, empowerment?

Phone numbers, with actual names of the people, not just the number (I hope), books titles

Things to leave out:
Insinuations about the reader...too poor to afford formula, don't know about babies, anything negative about formula feeding (as much as possible).

[~member~]

Wow! I missed so much! I have just been so busy, two girls and school and all that fun stuff lol!
I have been trying to get a breastfeeding tent/spce for mom's at the pow-wows for a long time. I am thinking that maybe I should just go to Stanley Crooks and demand that there be a tent with water, snacks, and changing table with a place for washing hands at all the pow-wows his tribe sponsors. Or maybe, all the powwows that Mystic Lake Casino provides funding for....hmmm..
I think in your brochure, you should have pictures of present-day mom's breastfeeding. The n8v women with their Baby Phat clothes and Kangol hats, sitting at the pow-wow nursing, or at the local mall. i would even be willing to volunteer. I could have my friends take pictures of me nursing my babe in public and/or at the pow-wow. I can send them over the email or something, for you to use.

Well, thanxgivin's on its way. My dd is in First Grade! Guess who always gets to be the indian in the plays about the pilgrims landing on plymouth rock?!? Yeah, the only indian in the school...my dd. :(
She is excited, though. She gets all the attention, but....I just don't know....the lies they are teaching her and the lies she is believing.....arghhhh. The teachers are idiots, as you have heard in previous posts. Their response, "Well, could you come in and teach them?" NO! Idiots. I am NOT responsible for your ignorance, nor am I responsible for teaching you! :bang
I am so sick of it all. i am even considering moving to Ste St. Marie so she can go to the indian school there and i can attend college.
Well, I don't have the money or resources to do that, so any suggestions, ideas on how to keep my sanity?

[CeraMae]

Hello Native American mommies. I promise I'm not trying to hijak your thread. I just thought more than anyone you may have faced this issue and may be able to help me.

So sorry that I haven't had the time to read thru the pages of your thread to see if this has already been covered. My brother (half brother but we don't use those labels) is 1/2 Passamoquady (I think that is how you spell it), a costal tribe in Maine. He has a 2.5 yo boy and and I want to get him something for the holidays that will reflect/celebrate his heritage. My bro is just starting to get back to his roots of his spirituality so I'm getting him some great books I found, but as for the boy I'm at a loss. We don't have much $ but what I'm thinking of is a sort of generic Native American doll. I just don't know where to find one. I have a few Waldorf-type toy catalogues and the only ones they have are for older children, or doll-making kits. Can you suggest something? I'll even go FisherPrice if I have to...I'm thinking something more fabric/simple and less plastic/complex. If that makes sense.

Thank you so much in advance, and if you don't want to alter discussion to reply to me feel free to PM.
Warmly,
Sarah

[rrr]

look on line at the magic cabin dolls. there are lots of choices there. or try the saturday market if you have one.

can you sew? patterns abound.

ty makes beanie buddies in a variety.

you can buy a long dark haired soft girl doll and make boy clothes for it.

good luck

rrr

[Little Bear's Mama]

Hey MamaInTheBoonies! LTNS!:D
Sorry to hear you are dealing w/the same stuff at your dd school. My suggestion? Continue to teach your daughter what you feel she needs to know,and give her to tools to deal with all the inconsistancies and prejudice. With the tools you give her,and alot of support,she'll be fine.:) In the meanwhile,if you wanted to speak to her class about Thanksgiving,or even tell a little about *your* people,I think it would be a very good thing. In fact,my dh and father are going to speak to a school next week. It seems one of my dh's customers noticed he was NA and asked him to do a program since the children are celebrating Native American History month. We're hoping something good will come out of it! About the nursing tents,I hope you get them going. What a wonderful thing! Let us know what happens. Oh,and how is school going?

About the pamphlet,no word yet on whether or not this group will allow them to be put into their baby baskets. I will keep you updated.

CeraMae,
As rrr suggested,you could use any doll pattern and add NA features to it. I would also suggest a lovely book. Maybe a book of NA legends?

Hope everyone is doing well. Please check in every now and again and let us know what's up! If you have any ideas for projects,speak up!
Hugs!:love

[rrr]

gerald mcdermott writes such books, but there is another one i like better. i'll find it and tell you tomorrow.

rrr

[~member~]

Arghhh! School is not going well. I am being suspended. LAck of resources for single mom's, lack of daycare, etc. Things were going really well, and then bam! We got sick, one right after the other. So, three weeks out, I fell too far behind. Then there was the week I had no money and no food and was begging the neighbors to feed my girls.
I love this small town and how safe I feel here with my girls, but if I want to finish college and go onto med school, I need to transfer out of here. I am just so scared, kwim? I also have no funds for moving right now, so I would have to spend next semester and the summer working.
I would have to find another college, find schooling for my 7 yr old, and daycare for the baby, and a home for us to live in. Then there's the whole medical insurance and money issue.
Right now, I am just so overwhelmed and exhausted.
I miss my family, but I know that I would never make it back to college if I move home, kwim?
Well, my baby is tearing up my apartment and needs a bath. thanks for letting me vent a little :wave

[plum]

mama in the boonies- i'm sorry things are so hard. i'm not sure where you go to school now, but there is a program in grand forks, nd called inmed (indians into medicine). it's at the university of north dakota and i think it's supposed to be a pretty good program. it's aimed at getting indian students into the medical field, like doctors, pharmacists, that sort of thing. maybe that would be worth checking out? i think they'd offer a lot of support.

[Little Bear's Mama]

Vent away,MamaInTheBoonies! Best not to keep these things bottled up inside.
Plum had a good idea,have you looked into the INMED programs? I'm pretty sure they are nation wide. Also,there are IHS grants that pay for your college,your books,and give you a monthy stippend. They aren't easy to get,but filling out the paperwork would be worth every minute of the time spent on it if you did get it! There are several options out there for you. I hope you can find something that will be helpful.
About medical insurance,have you looked into medicaid or low income health insurance for your children? There is a program that is supposed to be in every state that qualifies all children w/out insurance for some kind of low cost health insurance. You could call your county health department and ask for an application. MANY families have taken advantage of this insurance. It truly can be a life saver when a little one is sick.
I'm so sorry that you ran out of money and was unable to get food. I cannot imagine how scared you must have been. :(I pray that this won't happen again.
Hang in there. You'll be in my thoughts!:hug

[~member~]

Thanksgiving pow-wow coming up at the Indian Center in Mpls. Anyone going? Or are there others you will be attending?

[abimommy]

CeraMae, I think a drum would be nice. If you can find someone that makes NA type drums..you might be able to contact the NA students associations at a college (if you have one by you) and see if they know someone that makes them. DD has a rattle that looks like a little drum on a stick with beads or something in it that I got from a lady at my church..it is neat.

Music and chant is a huge part of the Passamaquoddy religion and culture and I think that a drum would be the ideal gift. (IMO of course) You might be able to find an inexpensive one if you ask about one for a child. Or you can try contacting the Passamaquoddy and see if they know of someone who makes drums or what would make a nice gift.

About the doll making...you can find directions for making corn husk dolls. Some of them can be very elaborate and interesting. Course it is just a thought but it would be made of materials that were used for doll making in NA culture. (corn husk dolls were made by the Passamaquoddy, my tribe is in the same language family so there are some similarities)

huge site with Passamaquoddy info

http://www.native-languages.org/passamaquoddy.htm

Looking into the Tribe more I see they practice the Medicine wheel. There are books availible on the subject, I have one but I am not at home to get the title...

MamaintheBoonies, Also look into Haskell which is a NA college in Lawrence Kansas. I think it just has associates programs (not certain though)but it is a NA college and has aid programs for NA students.

[Little Bear's Mama]

Hi everyone!
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving,and I hope all is well with each and every one of you.:love

I would like you all to know about THIS THREAD (mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=100638). If you can help,or if you need help,please contact Trabot. I would love for everyone to have a great Holiday,and this is one way that we can help or get the help we need.:hug

Take care! And I hope you all will check in soon.:D

[plum]

thanksgiving was fun. my mom came and brought a bunch of kids with her. they left yesterday and my house is still a mess.

littlebear'smama- i signed up for that thread. it looks fun.

[Little Bear's Mama]

:LOL That sounds about right,Plum!:LOL I shouldn't laugh. It'll be my turn in a week or two!;)
I'm glad your Thanksgiving was good.:) And I'm glad to hear you signed on to help out! I know it will make a difference.
I wanted to tell you that I clicked the link in your siggy and Scout is gorgeous!:love

[plum]

hey how is everyone? did anyone see that movie on tv the last two nights, 'dreamkeepers'? i liked it; i'm all for seeing indians on tv.

you might find this interesting. the bottom three are my ancestors; james is my great grandpa. http://mceweb.cec.umt.edu/tribes/KnifeRiver/culture.dev3.fsr.com/showoneobject.asp@siteid31objectid506.htm

where could i get a simple pattern for a little dress? i want to start on a dress for scout to dance in, and i figure this winter is a good time to start. either one piece or a simple top and bottom.

thank you, littlebear's mama, i think scout is cute too!

[Little Bear's Mama]

I saw the movie,and I *loved* it. I can't believe they actually told REAL legends. I about fell out of my chair when grandfather rock rolled over coyote! I think they did a good job. Most the time when you see NA movies on t.v.,it is from the perspective of another culture. This movie really seemed to be from the perspective of the NA.:thumb
Neat pictures,Plum! What a wonderful thing to share w/your dd.:D
About the dress...what kind are you looking for and about what size? Are you looking for a traditional t-dress...something simple? For that,you might not even need a pattern. Just measure off how big you think she'll be,cut and sew. You can add ribbon,a belt,and maybe some leggings and she'll be good to go.;) A simple elastic waisted skirt prolly wouldn't require a pattern,either. If you want a little shawl for her,LMK. I have some extra fringe.:wink
I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday. We did,although we did get the flu to go along with it.:p
We'll be going to a New Year's benefit dance on the 4th. My dh drum is host. It will be nice to get together with family and friends again.

[plum]

i loved how iktomi and his wife looked! with the spiky hair? i loved how the scenes with iktomi and coyote were shot, that black and white looked cool. i about cried at the end when the grandfather died.

about the dress: well, she is only three months but by summer she'll be almost a year and, who knows, maybe she'll be starting to toddle. i want to start her early. i danced when i was younger but i wasn't shy about it. but i've noticed it works best when you start them before they can get shy. by the time my mom tried to get my brother to start dancing, around age four, he was way too self-concious. so, i will probably make it a 2T. she's pretty big already (fifteen pounds at three months). is the t-dress knee length with wide sleeves?

i had wanted my grandma to help me with fringe, but (i posted this elsewhere, too) she died last week. it was a nice ceremony. well, there was one fire and brimstone preacher and one traditional elder. so it was like a clash of cultures, you know? dh finally saw how our people (i don't know how other indians do it, just the ones up here) do it and he says he feels it offers more closure. maybe i should be sadder, but i'm actually happy for her. her husband and two of her kids were already gone so i know she's with them. on the way home, we were in a snowstorm and we saw the strangest thing: a hawk flew in front of our car. i took it as a sign of her watching out for us.

[Little Bear's Mama]

I agree about Iktomi. That was hillarious!! I was laughing my tail off when his wife was going for coyote's you-know-whats!!:LOL
I also got teary-eyed with the Grandpa died. And when the Grandson remembered the legends and began sharing them at the pow wow. It was like he wasn't really paying attention,but in the end he remembered.:love
Yes,that is the dress I am speaking of. I know there is another name for it,but I usually describe it as a t-dress. It's just a simple cut,you know?
It's good to hear that you're starting Scout out early. I'll bet she's gonna love it!:D
I'm so sorry to hear about your Grandmother.:( I understand what you mean about not being sad for her. I think that we are often sad for ourselves and our loss,despite the fact that our loved ones are in a much better place. It's good to hear that you are able to be happy for her and have your closure. And aren't those signs,like the hawk you saw,so comforting?:hug
If you want some fringe,I have extra left over from some shawls I was working on. I have some red,yellow,blue,and black left. I'm sure there is enough of any of the colors to use for a small shawl. You're welcome to it. Or you could use ribbon. It's not as easy to unravel,especially if you use some fray check on the ends.:)
Can I see pictures when you're done?

[poxybat]

hi im new... my name is cinder(21) and im mohave, chemouevi and navajo. i have one daughter born october 2003. were living far away from my family, in southern california.
i have a question

is there an age where you have to introduce a cradle board by before it will possibly be rejected?
my daughter got hers at 2 1/2 months and im afraid she doesnt much like it. is there any hope of getting her to like it?

[plum]

hi there! (can't help you with the cradleboard, though. i would love to try one.)

[rrr]

Hi NA mommies,

it's been a long time since i've seen any action on this thread.

i am very busy with my kids. and i got into and ebay habit over the holidays and i havn't been on the mothering boards.

and i'm trying to go to bed earlier, which should limit my late night computering.

and i'm not making much progress on my musical for the march LLL area conference.

hope january is ending up ok for everyone.

rrr

[~member~]

I am working on Fancy Shawl outfits for me and my girls. I am even beading our mocs! Well, trying to anyway lol! I am having trouble with finding the right needle. The eyes keep breaking when I pull them through the deerskin.
Busy with kids, still looking for work, and busy with kids....lol! But happy. I guess I can say that I am happy! Looking forward to dancing with my girls.
Oh, update about dd's school. I ended up talking to the principal and the school counselor. i basically told them that it was their responsibility to teach their kids basic respect of all ppl. It is not my nor my daughter's responsibilty to educate them about our culture. They've started to teach them about respect and boundaries. So, that's cool.
My baby is a mini-tornado!!! She is just into everything! Still doesn't talk, but that's cuz she doesn't need to, she has her Big Sister lol! And my 7 yr old is reading!!!Actually reading!!! It is just amazing! She has started reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. It is so cool! i just love sitting and listening to her read me stories. i think of all the books we can read together and then talk about.

[plum]

hey! glad to see you mamaintheboonies! your girls sound adorable.

scout is a pretty mellow baby, but she still doesn't it if i'm not holding her, so i don't get much done if i can't sling her. so, still no dress. plus i'm just intimidated by, of all things, making the neckhole. i think i could just sew the rest of it, but i'm worried about making the hole for her head. i don't want it to be too big or too small.

littlebear'smama- i would love the fringe. i'll let you know when i get to that point. it'll probably be awhile, though :LOL .

[plum]

how's everyone doing?

my baby is growing up too fast! she has a tooth now and she can sit up. it breaks my heart.

[Little Bear's Mama]

:wave Hi everyone! Back from being MIA for awhile.

MamaInTheBoonies,hope everything looks up for you soon.:)

Plum,how wonderful to hear your Scout has a tooth...or is it *teeth* by now? ;)

Sending a big :hug out to you all! Let's keep our little thread going.:love

[plum]

hello! scout is doing great! she turned six months old and today cut her fourth tooth. she got number three on monday or tuesday. two in one week! she's a handful now. she pulls herself around the living room (not crawling yet) and tries to eat everything.

i added new pics in my signature.

next weekend is her first pow-wow. it's in grand forks, nd. my mom and i are going to check out the tiny tots because i still haven't decided what kind of dress to make and i think i need to see ideas.

[Little Bear's Mama]

She's adorable!
Have a good time at her first pow wow!

[Little Bear's Mama]

Bringing this thread back from the dead...:D

How is everyone? Can we have a roll call?? :hello

[mocha09]

Hi. I've been lurking, but will introduce myself now.

I am bright-white, and my dd is Menominee from her dad. We live in the Pacific NW, far from her rez (which is in northern Wisconsin). We've been back there twice since she was born. (Her grandparents live there.)

Her dad isn't into Menominee culture in the least. However, I would like dd to have knowledge/roots about this side of her. We have some friends here who are Suquamish and also some who are members of some other local tribes. Does anyone think it's weird if I take her to other tribes' ceremonies and pow wows with my friends? I have mixed feelings about this because I would rather she learn her own history, and don't want to replace it with just any old tribe that seems to be convenient....KWIM? OTOH, we are having fun and learning a lot about the tribes here. Example: Last year our friends' son trained for the annual canoe trip up puget sound and across the strait of juan de fuca. very cool. they spent months making their canoes and we got so see how the canoes were made and blessed.

Or maybe I should just leave all of this for her grandmother to figure out? (her grandmother is pretty active in her tribal community) Her dad isn't going to expose her to any sort of culture, but perhaps I should leave it to her relatives who actually ARE Menominee.

Now I'm rambling. I'm glad for the thread. Thanks.

[Little Bear's Mama]

Welcome,Mocha!
You know,pow wows are generally "inter-tribal" which means MANY different tribes coming together for fellowship and most often,competition. I would think your dd would get something out of going to any pow wow.
That being said,pow wows and ceremonies are two different things. Pow wows are for fellowship and fun. Ceremonies,in most cases,are pretty much for members of the tribe holding them and for trusted friends and hold a very important meaning to the culture of that tribe. It's great that you're going to these local gatherings,and I'm sure your dd will gain something from that,as well. Just don't forget to to let her know where she comes from,and the traditions of *her* people. If possible,try to get back to WI every now and again. I know it's hard,but it's worth it! Your dd will have the benefit of seeing Native traditions at home,in her community as well as the benefit of seeing her own culture back in WI. It sounds like you really want your dd to have pride in her culture,and in who she is.:D
Good Lord willing,we're traveling back to OK in July. I'm excited about going and seeing dh family,but I'm not excited about the 12 hour car ride. :LOL

[Joyce in the mts.]

Forgive the intrusion, mamas, but was wondering whether y'all are supportive of the opening of the new Museum of the American Indian, in DC. It looks like a beautiful space to me. I knew a Seneca woman...Cheryl...Oh I cannot for the life of me remember her last name...(her mom made the best frybread though)...who was involved years ago in the first steps toward the completion of it.

She has passed and I believe her mother has too, in the years since my last visit to that rez. (I had such a good time)

Anyhow...are any folks going to attend the festivities, participate or vend some wares or food there? It's September 21...there's a weeklong festival in DC.

The museum has put up a nice page on the Web and you can do a search for Museum of the American Indian if you would like to find further info.

Thanks for any thoughts. And if you are going to participate, please include that info too.

I hope my intrusion was not offensive.

I appreciate it and enjoy the longer days!

Warm thoughts...
Joyce in the mts.

[mocha09]

Welcome,Mocha!
Ceremonies,in most cases,are pretty much for members of the tribe holding them and for trusted friends and hold a very important meaning to the culture of that tribe. It's great that you're going to these local gatherings,and I'm sure your dd will gain something from that,as well. Just don't forget to to let her know where she comes from,and the traditions of *her* people. If possible,try to get back to WI every now and again.

Thanks, LBM. I am blessed to have friends who will share this and include us! We're trying to get back to WI about twice a year. this summer we're going to try to time it so she can get to one of their events.

I hope you have fun in OK, and survive that car ride. Ouch! I'm sure it will be worth it though.

[plum]

glad to see you, littlebear'smama! we are doing well. we just got home for a weekend trip and now dd is wild. i feel guilty when she's in the car that long but she didn't seem to mind.

[Little Bear's Mama]

Hi Plum! Glad to "see" you,again.:D How did your dd enjoy her first pow wow?

Joyce,I haven't heard of anyone being unsupportive of the new museum,but that doens't mean that *someone* out there isn't.
My family won't be attending the opening. Sounds interesting,though. I would like to visit the museum if my family and I get to attend the LLL ICF next year.

[plum]

LBM, she loved it! we had fun watching and she napped in the bleachers. we took a lot of pictures and we had fun visiting.

your trip sounds fun! my family reunion is next month, but i don't know if we are going. we had a vacation planned for the week after and don't know if we want to tack on another trip just before, you know? i still have to call my grandma and tell her.

[Joyce in the mts.]

LBM...

I certainly do appreciate your reply.

You are so right, there's always someone who will feel negatively about any given event.

The museum has a nice website up, though I don't have a link handy to provide here.

Meanwhile, LBM and you other Mamas, enjoy your day today!
Joyce in the mts.

[Tracy]

I'm not native american but I am just poking on your thread to ask a question...I think you guys might be able to help...

In the last month and half, hawks have been getting my attention. Squawking, creating a scene and then when I come outside they flap around see me and then fly off. It happened at my father's house 30 miles from my home. It happened while my husband and I were driving in some other area about 10 miles from our house and then yesterday one was in the tree behind my house. He made such a commotion that my neighbors came out to see. I was the one to say, "it's a hawk" and then he flew off. I have never seen him here before. I just am starting to feel a message is there for me.

I have a book with some interpretations on Hawk but if any of you have any thoughts I'd be appreciative. I've been interested in native american culture for some time and have been to several reservations in the west. (Lumi, Navaho, New Mexico tribes)....
thanks in advance..
tracy

[Manaka]

I'm Lenape mixed and my husband is Taino.

[Little Bear's Mama]

:waves Manaka. Welcome to our little thread.:)

Tracy,I don't know what to tell you. Some people do believe they are messengers. I,however,couldn't say what these hawks are trying to tell *you*. If you truly believe they are trying to tell you something,just open your heart,and your eyes,and don't try to put words in their mouths. If the hawks are bringing you a message,it will be clear soon enough.

[Little Bear's Mama]

:wave everyone! How about some updates? How is everyone doing?

Things are going pretty good here. Just gearing up for the new school year. :D I've been doing lots of research,and I *hope* I found the perfect curriculum. :) This weekend we're hosting drum practice at our house,which means a houseful. I know I'll be in the kitchen all day. :LOL But,it really is wonderful. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. It's be awhile.
Hope you all are doing well! :)

[plum]

we are well. the babe is ten months old already! she is quite the handful. today she trashed our house and is tall enough to reach inside the garbage so she did that several times today.

my sister is having trouble with her eyes. her retinas are detaching :( and she has an appt with a specialist coming up. they may have to do laser surgery to repair it. we have a ceremony and a giveaway planned a few days before and we are hoping for the best.

[Tracy]

Little Bear,
thank you so much for your kind words. I have been reading about Hawk. There is some interesting thoughts on Hawk that feel right. I will continue to go inward and see if I can get the message.
thank you.---tracy

[Mother2Amaya]

Where is everyone? :D

I'm so glad to have found Native mamas! I am Amy, Ojibwe, from Minnesota. I think I look hella Native. LOL!!!

Anyway, I have a 5-month-old daughter, Amaya. We AP parent in style, but I was unable to BF and we can't afford to cloth diaper (it's the upfront cost!) Right now we live in Philadelphia with my husband's family... I don't think there are very many natives out this way, which I think will be hard if my daughter ever goes to school here - my husband is African-American.

I really want to raise Amaya with her culture, which will be hard, but I think if we make a conscious effort to do things like go to the All Nations Powwow every year and things like that, she'll feel better about herself and I will too. I grew up in the culture a little bit and know some of the language, but I know it's something I need to cultivate in both of us.

It's great to be here with you mamas!

[plum]

welcome! this thread has been rather quiet as of late :(.

[plum]

oh, and your baby is quite the cutie!

[Mother2Amaya]

Well thank you! She looks less dangerous than she is. :love

Looks like we'll have to boost this thread up a little and get it going!!

[Joi]

Hi.......... I have a long story............ here's the short of it. I just met my biological father and he is Choctaw. We are in the process of amending my birth certificate and he wants to give me my CDIB. I was wondering if there are any other Choctaws on the board because I have about a million questions. Thanks!

[Little Bear's Mama]

Hi Everyone!
Welcome new folks! Glad you found the thread.:D

I see congrats are in order,Plum. :) Woo hoo!

Angst,I'm not Choctaw,but living here in the SE I know quite a few! I would suggest first talking to your father and your family about the things you want to know. If you don't get the answers you need,perhaps get in touch with someone at the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians or the Oklahoma band(don't know the exact name,but a quick "google" should bring it up). Someone like a historian. They may be able to put you in touch with someone who can talk to you on-to-one. :)


Update on us: We're currently schooling(yay!),and attending a pow wow when dh work schedule permits. Last week,we were in Rome,GA for the Running Water pow wow. Dh's drum got to sing quite a bit. They were all pleased about that. Other than that,pretty much the same old thing going on here. I'm so boring!:LOL

[boatbaby]

I feel a little weird and perhaps out of place here, but I'll give it a shot. I have native american blood, but not north american. My paternal grandmother is pure Inca from Peru. I knew about my heritage, but I've never had the opportunity to go to Peru or meet the family... until my ds was born 3 months ago. My grandmother flew to the USA (major culture shock for her) he meet him. It was truly magical. I wanted to ask her so much and absorb her wisdom, but of course language barriers made it difficult and my dad tires of translating (spanish and quechua).
It was neat to see her take on birth and parenting though. I use a sling which she understood as "normal" - but when we would head to town and she would see people using travel system bucket car seat carriers she just didn't understand how a mother could be so separated from their child! Same with strollers... why is a baby away from mom and why are able bodied todlers not walking or being carried. Such a fresh perspective.
I asked her how she coped with the pain of childbirth, what techniques the Inca use and such. She didn't even understand the question. They just don't perceive it as "pain". She kept repeating, it's natural, it's natural. You only have pain if something goes wrong.
And she had all sorts of interesting remedies for this and that. One thing she said is that breast feeding mommas should drink pineapple skin tea? Anyone hear of this?
I really hope to bring my ds to Peru one day to meet his people and hope I can somehow give him a sense of his heritage. It's challenging in the modern USA.
Anyhow, I know south american is not what one thinks of when the shout out is for native american mommas. But there is another sphere... and other tribes... I've enjoyed reading your posts!
Thanks for listening!
:)

[Little Bear's Mama]

So cool,boatbaby! Thanks SO much for sharing!
And,of course,you're input is welcome here.

[hippiediva31]

Hey y'all. I'm Choctaw/Coushatta/Cajun (on Dad's side) and my mom's Anglo. I haven't been able to get my CDIB because my grandmother is clueless about which Choctaw tribe she's from, and the Coushattas have a 1/2 blood degree, which sucks for me. My grandparents were never open about being Indian, and my dad sure isn't now. My aunt is the one who told me we're Indian, after some folks at a powwow told me they knew my great-uncles.

My partner is 100% Anglo and not really interested in NA issues. My kids (8 and 3) know they're Indian and are proud of it. I used to go to powwows when we lived in Dallas, and we also attended a NA church there. We also lived in Oklahoma, where I worked at the Choctaw casino. Now we're in Austin, and I don't know any other Indians. I feel isolated. Are there any other NA mamas from Texas here?

[Little Bear's Mama]

Not that I know of,but welcome to the thread and to MDC! :D

[plum]

i don't know how to help you hippydiva, but hello.

hi little bear's mama! yes, i am pregnant again :love . we're very excited about it. the girlie turned 1 recently.

[Little Bear's Mama]

Yay Plum!! :D

Not to go all political and stuff,but have ya'll heard of Native Americans for Kerry?
www.johnkerry.com/communities/nativeamericans/

[abimommy]

Manaka!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited! I am Lenape as well! I have never run into anyone that was Lenape on the boards!

Are you associated with any tribe/group?? Which one?

[Mother2Amaya]

Well I'm a Native American for John Kerry. :D

I also have a 19-year-old cousin in Fallujah right now too, so I'm partial.

Not much going on here in Philly... getting colder. Remembering maple syrup time back home in Minnesota. :love

[asr2004]

Hello all. New here.

I'm distant Creek/Blackfoot, both by 3 and 4 generations respectively, and it was something the family just accepted and moved about so I don't have official documentation and only family stories and photographs. It was the South and a lot was going on in those days. :) But I'm begining to believe in a genetic memory as I get older (long story) b/c in every phase of life I get a reminder of my NA roots, sometimes completely out of the blue. And for that I am grateful.

My partner is Cherokee on his mother's side and still communicates directly w/ that side of his family and spent time growing up on the rez, and I appreciate being able to give that to our baby (I'm 13 wks PG).

We also are African American, Portuguese, Irish and German to add to the pot, so I guess we'll be checking "Other" or "All of the Above" on the census for now. :) It can be difficult to express all of this heritage in one little family, but we focus mostly on AA and NA and sort of just mention the rest in passing, although he's developed an interest in his father's side of the family (Portuguese). So we'll see what comes of it.

I just wanted to send out a big hello b/c I feel a loss of culture for myself and I guess I am still literally looking for my tribe. And don't want my baby to experience that identity crunch, though it's probably going to be inevitable, huh? So much has been lost, but there is also much to be learned and passed on. That is what I hope for my little one.

Sending love and light to you all! :love

[idocrase]

Hi all -

I'm part Tlingit. I say "part" because I am not really part of Tlingit culture, and the blood-quantum thing says I count, but they divide me up into fractions and I guess I've gotten used to it. I have very mixed feelings on this. Anyway, although I live in AK, I live far far away from other Tlingits. I lurk on a Tlingit list-serv, and I've learned so much. And mostly I've learned that if I want to learn more, I've got to go to where the people are, and I can't do that right now. I'm encouraged to hear that other people are struggling with how to give their kids a sense of Native culture as well. I feel really strange, though, because I have so little Tlingit culture to give my dd. I speak maybe 3 or 4 words, and used to dance when I was a small child. That's about it. :(

[Little Bear's Mama]

Welcome new mamas!:waves

Bumping this thread back up into existance.:LOL

[member]

Tres cool! I am so happy to see this thread!

I'm Tsalagi, enrolled Eastern Band and of the Ani Waya clan, but I've also got Cree and Mohawk blood from way back.

I come from a more political (AIM from the beginning) than traditional family, but I am working on learning. Right now I am working on finger weaving, conversational grammar and I am hoping to work with a pan-tribal all-woman drumming group soon <crosses fingers>. Aside from those personal endeavors, I am working with my student orgs at university on a student-initiated powwow, so if anyone is on the circuit or around Central Ohio at the end of February, please come on over! We're hosting three drums and hoping for a dance exhibition - possibly smoke dancers from up north.

I am so happy to see so many AP Native mamas. Yay! --- sg

[plum]

:wave

[deanna]

Wow! I just saw this thread, and it is very timely for me, as I have been thinking for a while now about how to connect with my Native American ancestry. I have always been interested in finding out more about it, but never really knew where to start. My grandfather's grandmother (does that make sense?) was Cherokee, but I didn't know much about that part of the family growing up. It wasn't until my grandfather was in his eighties that he really started getting involved in the culture and talking about his grandmother. He has passed on now, and I wish I had talked to him more while he was alive . :(

Anyway, I haven't had time to read all 8 pages of this thread, but wanted to say hi!

[hippiediva31]

Selu,

Weren't you on hipMama a long time ago?

[DesertFlower]

Hi Mamas
I am not a Native American, but I know I do have some blood (it is obvious when you look at my dad and grandma). There is something I would like to ask you help with. I participated in a Ghost Dance last august, and afterwards realize that I got pregnant either right before or during the dance. I am aware of the tradition (in some tribes) of naming the child after an event, and so I would like to find a name meaning Ghost Dance, but I do not speak any native language. Can someone help me with that? Thanks, Meegwetch,
Delphine

[Keetsmama]

I'm Tlingit, and live in Southeast Alaska. I actually work for a tribe here, doing some cultural research stuff. My dp is Tsimpsian and Tlingit, and we named our son after a Tlingit word. Now we'll have to find another Tlingit name for the next one...

Hi idocrase! I know what it's like with the fractions, but isn't everyone? I've ceased to believe people who think they're full blood (tlingit). I think the list-serv is a great idea, I think I even know which one you mean. They have a lot of info. After years of struggling to get to know my culture and prove myself, I just have given in. I know what I am, I know who my family is, what my clan and house are, and I don't feel I have to prove myself anymore. Just learn what you can about your culture, and you're doing well.

[MotherEarthMom]

Manaka!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited! I am Lenape as well! I have never run into anyone that was Lenape on the boards!

Are you associated with any tribe/group?? Which one?


Didn't realize I belonged to this board before as Manaka,well anyway I am part Lenape and was born and raised in NJ,my blood line is very little,it's from way back,so it's from the NJ Lenape.But I have danced in pow wows and get recognized by other Lenapes.My husband belonged to the Taino council in NJ also,he was born and raised in Puerto Rico.

[leavesarebrown]

It's been a while but I wanted to post about the museum opening since a couple of you expressed interest when I posted a question about it beforehand.

I was definitely feeling like I was at someone else's family reunion, but we have really enjoyed the museum so far. My dh was going to take work off and watch the kids so I could participate in more of the opening week events, but I did get to see the museum opening day, and was at the opening ceremony. Even though I'm not Indian and (as I said) and recognized this was not my gig, it was really cool to see Indians from so many nations celebrating together.

There's one sculpture in the museum that really caught my toddler's interest (she would not leave it). It has an Indian man, woman, and child with George Washington at the base of a fir tree. There is a raven and an eagle in the branches, as well as a stone. At the foot of the tree are a bear and a wolf, a turtle, and a ball. The are also arrows, corn, and beans. The sculpture is brass. I was happy to know enough to explain some of the symoblism to my inquisitive 4 yr old. But I have lots more to learn! And we're close, so we've already been able to go back a couple times. I wish all of you could see it/ be there. It's inspiring to me, and I'm not even Indian! What I've learned so far has definitely impacted the way I teach my children about our own European-American history, and especially about Thanksgiving.

[rrr]

hi native mamas, glad to see this thread is having new interest. hope we get some more west coast representation. hello tlingit, glad you are here! from lower columbia chinook (mouth of the columbia at astoria, coastal clan of chinook) our heritage is perhaps more similar. are you close to the ocean? did your ancestors eat salmon and make a thousand things out of cedar? there is a great book at the library called "cedar", that shows photos of all these things. i recommend.

is anyone raising a long-haired boy?

rrr

[Little Bear's Mama]

Hi,rrr. Yes,I have a VERY long haired boy.:LOL He gets called a girl more often that I care to think about.:P

[member]

is anyone raising a long-haired boy?

Not yet, but I hope to one day soon. :love

Question Native mamas... I am conflicted on using trad names for my kidlets. It's the pronounciation thing (which I am unsure why I am worried as they will have my last name as it is). What did y'all do?

[mamabuzzybee]

My daughter's name is Ma'iingan and we just put up with the constant "can you spell that?" (which doesn't actually help :) )and the mispronunciations. I'll be fine with her shortening it to Maya or going by Hinu which is first born daughter and easier for people. We know we made her life kinda complicated when it came to her name, but in the long run, I think she'll be happy with it. And we're fine with shortening or going by a different name (her middle name is Elizabeth).

[Mamabug&co.]

Hi! Well, my grandfather on my daddy's side is Azteca, (Aztec from Mexico), and my other grandfather was mixed Apache. Lots of mixed Apache down here in Texas, since Mexicans and Indians mingled so much:) Hope I spelled that right. No denying my heritage- I love going to powwows and telling my children where their families come from. I am happy to see this thread:)

[intentfulady]

HI You All!!

Just found you!!

Subscribing and will be lurking around.

Unenrolled, blue eyes and used to be a blonde and OK with it after years of suffering and doubt. Not out to prove anything anymore about how "Indian" I am on the outside.

Decided its whats in my heart that counts.

Mother Earth is my mother.

NIce to meet ya.

[intentfulady]

Any Sundance People here?

[Little Bear's Mama]

Bumping! Seems like there are lots of new Native mamas on the board,maybe they'll find us! :D

[Little Bear's Mama]

Hello again!
How's everyone doing?
We've been pow wowing a few times recently,anyone else?

[member]

Hi mamas! I wanted to pass on an awesome article that I just found; it's free to read online. Got Tradition? (http://www.arc.org/C_Lines/CLArchive/story8_2_01.html) is all about American Indians use native foods to fight diabetes and revive Indian culture. Well written and informative.

My next powwow is Memorial Day weekend. It should be great fun and I am thinking about signing up to dance. I am hedging though because I've not done so for a long time.

[poxybat]

selu, that was a great article...
ive never cared too much for frybread, until i was pregnant then i was ravenous...

okay i have a question...
i was wondering if anyone could help me...
im wanting to have my daughter officially dance at pow wows...
is there an age they start? is there a website that explains it all?
and the costumes i see on little ones are stunning!
anyone want to share pics of thier little ones in native dress?
after i finish my current project im going to start working on a mohave diamond dress for my daughter...
ive been googling but not finding much in the way of pictures of native dress...
i wanted to make her mohave, navajo and chemouevi outfits but im lacking in knowledge of what that would entail. esspecially chemouevi...
i only had a red mohave diamond dress when i was little...

[Jennbee]

Boozhoo, hello,
I'm fairly new here and just happened to find this thread. You might be able to find me on the Law enforcement thread too, DH is a rez cop. I'm Ojibway/Pottawatomi from southwestern Ontario region. I've lived on the rez for most of my life, exceptions were for being away for university and college. I have one child, DD is 15 months old.
I hope to post here more often. I found this place because I was feeling like I didn't really belong to another message board.

mamabuzzybee, does your DD name mean "wolf".

[Mother2Amaya]

Boozhoo Jennbee! I'm Ojibwe as well, from Northern Minnesota, and my dh is hoping to become a cop! :cop: :lol:

Just checking in with everyone. It's been a busy couple of months. Does anyone know where I can find a good powwow calendar online? We are up in Philly and there are very few powwows here that I know of... I'd like to check it out to see if I'm missing something!

[hippymama]

:love What a great thread! I too Walk the Red Road. I was spiritually lost and lonely for a long time. I would lurk around powwows, never expecting to be accepted because I'm a blonde-haired, green-eyed white girl. People love to tell me that I couldn't possibly be Cherokee because of this. Never mind the fact that I'm one of only two blondes in the family. But through prayer to the Creator I have found a great church and some incredible NA friends to sweat and pray with. I don't feel like I have to prove anything because it was never about how "cool it is to be Indian" but what I knew to be true spiritually in my heart. You could say that I'm a recovering baptist and born-again-Indian. :LOL I did register with an intertribal org. to help the cause of many displaced Indians in my state and so that I may wear my feathers without hassle. Though I haven't had my official naming ceremony yet, I was given the name of Red Feather Woman just the other day. I was so proud. :happyt: It is so wonderful to meet you all. The Earth is my living, breathing Mother. wado

[motherscircle]

Hi everyone
I have been to the Mothering website before, but did not realize there are forums. I was just directed here to read the thread about "The View" and negativism towards breastfeeding.
I am a WAH mother to 11 yr old Brittany, hubby is a full time airline employee, and part time sheriff deputy and soon to be employed by one of the local casinos.
I walk the red road, but hubby is a confirmed baptist.
I am also an herbalist, pp doula and RN. :love
Glad to be here and hope to join in discussions

[Mother2Amaya]

cool jobs! :)

So I have a question. My dh and I got married in 2003 and I haven't been to a powwow since! :blush I feel disconnected!

Anyway, part of it is because dh is African-American and he is actually afraid to go! :LOL First he didn't know what the heck a powwow was (he was 19 when we met and from inner city Philly where there's nare a native in sight!) and when I first told him I was 'indian' he thought I meant "from India!" :bag: :LOL

So anyway, he is worried he won't be accepted at powwows and will look out of place, which is totally not true because there are so many different people at powwows... not only that but we are such an accepting people, there is no way he'd be made to feel awkward... how can I convince him to go? There is a powwow coming in Baltimore this fall and I wanna take our 13-month-old for the first time. I can't completely avoid the culture because it's my daughter's culture too.

Advice?

[Little Bear's Mama]

Mother,your dh will be accepted just fine. :D I don't see any reason why not!

If you're looking for pow wow info,this site has it all:
www.powwows.com The forums are great for all kinds of info/questions.

If you're looking for a pow wow calender,there is one on powwows.com and here:
http://www.thespike.com/welcome.htm

[lisa78]

just wanted to say hi, i am mom to a Inuit baby boy, almost 2 so not much of a baby anymore. He was adopted at 3 months of age.
i am detemined to teach him about his culture. We live in BC so we are learning Salish customs.
i will listen openly to any and all advice you mamma's might have for me, i feel i need alot.

[MotherEarthMom]

I don't remember if I posted on this thread before,I am part Lenape and my husband is Taino,we haven't been to a powwow in over 2 yrs,hoping to find some in my area to go to.Nice to see some other native moms.

[mamacitarisa]

:slingboy: My son is half Pipil mayan from el salvador, His father left us and I'm not quit sure how I'll fill the void for him, I'm from Canada originally, and we moved back here. But i feel Oxtlan (my son) will lack his heritage from there, and not growing up with a man around.
Like how am i gonna teach :book him to pee standing up! lol things like this cross my mind. But really it's the culture we will both miss experiencing. I think people that grow up in a different country then there country of origin maybe experience displaced, i don't know, Anyway just thought i'd let that fly out there,

Lisa y Ox'tlan
:fambeds1

[chancemilomia]

Hi, I'm new to this website and was very happy to see your post. I am Cherokee and Crow, and I too have a son whose name is Little Bear! I hope to make some new friends here...we are expecting baby number four in November. See you around!

[boatbaby]

Hello again

I realize we are the odd ones here because I have SOUTH American native blood... but I have a question anyhow.

Our family is Inca/ Huanca on my father's side... anyhow -- we did our 1 year check up and my cousin (who I rarely every see) was in town and came with. We opted out of several vaccines and the nurse gave us a bit of a hard time.

My cousin then told the nurse to leave me alone and that since we have indian blood we are at higher risk for bad reactions to vaccines and how she nearly died as a infant from routine immunizations and so on...

The nurse just looked at her like she was nuts.

Anyone else have these issues?

[poxybat]

My cousin then told the nurse to leave me alone and that since we have indian blood we are at higher risk for bad reactions to vaccines and how she nearly died as a infant from routine immunizations and so on...

The nurse just looked at her like she was nuts.

Anyone else have these issues?

we have a higher risk for vax complications?!
eek do you have any other info on that?
i was forced to get a hep vax when i was like 9 and it got swollen like a golfball under my skin. oww. come to think of it all the vaxes i ever remember getting i had swelling and fever...hrrrrm

i find that alot of nurses will give you a dirty look or something if you arent a good patient :eyesroll
i just searched for a supportive caregiver... now i cant even comprehend going back to listening to nonsense, speeches and lectures.
we dont vax at all and were unswayable, you can imagine the times weve had :nut enough to drive you crazy

[mamacitarisa]

I had an Issue in El Salvador when I went to get my son vaccinated, I didn't really understand which vaccines they were gonna give him, it looked like she was preparing to do a small pox vaccine, And i said nobody needs that anymore! And my partner & the nurses argued he needed all of them, In the end I foigured out he ended up getting TB vaccine & Hebatitis B, above his regular ones, But i guess there is alot of TB and Hepatitis in Central America.
Medical treatment in a forein country is one of the most confusing. My Son also spent a week in a hospital in El Salvador with Dengue Fever, scared me to death, I really didn't have confidence the doctors knew what they were doing, there were so many other kids in the same room, with god knows what too... I had to tend to him 24 hours a day sleeping on the floor beside his crib, he couldn't nurse, he had a fever they wouldn't give him anything to hide the symtoms... horrible experience!

[apmama2myboo]

I'll just copy this, please bear with me. I am new here and trying to get used to the format of this message board! :down

Hi ladies. I am Bad River Band, lake superior tribe, Ojibwe. My tribe is a good 7 hour drive from where I currently live. I still have to get around to getting my daughter's application for tribal enrollment, as it wasn't til she was already almost one that i found out that she would have been accepted at birth but since she was older, i have to do more paperwork!

I am a SAHM, BF and AP all the way. my tribal blood is thru my father (his mother more specifically), who passed away a few years ago at 51. My parents divorced when i was very young and he was an alcoholic, and didn't make much effort to spend time with us (my brother or myself). His mother is still alive, but refuses to talk about her heritage. She acts like it's something to be ashamed of, so i don't get much help there. I have taught myself beadwork and have started trying to learn the language, so that I may teach my daughter. I do plan to get up north for the pow-wow this fall if we can.

I am a very strong supporter of BF, and Little Bear's Mama, i think it's great what you're doing. In case you haven't found this video in your search for lactation information, here is a link to a video targeted to native mamas like us.

i haven't personally SEEN the video, but here is the link where it can be ordered:
http://www.glitc.org/health/nursing/default.php
also, here is a link where you can find basic info about health programs as well as Lactation Education Assistance, along with a woman's name, she might be a good resource for you
http://www.glitc.org/programs/default.php

good luck. nice to see so many other native mamas here doing AP

jen
caitlyn 2/9/04

[~member~]

"Once a month, he receives a package of traditional foods from the White Earth Land Recovery Project. The package usually includes buffalo meat and wild rice. Sometimes it includes foods that have been donated, like potatoes. It is a welcome relief to elders on the White Earth Reservation, where the median income is less than $10,000 a year. At the supermarket, buffalo meat is just too expensive for most Indians, says Becky Niemi, development director for the White Earth Land Recovery Project, who adds that traditional foods are out of reach for most Indians." quote from Got Tradition?

Selu Gigage - thank you for the article.
My DH has type 2 diabetes. Buffalo, moose, and caribou are too expensive and hard to find. We have switched to wild rice, removed all bread, and only drink water and coffee. Yeah, coffee's hard to give up :LOL
He did get a membership at the local Y. He gets a personal trainer and has to go at least twice a week, or else he loses his membership. Pretty cool incentive, since a membership is over six hundred a year. He got that thru the indian center's diabete's support.
I've been cooking asparagus, leeks, spinach, etc. We don't really like brocolli either. But the 'good' stuff is too expensive. My sister is trying to grow all of the above in her garden. Last year she got two asparagus...imagine all four of us eating them :LOL They were the best tasting aparagus :D

I am having a hard time finding info that is specifically for anishanaabeg with diabetes, especially concerning diet. Most indianz are poor, yanno? Part of the genocide?
Anyways, we are refusing to die, and would really like to thrive and live to see our babies grow up.

Also, am making fancy shawl outfits for all my nieces. Wondering where to find the really cool iron on appliques....or maybe I am saying it wrong and that is why I can't find any :o
That's always my problem, spent too many years not speaking english, so I get it all confused :o
At least I am good enuf that I don't :blush anymore :LOL

We speak mostly ojibwe to our children. Too many english words that don't exist in ojibwe, or else it is easier to say it in english than go on all day telling your kid what a pencil is lol!

[Little Bear's Mama]

MamaInTheBoonies,
A friend of mine had a video about diabetes made specifically for NA. I'll ask her where she got it. I *think* it was from native seed search, but I can't be sure.


:wave Newcomers! :D Glad to see this thread growing.

[Little Bear's Mama]

and I too have a son whose name is Little Bear!
Cool. :love Actually Little Bear is ds' nickname. Part of it comes from our last name. :LOL He actually has 3 names. :down

[Sharlla]

My great grandfather was cherokee. So that makes me 1/8 I believe.

[Jennbee]

Hi Sharlla and all the new people here.

[~member~]

Have all of us native american mammas moved to powwows.com? :LOL
I have noticed it is much easier to discuss our issues without feeling like someone else is going to butt in and put us down, kwim?
Must be the cultural differences...Like God Forbid my children have been exposed to second hand smoke when we do our pipe ceremonies :eek
Or share germs by passing the cup of cedar water! :irked:

I keep sage in my car on the dashboard, because I never know when a negative presence will affect me and I feel the need to cleanse my self. I cannot tell you how many ppl have approached me and asked if it was weed :irked: Doesn't even look CLOSE to it, but I guess some ppl just aren't that smart.

Of course, I have been 'mean' a few times and cheerfully handed some over :LOL Share and share alike, right? :LOL

Or visitors to my house who see my pipe and just assume it is used for smoking illegal substances :nut

Well, my family is doing okay. We made it to the Morton Pow-wow, missed LCO, just too hot and with a small one, didn't want to risk heat sickness.

Any moms want to join me in asking the Arena Directors to provide a safe place for us to nurse our babies? Too many times I have found myself having to plop down on the ground in a itty bitty shade to breastfeed :(
And, sadly, twice I have had young men standing around trying to get a peek at my niinii's :(
Our community is losing the respect for nursing moms it once had...it really hurts.
When I was younger, about 15, I was sitting and watching the dancers, when a little girl about 2 yo ran up and lifted my shirt and latched on :LOL Yeah, we were both surprised! She must have been so thirsty and just seen a woman with the same color shirt on as her mommy :D
I miss seeing all the kids :flyby1 :toddler: :flyby2

Now, I just see poor babies in their strollers or carseats with the bottle propped in their mouths :( while mom and dad dance or visit.

[Jennbee]

I have had one weird experience recently while NIP. I was playing in a co-ed baseball tournament and had to nurse my DD during a break. A young man walks by, looks and says "go do that at home". I replied "is that what you do at home?". He was walking away and he laughs and says "give me some doodoo". That's what we call it around here. I said "you wish, ya pervert". Now here's the background on this young man. He has down syndrome, drinks, parties, and talks really offensively. I may have been a little rude, but I didn't care to educate at the moment. There were a lot of people around that didn't seem to care about me NIP, just him. Another guy said that I shouldn't have bothered to say anything to the rude guy.
Have any of you heard any bad remarks from anybody about NIP?

[~member~]

No, but I have been kicked out of Mystic Lake Casino, twice for NIP :irked:
Once I was in that hallway by the Buffet line, out of sight, blanket and sweatshirt over my babe...I know they saw it on the cameras. The other time I was all the way in the back of that round booth, baby under the table, etc. No way could the general public see what I was doing! Again, those stupid cameras :angry

[Little Bear's Mama]

MamaInTheBoonies
"Have all of us native american mammas moved to powwows.com? :LOL
I have noticed it is much easier to discuss our issues without feeling like someone else is going to butt in and put us down, kwim?"

True. :LOL I mostly lurk there. I'm incognito. :Sheepish:

"Must be the cultural differences...Like God Forbid my children have been exposed to second hand smoke when we do our pipe ceremonies :eek
Or share germs by passing the cup of cedar water! :irked: "

I've never had that problem...yet!

"I keep sage in my car on the dashboard, because I never know when a negative presence will affect me and I feel the need to cleanse my self. I cannot tell you how many ppl have approached me and asked if it was weed :irked: Doesn't even look CLOSE to it, but I guess some ppl just aren't that smart.

Of course, I have been 'mean' a few times and cheerfully handed some over :LOL Share and share alike, right? :LOL "

:rotflmao I've heard several people say the smell of the smoke reminds them of weed, but I've never heard anyone ask if the actual sage is weed. Wierd.

"Or visitors to my house who see my pipe and just assume it is used for smoking illegal substances :nut "

Dh HATES when someone asks him if he smokes weed in his "peace pipe". First off, it's not a peace pipe. That's a white man thang. Secondly, tobacco and medicine are all that belong in a cermonial pipe. I wonder why that's so hard for people to grasp? And why do people think that's an okay question to ask when you just met five minutes ago?:LOL

"Well, my family is doing okay. We made it to the Morton Pow-wow, missed LCO, just too hot and with a small one, didn't want to risk heat sickness."

I'm glad you guys are doing well.

"Any moms want to join me in asking the Arena Directors to provide a safe place for us to nurse our babies? Too many times I have found myself having to plop down on the ground in a itty bitty shade to breastfeed :( "

That's a fantastic idea! In fact, I might just bring my own canopy to the next pow wow and create a "nursing area" of my own. :idea I have some phone calls to make.:notes:

"And, sadly, twice I have had young men standing around trying to get a peek at my niinii's :( "

EWWWWW. No way. :( What is WRONG with people?

"Our community is losing the respect for nursing moms it once had...it really hurts.
When I was younger, about 15, I was sitting and watching the dancers, when a little girl about 2 yo ran up and lifted my shirt and latched on :LOL Yeah, we were both surprised! She must have been so thirsty and just seen a woman with the same color shirt on as her mommy :D
I miss seeing all the kids :flyby1 :toddler: :flyby2 "

I've never seen that. Occassionally,I'll see a mother nursing with a blanket draped over her shoulders.

"Now, I just see poor babies in their strollers or carseats with the bottle propped in their mouths :( while mom and dad dance or visit."

I know! Doesn't it seem like so many Native women don't even bother to nurse? I wonder what is at the core of that? I know all of my dh's cousins ffeed,and they also start solids EARLY. Like at 3 wks. :eek





We're all doing well here. We have a pow wow next month. Also, we start another year of homeschooling. :D And dh's Dad might be coming for a visit. Looks like August is going to be a busy month. :LOL

[Little Bear's Mama]

rrr, could you please PM me when you get a chance? I'd love to discuss something with you off this list. Thanks! :) Don't worry, it's a good thing. :LOL

Update on the AIRF baby baskets (like from 2 yrs ago:LOL): This morning, I spoke with Susie in the donor relations department. She said they would be DELIGHTED to include any information we come up with in their baby baskets. Would you guys still be interested in collaborating on a pamphlet/trifold? Memory refresher: breastfeeding info by Native women for Native women. Any thoughts? Anyone still willing to share pictures for the info?
If you're lost and wondering what AIRF baby baskets are, you can find that info here:
http://www.airc.org/program_babybasket.cfm?ep=3&ec=3
What AIRC is:
http://www.airc.org/
And if you're wondering what the deal is with a pamphlet, read back about 6 or so pages ago. Which was actually two YEARS ago. :LOL

[Little Bear's Mama]

Serial posting:
I also asked Susie at AIRF about sending info for breastfeeding classes. She said the classes were included in the baby basket program. In order to qualify for a baby basket, the mothers-to-be are asked to attend a breastfeeding class. There is a blurb about that on the baby basket page and more on this one:
http://www.airc.org/program_health.cfm?ExpandParent=3

Another project:
Could we spam NA message boards and list-servs with breastfeeding info for World Breastfeeding Week?

[~member~]

Liitle Bear's Mama - i would love to participate! I tried pm'ing you, but it said your box was full. I have pics that I would be willing to share also.
As for helping write something...maybe ask us some questions and we can answer and then decide what would be useful information to use in the pamphlets?

I would also love to hand out the baskets you are talking about. Or even just pamphlets...it's just sad that so many of our ppl are illiterate, though...I think more pics would be beneficial... kwim?
Or having the MC's bring it to the publics attention...just some thoughts.
I wish I had the space and time to constructively think and take action :LOL
Either way, you have my complete support and willingness to help in any way I can :thumb :love

[Jennbee]

Little Bear's Mama, Are you asking any of us Native mamas if we would share a picture? What kind of pictures are you looking for?

[Little Bear's Mama]

Any kind,Jennbee. Mama and babe,babe,babe nursing,babe in sling,ect...:D


What things should we have on this pamphlet/info sheet? Basic info? What are your ideas?
Keep in mind these mamas prolly don't have access to a phone, much less internet. Also, many are low literacy.

[~member~]

Picture of Native mamma breastfeeding and dad looking over shoulder in supportive way, prolly needs to be 'posed', yanno? Maybe even in tradish dance regalia? Or not...hey, how about one in the modern Ecko Red, baggy clothes they wear these days? That would be cool. A mamma nursing and the dad in his baggy clothes being supportive of his 'woman' and child...might work better, kwim?
Maybe a picture of the dad in his baggy clothes throwing the bottle in the garbage? while mom and baby are nursing in background?
This would promote breastfeeding AND promote dads to support breastfeeding...
Show grandma and grandpa smiling while mamma nurses with dad sitting next to her...

I am just trying to think of pictures that would show the more modern day indian, yanno?

Maybe a picture of dad cleaning a mountain of bottles compared to a picture of mom happily nursing with dad by her side?
"right a pic of the urban ghetto with beer cans full of cigg butts and 25 cent chip bags fluttering in the wind and a 1/2 naked native chick on a cell phone with a baby hangin off her tit" Had to add this one from my friend, too funny :LOL :LOL
Not for the rez, but urban indianz, lol! Well, maybe it would work for the rez indianz...

Okay, anyone else have any ideas?

[makawee]

hi mamas!

i just got a t shirt for my 6 month old that says "got doodoo" - doodooshaboo is the Ojibwe word for milk. i would so love to send a pic of her in it and a little encouragement is all i need - only problem is the *artist* would have to agree.

i was also thinking about a pic of a mama nursing on the bleachers at a pow-wow. i'm not a dancer - so that's where i'm coming from

[~member~]

hi mamas!

i just got a t shirt for my 6 month old that says "got doodoo" - doodooshaboo is the Ojibwe word for milk. i would so love to send a pic of her in it and a little encouragement is all i need - only problem is the *artist* would have to agree.

i was also thinking about a pic of a mama nursing on the bleachers at a pow-wow. i'm not a dancer - so that's where i'm coming from
i know that our language has tried to be taken from us and we are not always privy to the 'correct' way to say things. My great grandpa was fluent. He always laughed and liked to point out the mistakes made, but he never put ppl down for trying.
doodooshaboo is cow milk...niiniishaboo is momma milk.
And, yes, i can't tell you how many 'arguments' i have been in about this, lol :LOL
Just wanted to share with you all, please do not feel offended or put down. We are all still struggling to reclaim our languages. Even though i am no longer fluent, i still do my best to speak to my children.
Unfortunately, it has, so far, only been males to write our language, and perhaps they did not know themselves, kwim? Or didn't even think about it. Cow's Milk is more common than momma milk or breastfeeding, kwim?

[~member~]

wanted to add 'omoodayasham' is bottlefeed
'Nooni' is breastfeed.
If we want to be PC about breastfeeding anishinabe babies, we would want to say "Got Niiniishaboo?" ie - "Got Breastmilk?"

'Doodoo' by itself doesn't mean anything and non-natives might think we are referring to poop.
"Got Doodooshaboo" Would be PC if we are comparing to the Cow's Milk ads, but since so many Natives are allergic to dairy, that might not be best to promote, kwim?

Okay, I am done with my little ojibwe language lesson, lol :LOL
should get my butt to bed :love

Hey, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota moms - I can't remember what breastmilk is...do any of you remember or know?

Or other indigenous ppl? what is your word for breastmilk?
I should run over to powwows.com and ask there...hmmm... :D

[flyingspaghettimama]

Sorry to pop in OT, but did any of you mamas have problems with chloasma ("mask of pregnancy") or dark spots popping up on your faces while pregnant? My grandmother (Western Band Cherokee) still has them, 9 kids later...and it appears to be one of the few commonalities I have with my grandmother other than the blood, there certainly isn't a whole lot else...Did yours go away after birth or stick around for life like my grandma's? I am getting them whenever I'm in the sun, and I'm using the strongest sunscreen ever made, I think.

[mamabuzzybee]

i know that our language has tried to be taken from us and we are not always privy to the 'correct' way to say things. My great grandpa was fluent. He always laughed and liked to point out the mistakes made, but he never put ppl down for trying.
doodooshaboo is cow milk...niiniishaboo is momma milk.
And, yes, i can't tell you how many 'arguments' i have been in about this, lol :LOL
Just wanted to share with you all, please do not feel offended or put down. We are all still struggling to reclaim our languages. Even though i am no longer fluent, i still do my best to speak to my children.
Unfortunately, it has, so far, only been males to write our language, and perhaps they did not know themselves, kwim? Or didn't even think about it. Cow's Milk is more common than momma milk or breastfeeding, kwim?

Thanks for that one!! We say "nooni'" for breastfeeding and my dd has just decided that my breasts are nooni's too, we haven't gotten around to saying doodooshaboo for milk, because its just nooni' right now, but I'm happy know to have the right word--and I like the way niiniishaboo sounds much better!!
MIIGWECH!

[mamabuzzybee]

Or other indigenous ppl? what is your word for breastmilk?
I should run over to powwows.com and ask there...hmmm... :D

I know Sac and Fox/Meskwaki is close to Anishinaabemowin, and the folks I know who are S&F say nuunuu (sp?).....pretty close to nooni'.....

[mamabuzzybee]

'Doodoo' by itself doesn't mean anything and non-natives might think we are referring to poop.
"Got Doodooshaboo" Would be PC if we are comparing to the Cow's Milk ads, but since so many Natives are allergic to dairy, that might not be best to promote, kwim?



Now I learned in an Ojibwe language class (the professor was a white linguist, albeit the most respectful white man I've ever met, but he learned Anishinaabemowin in northern Canada where he lived in a non-English speaking community for several years--but the dialect differences can sometimes be key.....) that breasts are doodooshiimeyag, is that wrong? I don't have my Nichol's Dictionary around at work...... :D

[~member~]

"breasts are doodooshiimeyag" Yep, that's what we say, too. Or for My breast - indoodooshim
The -ag part is the plural part.
All the kids I know call them Niinii's, though :LOL
Probably from the niiniishaboo and the nooni, easier to just say niinii :LOL

I know that with the introduction of the bottle and formula, a lot of kids now say doodoo's...

Hopefully that will change, again, and become niinii's. It will be nice to have our mothers breastfeeding again.

loraeileen - I am not sure. I know that my belly button and the line that goes down, turns brown and takes a long time to fade....never had discoloring on my face or seen it here...if your grandma had it for life and you are now having them, then it might be for life like your grandma...
I know we have the traditional blue butts :LOL Mongolian spots or something like that. My 9yo still has hers, not as noticable, but still there.

[makawee]

well i wont think about my little baby t-shirt :innocent

good luck!

[mamabuzzybee]

well i wont think about my little baby t-shirt :innocent

good luck!

I think that since so many of us 'Shinabes thought it was doodooshaboo anyways, you'd get your message across loud and clear!!

:love

[makawee]

i edited this since it's been about a month and a half.

things are getting better. much better.

[Little Bear's Mama]

Oh,makawee. I'm so sorry. :hug:

I do understand and I know that was a difficult choice for you to make, especially considering your current circumstances. Take care of yourself...and your babies. :) Post anytime you need to talk.

[~member~]

well i wont think about my little baby t-shirt :innocent

good luck!
don't feel bad! it is our right to reclaim our languages the best way we know how. Let it be a tool for teaching our ppl the words for Cow milk vs. momma milk. Don't let it get you down, please?

[neverdoingitagain]

I've been tempted to post on here, though, of course, I've been weighing the odds of you accepting me :bag:
I'm not First Nations, I'm Metis, my mother is irish/scottish/ummm, okay heinz 57 :LOL , and my father is Cree/Beaver/Blackfoot/french. Does that count?
Both my dh and I have native blood, he's actually treaty(Cree) though neither of us know alot about our Cree hertiage. My dh was adopted by a french/italian couple at birth, so he's a little clueless sometimes :wink.
I was raised on a Metis settlement in Alberta, and actually got a bit of exposure to the Cree culture, in fact, my uncle is a medicine man.
Anyway, I'm the proud mother to a beautiful little girl, named Shekinah. She is our first and probably only child, is absolutely adored, and yes,"spoiled rotten" :love We are a very AP family, and I believe it is very consistent with native traditions, and culture. I like being an instinctual parent, it makes sense to me, and well, frankly, I'm pretty bull-headed, don't like to be told that I "must" ff, "must" cio, "must" use a stroller, crib, disposable diapers... :LOL its the word "must", its good way to get me to do the absolute opposite! :D
Anyway, I have tons of questions for y'all, and hope to ask them one day, if you let me :shy :D
Thanks
Tannis
Shekinah 5/10/04

[Jennbee]

neverdoingitagain,
:w
Can I start by asking you this, why do you call yourself Metis? I ask because I don't quite understand the definition of Metis. My DH's mom is not Native, and he doesn't call himself Metis or half-white. He's Anishinabe/or Native.
I've found that most people on this thread are accepting of people who aren't "All Native" or whatever you wanna call it. I hope to hear from you again. And once again, Welcome!

[mamabuzzybee]

i'm sorry this is off the current topic.

my man and i are done. i gave him a choice between us and drinking- he chose drinking. we have two kids together and he has two from a previous relationship. he says he wants to "take care of our kids", but it's impossible with his alcohol abuse and all the other crap in his life.

i'm not dealing well. i love him very much. i feel abandoned. to make it harder we're staying with my dad, our apt had a fire, we're all ok, but that's how the breakup started, he was too drunk to come over.

i am having a hard time nursing my 2 yo - i'm short on patience. i want to wean him, but now is a time when he needs me. i need me and i feel so empty.

i appreciate Native Mamas response - i know others would understand - but i feel like i can start here.

That sucks mama....really really sucks. My dd's df and I split up a year ago, and wow, I never knew anything could be so difficult. And its hard to realize that your kiddo's df isn't as invested in your children as you are. I'll pm you if that's okay.....

[~member~]

neverdoingitagain,
:w
Can I start by asking you this, why do you call yourself Metis? I ask because I don't quite understand the definition of Metis. My DH's mom is not Native, and he doesn't call himself Metis or half-white. He's Anishinabe/or Native.
I've found that most people on this thread are accepting of people who aren't "All Native" or whatever you wanna call it. I hope to hear from you again. And once again, Welcome!
The Metis people are a nation of their own...here is a link to a very informative website about who they are and where they came from...Metis People (http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Atrium/4832/metis.html)
Another link...Metis history (http://www.turtle-island.com/metis.html)

Hope this helps answer your questions :thumb

[neverdoingitagain]

neverdoingitagain,
:w
Can I start by asking you this, why do you call yourself Metis? I ask because I don't quite understand the definition of Metis. My DH's mom is not Native, and he doesn't call himself Metis or half-white. He's Anishinabe/or Native.
I've found that most people on this thread are accepting of people who aren't "All Native" or whatever you wanna call it. I hope to hear from you again. And once again, Welcome!

Hi! And thanks for the welcome!
Metis defined as a person with white and first nations blood lines. Technically that includes "half-breeds" but unfortunately, the way the staus system works here, they are actually considered "indians",first nations, and treaty/status natives. I believe to be considered Metis, one has to have at least 1/16 of native blood, though not exactly sure.
Also Metis people do have their own culture and language(Michif, which is considered a creole mix of french and cree)*On a personal note, my grandfather is french, and my father is Metis. When they met, my dad was speaking Michif, and my Grandpa, french. They understood each other pretty well, but they both insisted each was speaking same language :LOL *
In Canada, we have settlements, like the reservations, and we have rights as a seperate culture. I was raised on a Metis settlement and have a membership.
As for your dh, he could be considered treaty/status if he applied for it, and as Metis.
Hope that answers your question! Also, MamaInTheBoonies, thanks for posting those links,and BTW, love the tag line :love

Okay, now some questions of my own..
What made you decide to raise your children AP, as opposed to current baby-rearing trends?(CIO,FF,disposables,strollers,cribs)
Do you use any of the current tools(cribs,strollers)?
Do you find it harder or easier to be AP because you are native?
Have you ever had someone say you look tribal when you use a sling :wink :LOL
I have more, but I can'tthink of them right now.
Tannis
Shekinah 5/10/04 :slinggirl :nak :flyby1 :fambed21 :blah :bouncy :W :coffee :lurk:

[~member~]

What made you decide to raise your children AP, as opposed to current baby-rearing trends?
I was raised surrounded by mothers who breastfed, co-slept, used cradle boards, etc. So, it was never an issue for me.
For a long time, I thought that was universal. :LOL
My mother, my aunts, every woman in my family used cloth diapers. It wasn't until 2002 that I used disposables because I found I could not afford cloth diapering and the Crisis Nurseries only give out disposables. They do not have cloth, laundry soap, or offer money to launder your own cloth diapers.
I am in the same predicament, now.
A lot of times my baby goes without and I just clean the mess up. I try to catch her when she is pooping and put her over the toilet so there is less mess for me to clean. On the MDC boards, they have a fancy name for that now. Elimination communication. :LOL
I have done that for the last three years because I cannot afford diapers. :D
The diapers I do get, are usully from the Crisis Nursery, gifts from friends, or the Pregnancy and Birth Center. I try to hold onto them for when we have to go out in public, kwim?

Because of my involvement with CPS, I have a crib, changing table, bottles (collecting dust), formula(also collecting dust), Baby soap/shampoo, etc. Just so when they make their home visits they can'y say I am not doing my best to provide for my children.
All my 'baby stuff' was donated to me from Healthy Start, right before their funding was cut and they had to close. I was fortunate that the lady from Healthy Start made a home visit the same day the social worker was here and she heard the social worker telling me what I needed in my home so that CPS will leave me alone.

I find it is harder to AP because of the way I look. It is automatically assumed that I am another drunk indian mom whose children need to be taken away. :(
I have never drank or done drugs, so it is really heartbreaking at times to know that is the stereotype through which people see me and other Native moms.

[AlleyCat213]

hello everyone. i ask, "am i welcome," because i am just coming into discovering the "native" side of myself and i don't know much about it. but particularly since my son has been with us, i've felt a strong need to reach into my roots and discover more about what it means to be native, particularly a native mama.

this seems ridiculous to many people because, despite being a quarter cherokee from my mother's side, i am red-haired, green-eyed, and i couldn't tan if my life depended on it. i'm also not in contact with my mother or anyone on her side of the family so i have no familial relations to native people. :bag:

but i'm soooo interested in it! i'm taking a class in native american culture and trying to read books about my heritage, but i'd really like to learn about my heritage FROM my heritage, if you know what i mean. ;)

i'm also studying to be a midwife and i'm so fascinated with the spiritualism surrounding many native births. i think it could be something valuable for me to learn, as a midwife.

so please tell me what it's like to be a native mama! things are coming together for me lately in understanding why i've always felt so close to the earth, so much respect for animals, and so impressed upon regarding the importance of family relations, even though i wasn't surrounded with these feelings in my youth. i cloth diaper, i'm raising my child vegan, i wear my son as much as i can with my fibromyalgia, and i would have DEARLY loved to breastfeed but i have recessed milk-glands. i feel deep sadness for this every day. :(

so...is it dumb that i want to learn about what it means to be a native? i feel like such a poseur sometimes! but i feel a deep need in me to know about this.

[~member~]

AlleyCat213 welcome to our tribe!!!! Yes, of course, you are welcome here!!! It is awesome that you want to reconnect to your roots and learn the ways of your people.
Come walk the Red Road with us. :love

[Jennbee]

As for your dh, he could be considered treaty/status if he applied for it, and as Metis.
Hope that answers your question! Also, MamaInTheBoonies, thanks for posting those links,and BTW, love the tag line :love

Okay, now some questions of my own..
What made you decide to raise your children AP, as opposed to current baby-rearing trends?(CIO,FF,disposables,strollers,cribs)
Do you use any of the current tools(cribs,strollers)?
Do you find it harder or easier to be AP because you are native?
Have you ever had someone say you look tribal when you use a sling :wink :LOL
I have more, but I can'tthink of them right now.
Tannis
Shekinah 5/10/04 :slinggirl :nak :flyby1 :fambed21 :blah :bouncy :W :coffee :lurk:

DH does have "status", and his mom acquired it too when she married DH's dad back in the 70's.
Answers to your ?'s: My mom breastfed me and my 6 sisters. I was the earliest weaner at 9 months. BF was just the only option for me. I've tried cloth diapering, and gave up too easily BUT I'm still trying sometimes. I think that CD is more natural and not necessarily AP. The term AP was something I heard of when I was pregnant and reading lots of books. I hold most of the same beliefs. We do use a stroller sometimes (shopping, to carry those bags mostly, jogging, and sometimes for walks). We've never used a crib, but did use a co-sleeper for 5 months.
I don't find that it's harder for me to try and be an Attached Parent because I'm Native. Sometimes what I do find harder is to express my views to younger Native moms who are so mainstream.
I felt like an awesome mom when I was in Cancun, Mexico (friend's wedding) early last winter. I was at a flea market type shopping place and a vendor said that I looked like one of the moms from the Chiapas region. He said that they carry their babies in slings too. :slinggirl

[neverdoingitagain]

I just re-read my last post, and I realized that my question"do you find it easier or harder to be AP because you are native?" is a little confusing. Let me put it this way, I looked at it, and I forgot what it meant :LOL I'm losing my mind, my memory, my IQ :( :LOL Who knew that having a baby meant losing your mind?
Anyway, this is what I meant be the question. Was this type of child-rearing part of how you were raised, does your native heritage support this, or is it harder to be AP due to the many changes to our lifestyle? Are people in your community more accepting or less?okay maybe thats what I should wrote LOL :blah
BTW, does anyone here speak Cree?
Tannis
Shekinah 5/10/04
:slinggirl :nak :flyby1 :fambed21 :blah :bouncy :W :coffee :lurk:

[Tuesday]

Please excuse me ... I'm not sure if I'm in the right place but don't know where else to ask .... I'm not Native but my son and DS are ... I guess I wondered if any of you had some ideas on how to further learn and explore DH's and DS's heritage. DH's mother was placed in an orphanage when she was very young. She had no familial connections at all. She is a very suppressed woman and has pretty much hidden her own Native connections. She, when pressed, would tell DH and his siblings that they were 1/8 Native. Well, it turns out, after talking with the daughter of my MIL's long lost and estranged brother, that my MIL has been hiding her background. My MIL and her brother were separated when they were very young and just reconnected. This brother of MIL is very proud of his heritage and has been working with his family to establish it legally. So, if this is not confusing yet - my MIL is actually of 100% of Mohawk tribe which makes my DH half Mohawk. DH is very proud and excited to learn more about his Native heritage. The family of my DH's uncle lives in BC and is working to get paperwork completed. They were actually saddened to know that my MIL was in such denial but said it was a traumatic upbringing and given the timeframe of her birth and early years (1938-1950s), it makes sense. But, DH feels like part of his history is a black hole. He wants to learn more on his own. I'm really curious about learning more for my husband's and son's sake. Is there some way we can a) learn more about the Mohawk tribe and Six Nations (Ontario) and b) work towards establishing legal status? My MIL on the other hand is still in denial and refuses to discuss this entire "issue" so we've been communicating with her brother and his family without MIL's input.

I hope this is not too confusing. I guess in the end I just want to help my husband and son know their Native heritage. I'm so proud, too.

[~member~]

Was this type of child-rearing part of how you were raised, does your native heritage support this, or is it harder to be AP due to the many changes to our lifestyle? Are people in your community more accepting or less?
I was raised this way and went on to raise my children the same. The community is very accepting. It is hard to cloth diaper because of the extreme poverty I live in. I was able to cloth diaper the first two. my last two use disposables, but mostly I practice what is called Elimination Communication on MDC. I didn't know such a fancy word existed. I did it because I don't like picking up urine and feces all the time. :LOL Since reading on MDC about Elimination Communication, it makes sense. I find you are more in tune with your baby. Well, you have to be. :LOL It gets easier. I find that i have a little 'sensor' that goes off in my head, so, if I am doing dishes or something that doesn't involve the baby directly, I stop and run and put her on the toilet and sure enough, she pees or poops. I have noticed that if I am beading or doing something that requires all of my attention, then accidents are more likely to occur.
Okay, I got off topic for a moment, sorry! :D

Example: at the powwow this weekend, I nursed my baby, when I had to use the bathroom or my 2 yo dd needed help, someone was always there to hold the baby. I also did my fair share of holding others babies. Everyone watches the little kids. If they are not out dancing, then they are running around chasing each other, and there are cars. One little boy ran out and a car was coming and ten adults ran after him! None of them were his parents, either. But it was fine, because it is expected that every adult keeps an eye out for every child, not just their own, but every child. No one was mad at the parents of the boy, no one even looked for his parents. They just made sure he was safe and when he was, everyone went back to enjoying the powwow.
Everyone is expected to do their part for the whole of the community.

Another nice thing I saw this weekend, was a little boy who was just tired and lost it, kwim? No one looked and gave the parents mean looks. The parents never hit the boy, they just did their best to get him what he needed. When he needed to just cry for a while, his mom brought him away from the dance arena and held him while he cried. He then fell asleep and she carried him back to the circle and laid him down. No one criticised her for letting him cry, no one gave the dad mean looks, etc. The dad was a drummer and singer, so he couldn't leave the circle.

I love my community, I love being a part of my community. When someone does something that is deemed 'bad', they are never put down or shamed. A group of people will surround that person and get them talking and see if it was a one time thing or if the person needs help. If the person needs help, they will get them help immediately. If it was a one time thing, they make sure the person understands what is acceptable and what is not and the person usually apologizes and goes on with life.

Okay, gotta run, baby needs to nurse and I still haven't figured out the nak thing very well. :love

[onlyzombiecat]

Hi everyone,
I don't know if I belong in this thread as I am of European ancestry (English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and German). My dh and dd are registered members of the Iowa tribe of Kansas and Nebraska though and we currently live on the Sac & Fox reservation in Kansas.
We attend the tribe's pow wow when we can. This year we will probably miss it because dh works on weekends. Dd loves the drums and the dancing. I really like the atmosphere. Are there any pow wows not held solely on weekends?
I am homeschooling dd and hope to incorporate her Native American cultural heritage into that. It will be a learning experience for all of us.

[neverdoingitagain]

Okay, I really need some honest opinions here.
I am part of an e-mail group, and every once in awhile we have polls. Its all about parenting issues. Anyway, recently a poll came up and one of the pollsters(known for her sharp wit, and sense of humor) wrote this:

1. How do you feel about a SAHM's child riding the school bus? Back in my day, we didn't have no stinkin' school bus. We walked uphill (both ways), pushing the qaudraplegic school mascot in a wheelchair that was missing a wheel, in the snow. What kind of wimpy kids ride in a friggin' school bus?!?!?!? Tell them to get off their fat @sses and WALK!!! See - this is why child obesity is on the rise. It's those d@mn school buses, or moms driving their fat kids to school. Sheesh.

2. Do you always wash your hands after changing your baby's diaper? Before serving them food? Never. It builds up their immune system. Besides, native american tribes were known to consume their own feces, and they didn't die from it. Why should it bother my kid? Suck it up, and walk it off.

3. At what age do you think girls should start to wear makeup? As soon as they can properly wield an eyeliner pencil. Get those little harlots out on the street, pronto.

4. If you went on a private vacation for a week, do you think your husband could handle the kids and the household responsibilites as well as you do? Of course. With their personalized straightjackets (known in my house as "Love Me Jackets"), a monkey could manage my hubby and kids for a week.

5. Do you think it is approprate for a baby or young girl to wear a bikini? hmmm.... was I not supposed to have my may baby in a thong yet? Granted, I saw it on the show "So You Wanna Be A Hoochie", but I thought it looked pretty cute.

6. Does your DH manhood have a nickname? If so what is it? Yes, we call it "Hercules". Strong enough to pick up massive amounts of weight. Capable of maintaining good balance. Adored by women everywhere.

7. Do you think throwing your own bridal/baby shower is tacky? Honestly, I'd say it's much tackier of a person to NOT volunteer to host a shower for a friend, and then have the gall to b!tch about them hosting their own. Quit being an @ss, and help the happy couple celebrate in whatever way they choose (or end up doing, as the case may be).

I found her second answer very offensive and said so:

> > 2. Do you always wash your hands after changing
> your baby's diaper? Before serving them food?
> Never. It builds up their immune system. Besides,
> native american tribes were known to consume their
> own feces, and they didn't die from it.

Whoa... Hamster, I know you were just kidding, but this comment is uncool. I know of NO native american tribe that did this, and as a native american...well, you see what I'm getting at? Still, I know you were just kidding and meant no harm... Just don't go there, 'kay?

Tannis
Shekinah 5/10/04

(her knickname is Hamster, IKYWW)
her reply:

Actually, I'm not trying to step on any toes here, but iwhat I said is true, to a degree.

Some of the smaller Texas tribes experienced a serious food shortage at one point in history, and ended up surviving on seeds and nuts. Unfortunately, many of the shells of the seeds were so tough, they couldn't breakthem open, and the only way to obtain the nutrients from them was to consume them once, allow the body's super digestive system to do it's work, and then reconsume them to get the full value.

I'm not criticizing anyone - frankly, it's an ingenious method of obtaining all the nutrients available to ensure the survival of a tribe.

Three years of Texas history, and this is just one of the most (intellectually) fascinating tidbits I remember. I admire the resolve to live, that was evidenced by such a habit. I mean, would you have thought of it in this day and age? I probably wouldn't have, and my tribe would have vanished.

Just defending myself, since I try my best to not say anything critical of ethnic groups. So more than likely, if I say something that might be misinterpreted, there is an explanation behind it and I'm not just being obnoxious and narrowminded.

Hope everyone enjoyed their random informational tidbits on the Texas tribes! :)

~Heather

Okay, now you got to the end, what do you think? I can't get it out of my head. I'm still really upset. I was trying not to add any drama when I wrote this, but I feel like I copped out:

Heather:
Okay, I see your point. Some smaller native tribes in Texas did this. Unfortunately, you didn't specify that. You said "native american tribes". Makes one believe ALL native american tribes did this.
Now, I know you, and I know that you weren't trying to offend anyone, but when I saw that, I couldn't help it. It was an unexpected slap in the face, even though it was unintentional.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not mad. It just shocked me.
I would like to add, thanks for the anthropology lesson, very interesting.
Tannis
Shekinah 5/10/04

Why did I even add the last part? I was going to say something pretty nasty, thats why. If there is anyone from that area she mentions, how do feel about this piece of history, and how people throw it around?
I would really like your opinions. Should I let it go? Should I confront her again? Am I making too much of it?

Tannis
Shekinah 5/10/04

[~member~]

I would confront her again. How many Jewish people in the concentration camps were forced to eat their feces to survive? How many POWs, white, indigenous, whatever, had to eat their feces as a way of survival?
It is plain wrong to say what she said.
Eating your feces or other human beings as a means of survival is not just a Native American thing. It has and is happening all over this world.

[mamabuzzybee]

I would really like your opinions. Should I let it go? Should I confront her again? Am I making too much of it?

Tannis
Shekinah 5/10/04

That sucks mama. I have gotten into a couple of email/online "discussions" (arguments) that have to do with Native people. I generally stay out of race discussions, but when Native people come in directly, I have said my mind. In the last one, it was a discussion that was getting somewhat out of hand, and I said my piece and when people started getting (what I would say was) irrational, I bowed out and am very happy I did. I didn't drag myself through the mud just because they were, and the conversation ended on a roll-your-eyes note.

This one is one-on-one and I would wait to see what her response is. My gut is that the way she put it "native americanS" is like saying that Christians promote or practice polygamy (No, they don't, most don't a few select sects do, but it is NOT the norm). But she seems like a strong, strong personality, and isn't likely to back down. Her initial response was very defensive and self-righteous sounding to me--wonder what this next response will be. Good for you mama, for not being nasty--she might be more likely to HEAR you.

[emmalola]

Hi- this is a heavy conversation so I just wanted to poke my head in and say hi- My son and I are Chiricahua Fort Sill Apache, and I just found this "tribe" (snicker snicker) on MDC. Hi!
:wave

[~member~]

:w emmalola

[Little Bear's Mama]

Have you guys heard of Rez Robics? :LOL Check it out! http://www.dreamcatchers.org/rezrobics/

[~member~]

Cool link Little Bear's Mama!
So, I have been doing some research, as best I can with only the internet and ppl IRL.
So far, I have learned that diabete's is a genetic thing. So, there had to have been a gene first before someone would get diabetes, kwim? Also, so far all the indians I talked to who have diabetes type II all have French blood in them....:scratch makes me think that it is not something Native Americans had previous to the introduction of commods, but rather the introduction of the "bad" gene which of course is excaberated by the consumption of commods.
Hope I'm making sense. :LOL
Not trying to shift blame or not raise awareness, just something interesting I stumbled upon and was curious about.

[krisbeany]

Hello to All! I am Hoopa and Yurok ( northern California). My last babe just outgrew his baby basket and it now hung on the wall. I just went to dinner w/ a fairly new mommy who had her babe in the cradle board. It was so cute!

[emmalola]

Hi!

Our tradition with the cradleboards is to dismantle them and hang the parts from a tree. I'm sad to do that, just because his cradleboard is so precious to me! It will be hard. The good news is that I don't have to do it within any time limit. I'm sure when the time is right, I will know.

Do any of you have boys with long hair? We're planning on letting my son's hair grow. The problem is that now that he's had his haircutting ceremony, his hair is kinda mullet-like. We're very far away from my community because both my husband and I are in school, and I'm a little concerned that we're going to get all sorts of wierd comments while his hair is growing. Can you moms share with me what your experiences have been?

[mamachandi]

I just found this thread and would like to be included- I don't have time to elaborate now but am ojibwe on my fathers side. :)

[Blue Dragonfly]

Hi There,

There was a good article on CBC about traditional diet and diabetes. Here is the link.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/science/national/2005/02/11/diet-aboriginal050211.html

Great discussions going on here,

Rebecca

[neverdoingitagain]

that kind of reminds me of the alcoholism link to genetics theory for First Nations. Okay, did that make sense? There was a study done awhile ago that found that First Nations people didn't have the gene necessary to process alcohol properly, which caused most First Nations people to become alcoholics, at a higher percentage to people with European blood. Does anyone recall that, or am I imagining things?
Little Bears Mama: Love the Rez Robics! Thats so cool! I'm training to become a fitness instructor, and actually wanted to move back to my settlement and teach there. "couch potato skins" :LOL I love our humor

Weird question, has anyone here ever read the book"HalfBreed" by Marie Campbell?

[Jennbee]

I remember hearing about that genetic theory and alcoholism. I don't know much about it though.
I haven't read the "Halfbreed" book, but I can guess what it's about. Did you read it neverdoingitagain?

[~member~]

Here is an awesome link that lists Native American authors and you can even do a search by tribe.
Native American Authors (http://www.ipl.org/div/natam/)

About the alcohol gene, yes that would make sense, since our ancestors never drank any form of alcohol, we would not carry that particular gene.

Another I have noticed is the citrus fruit. Oranges, pineapples, lemons, and limes and such, everyone in my family who eats or drinks those gets Strep Throat or inflamed tonsils. I figure, since in our family we don't have any ancestoral genetics pertaining to certain foods, then we are more susceptible to harm from them, kwim?

There was two years in my life where I was able to afford to eat the way my ancestors did, and MAN! did I feel awesome! I built up muscle mass, and had energy, no more migraines, no stomach aches, etc. It was great!
I ate cherries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, wild rice(not the store bought kind, but the kind you go ricing for and parch yourself), moose, caribou, turtle, elk, buffalo, and tons of different greens. There was more, but those are the ones off the top of my head.

[emmalola]

The whole alcohol gene theory was just a theory and it has been proven wrong several times. I always felt that the theory was just another thing the federal government could use to patronize and control our people. Like: you can't handle the alcohol? what else can't you handle? Let our oh so benevolent government agency handle it for you....

In contrast, things like lactose intolerance are closely related to our diets pre-contact.

Wow- if I ate my ancestral diet I'd be eating a heck of a lot of cactus and jackrabbit. bleh! I mean, yay!

[~member~]

The whole alcohol gene theory was just a theory and it has been proven wrong several times. I always felt that the theory was just another thing the federal government could use to patronize and control our people. Like: you can't handle the alcohol? what else can't you handle? Let our oh so benevolent government agency handle it for you....

Wow- if I ate my ancestral diet I'd be eating a heck of a lot of cactus and jackrabbit. bleh! I mean, yay!
It has been known for quite awhile that alcohol has been used as a tool for committing genocide upon our people. Having such a theory proven 'wrong' only helped justify it's continuous use.

As for your ancestral diet, I highly doubt it was only made up of cactus and jackrabbit.

Many tribal diets were quite good and helped the them to thrive. There is a lot of misinformation about how we lived.

All my information comes from my people who lived before the white man showed up. You have to remember the white man has not been here all that long.
My reservation is only 142 years old. Meaning that my great-grandfather (who I was fortunate enough to live with until his death) had many family members who had been alive when the white man came.

Tribes in the South and west have been fighting the white man for even less time than tribes in the East and North.

Tribes in Mexico, Central America and South America have just recently began their fighting. that is why so many Mexicans look indian, because they are.

[emmalola]

It has been known for quite awhile that alcohol has been used as a tool for committing genocide upon our people. Having such a theory proven 'wrong' only helped justify it's continuous use.

As for your ancestral diet, I highly doubt it was only made up of cactus and jackrabbit.


I totally agree that alcohol has been a tool for the oppression and genocide of our people. I'm just saying that we don't need an excuse to be oppressed, and there are people who use the "predisposed to alcohol" line to control us when there is no actual truth to the claim. I am in the midst of writing a dissertation about pain management on the reservation, and the whole "indian's can't genetically handle their liquor/pain medications" line has been used by IHS administrators and clinicians as an excuse to not address the real causes of our chronic and devastating substance abuse.

I was only being glib about the traditional diet. We're from the desert and we were nomadic until 1886, when we were put in prison camp in Oklahoma. Up until incarceration, we managed small seasonal garden plots all over our territory, as well as chasing a lot of game (mostly small animals, being that we were in the deserts of southern AZ and NM. thus the rabbit comment...) Unfortunately, we didn't have the bounty that other regions enjoyed, so our main sustenance did come from mescal and cactus fruit.

I didn't mean to offend- please don't take my words the wrong way! :crap

[~member~]

emmalola- I wasn't offended. I understand that we are all sisters/kin here. We are all looking for support and hopefully, to learn from each other.
I know my posts are sometimes short because I have a nursing baby and want to point something out, but know that if I don't write and post I might forget, kwim? :o I try to always come back and clarify.

"indian's can't genetically handle their liquor/pain medications"
That is an interestinng point. In 2002 and 2005 I had cesareans against my will. Both times they refused to give me pain meds and I was left for hours at a time screaming in pain until I passed out.
Then, on both discharges they refused to provide me with a prescription. They sent me home with tylenol and Ibuprofen.
Thankfully, I was able to get prescriptions from my doctor that has treated me for over 20 years.
At the time I thought the nurses were thinking of me as less than human, therefore not really in pain but just pretending. I never thought of it as them rationalizing that I would become addicted or something.

Unfortunately, we didn't have the bounty that other regions enjoyed, so our main sustenance did come from mescal and cactus fruit.
I, also think that is misinformation. Our people had trade routes from Russia all the way to South America. A lot of tribes who thought they had come from the desert, really hadn't. they had been pushed there.
The few cities in the deserts were huge trading centers, and I am sure there was probably once a lake or source of water.
My mother is the International Leader for Indigenous Peoples. She travels all over the world and meets with every indigenous peoples. Not just the U.S. or Canada. I have been fortunate to speak to other tribal elders. Many oral stories that have been written down by white men were fibs told by the indigenous people to protect those that were hidden.
I guess, what I am trying to say, is that I trust the oral histories spoken by the elders, more than any books or articles written.
There are stories from African Tribal leaders talking about the Anasazi(?) tribe visiting in boats. I know I am wrong about the Anasazi, it's not that tribe...another with a similar name. :o
There is a Tribe in Japan that has an Origin Story saying they came from the corn. Uhm, there's no corn in Japan. It is very similar to the Origin stories of the Dine people.
A lot of the elders do not trust recording devices and I do not have the best memory. I do remember the jist of their stories, though.
A Hmoung elder once told my mom about how the white men came and tried to make them into slaves. She talked about how her people layed down and just died. They had always known the power of the human body and were able to choose death over enslavement.

Oh, I could go on and on, the many stories I was fortunate to have heard by elders from all over the world. My mother has even more stories.

Oral tradition, thankfully, is still alive and thriving. Even today, though, many elders will lie or misinform outsiders. So, I always take them with a grain of salt, so to say. I do trust my elders, the Anishinaabeg and Lakota/Dakota. They have nothing to gain by lying to us, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, kwim?

[neverdoingitagain]

I remember hearing about that genetic theory and alcoholism. I don't know much about it though.
I haven't read the "Halfbreed" book, but I can guess what it's about. Did you read it neverdoingitagain?

I have the book actually, it an autobiography of a the author. Its empowering in a lot of ways.
She talks alot about alcoholism in it. Especially how it affected the Metis and First Nations people, and it was a cultural thing. The people felt so bad about themselves... It was set in the early 50-the late 70's.
She actually still does lectures, my friend met her a couple months ago at the "Dreamkeeper" premiere.
MamaintheBoonies: :jaw OMG! I can't believe they did that!
About the travelling tribe theory you mentioned, I saw a documentary about that! Some people from China, Mongolia and Russia(uzbakhistan?khaztistan?) came to the NWT to see the Dene people there(Inuit) the genetic similarities were astonishing!
Speaking of diet, IMO, I think that our people haven't adapted to the current diet yet(well, duh, right?) I mean, the white people who brought us this diet had been eating like that for centuries. This diet is very new for us, only about a century old, less for some. Add into it the drop in physical activity, its made a drastic change in our ability to cope. The Cree people were nomads and walked everywhere. Lived on the land, and now, not so common. Heck even in the 70's it was more common. My parents grew a garden,picked berries, Dad hunted, I never even had cow meat until I was around 10. I think that maybe our digestive system hasn't evolved along that line yet. I get the feeling though that our descendants will be able to deal much easier with the current diet.

[~member~]

I was born outside the rez. It was when they would force natives to birth in the hospitals. They tied my mom down and pulled me out using forceps. Then they gave her a bottle of sugar water to feed me. My mom drank it and breastfed me instead. :love
After that she started training as a midwife so women could stay home and birth.
I was 4 the first time I was taught how to use a rifle to shoot deer. Turned out i was too small, so I had to keep checking traps, fish, and lay traps. I learned how to build my own traps out of red willow and sinew.
I was 7 yo(?) maybe just turned 7 the first time I had McD's. I was sick for a week! Blood came out of my throat.
I know how to hunt Moose and Elk and Caribou. I never got to learn how to tan hides, though.
This month we are going ricing in Mille Lacs. I can't wait!
When I was little we always tapped for Maple syrup, gather berries, nuts, and had a little garden.

People think I am lying when I tell about the first time I ever saw a television. Scared the crap outta me, lol. I destroyed it, though. :D That thing wasn't going to get my family! :LOL
Maybe that first experience is why I have never had tv, nor ever will. Still gives me the creeps when i see one.

I think that maybe our digestive system hasn't evolved along that line yet.
Nor will it for some time, nor do I think I want it to, kwim?
I never feed my children hot dogs, or anything with high nitrates. We hardly ever eat bread. Bread is actually a treat, because for us it is addictive. We'll eat an entire loaf in one sitting. I know it has to do with it turning to sugar in your body, kwim? The day after, we all feel like crap.
Frybread is the worst! I am so addicted, I even know how to make the really yummy yummy kind with the yeast and you let it rise overnight, and now I am drooling just thinking about it! :LOL
I only make it for very special feasts where I know there won't be leftovers to take home, cuz I'll eat them all! :love

[poxybat]

is there a webpage out there that has listed the traditional foods of different tribes? or does anyone know in particular what the traditional foods of mohaves navajos and chemouevis are?
oh and i finally figured out what navajo clan we are ^_^ tangle clan, ta'neeszahnii just like my dads middle name. was right under my nose.
and my aunt is making me a chemouevi cradle board for this new baby. im excited.
weve been using mine from when i was a baby. i was told that every baby needs thier own cradle board and they even made one for my 2 year old but didnt have my address so i used my ancient mohave board. the dowels on the back are breaking and im horrible at maneuvering a baby into one. poor baby kept flying out on my lap when i tried to tie her up heh...
im excited about getting a new board for this baby. eek :love

[~member~]

is there a webpage out there that has listed the traditional foods of different tribes? or does anyone know in particular what the traditional foods of mohaves navajos and chemouevis are?
oh and i finally figured out what navajo clan we are ^_^ tangle clan, ta'neeszahnii just like my dads middle name. was right under my nose.
and my aunt is making me a chemouevi cradle board for this new baby. im excited.
weve been using mine from when i was a baby. i was told that every baby needs thier own cradle board and they even made one for my 2 year old but didnt have my address so i used my ancient mohave board. the dowels on the back are breaking and im horrible at maneuvering a baby into one. poor baby kept flying out on my lap when i tried to tie her up heh...
im excited about getting a new board for this baby. eek :love
Cool! My mom had us in cradle boards. I still have mine, but it was too old to use for my babies. I never got a cradle board for mine, couldn't find anyone who remembered how to make them. Isn't that sad?

A good place to find Traditional food, is to search for the indigeous foods in that area. Also, talk to your elders about what their parents and/or grandparents ate, if they were ever told.

I am fortunate that many of my elders lived over 90 yrs and had asked/learned about our traditions/cultures from their grandparents who had lived before the white man came. Many of our stories are from before the white man and the Church came. Unfortunately, many of our leaders tody have been indoctrinated and use the basis of the Church as their model. :(
i'll also do a search and see what I can find for you.
I am so happy to hear you and your babies will get to experience having Cradleboards. :thumb
My mom has pictures of me and my sisters sleeping in ours, or our relatives carrying us around in them.

[poxybat]

**Cool! My mom had us in cradle boards. I still have mine, but it was too old to use for my babies. I never got a cradle board for mine, couldn't find anyone who remembered how to make them. Isn't that sad?**
mines definitely an antique. its funny to think about but i didnt even have a thought that i wouldnt use a cradle board. it just came to me like breastfeeding. i once said oh she will have a cradleboard even if i have to tie her to a pillow on a ladder :LOL luckily my mom found mine, cleaned it off and sent it over. its so sad that its a dying art. my aunt's been teaching alot of my cousins how to make them. one thing thats really bad i hear is that mesquite trees arent being sustained like they used to be. my cradleboard was made out of a large long mesquite root. my mom says they dont have them big like that anymore.

**A good place to find Traditional food, is to search for the indigeous foods in that area. Also, talk to your elders about what their parents and/or grandparents ate, if they were ever told.**
i only know whats edible on my reservation i dont know where mohaves or chemouevis come from. one of my other aunts took me to monument valley and told me that is where our navajo people came from. but i dont know what would be there to eat. i dont have access to elders unfortunately. and all the older native people i know seem to spend all thier time in the bar :(

**i'll also do a search and see what I can find for you.
I am so happy to hear you and your babies will get to experience having Cradleboards. :thumb
My mom has pictures of me and my sisters sleeping in ours, or our relatives carrying us around in them.**
awesome.
i have pictures of me, my sister and all the babies who were born in that 2 year span in thier cradleboards :thumb theres this cute one of a get together where everyone lined up thier cradleboard babies along a wall and took a picture of everyone :)
like i said it didnt even occur to me that i might not have a cradleboard. even my boyfriend was sold on it. we watched a friends baby and he was super fussy because of teething. we were all over the place trying to make him a happy baby, dp was all flustered so i brought out his cradleboard and laced him into it. instant baby bliss :heartbeat he was sold on the idea instantly. he thought it was the most amazing thing in the entire world. :LOL
i remember being in the cradleboard. so does my mom. we both still sleep best with our arms straight at the sides and wrapped tight in a blanket.
im lucky my paternal side is keeping the cradleboard alive :throb

[abimommy]

That is an interesting thought about diet..I just realised what is likley happening to me.

I have a condition called interstitial cystitis (IC). It requires an extremely strict elimination diet to find what causes irritation and acidic foods are a huge no no.

I have been doing elimination diet for over a year now.

I cannot eat any citris foods
any preservatives or nitrates.

I can eat...tomatoes...one of the most acidic foods there is.
Tomatoes are traditional foods for me...citris is not...

HHmmm....I am going to change elimination diet to traditional foods and see what happens.....and talk to my IC Dr. I never thought about it as a possible genetic diet issue instead of a genetic illness. (we had found this illness in ancestor but well..they were NA too!)

Interesting.

[~member~]

The Navajo, Dine People were huge travelers. They not only had advanced agriculture, corn, squash, etc, they had trade routes from South America to Russia!
I was fortunate to visit Lac Brochet where a Dine set of travellers are now settled. Simon is the Chief's husband and he has many, many stories about their people's travels throughout the Americas and Russia and even Japan. They are an awesome people, who are/were very talented.
The only unforunate thing about them is that a Catholic missionary family found them 25 years ago and has almost destroyed them. They are a population of 700, where 600 are children 14 yrs and younger. :(
The Church no longer allows them to use birth control or practice birth control. They had specific ceremonies for their men and women and how to tell when the women were fertile an when it was okay to have sex or not.
Since they have reached out for help, ten years ago, they have implemented their traditional customs and ways of life, while still utilyzing the benefits of the Church.

ok, baby nursing, I'll have to come back. too hard to nak. :LOL

[~member~]

poxybat- I never even learned what wood we used...I want to say it must have been some kind of cedar, because everytime I smell cedarwood, I remember my cradleboard. And leather! Our cradleboards are covered completely in leather with beadwork and the ...it's not called a trellis....an overhang where beads and trinkets that hang in front for baby to see, kwim?

[poxybat]

**The Navajo, Dine People were huge travelers. They not only had advanced agriculture, corn, squash, etc, they had trade routes from South America to Russia! I was fortunate to visit Lac Brochet where a Dine set of travellers are now settled. Simon is the Chief's husband and he has many, many stories about their people's travels throughout the Americas and Russia and even Japan. They are an awesome people, who are/were very talented. **
like gypsies? wow maybe thats why im into all kinds of foods... i have a reslesss streak too, im addicted to traveling. not even the destination. i love the journey!

poxybat- I never even learned what wood we used...I want to say it must have been some kind of cedar, because everytime I smell cedarwood, I remember my cradleboard. And leather! Our cradleboards are covered completely in leather with beadwork and the ...it's not called a trellis....an overhang where beads and trinkets that hang in front for baby to see, kwim?
whenever i smell cedar i think about moving. my mom was constantly moving us around *i loved it lol* and before we could move anything into the house we had to smoke the whole house with cedar.
my aunt said that the chemouevi board was made with either leather or cloth. she said leather gets warm so its used for colder climates.
she also tells me that with the sunshade boys get feathers and girls get beadwork. im sure some may be cedar. i really wish these things were lookup able.
beadwork sounds beautiful. i really wish i could start beading again but my daughter is adamant about helping and i dont even know how many pretty little beads she has managed to eat. erg. well some of them do look like theyd taste good.
ive had a few :confused: sparkly diaper changes :LOL

[Jennbee]

I'm glad to see everyone share so much about their lives. I would like to find someone to help me make a cradleboard for my next baby, we're TTC#2. I'm Anishinabe and have been told that we used cradleboards too. I'll ask around in my community, but I'm thinking that I won't find anyone cuz I haven't heard of anyone making them.

[~member~]

Jennbee~I am Anishinaabeg, also...seems we might just have to get together and figure out how to make our own! :thumb
I have the beads and can get the leather and I have the tools for putting the wood together...I should really go to our Elder in our community and offer tobacco and see if she can point me in the right direction...why didn't I think of that sooner? :LOL

Seems I am always asking her about other traditions/customs in regards to language, ceremony, sweatlodge, etc, but not babies or parenting. I think it is that ....stereotype or something....like old people don't know....or you hear ppl all surprised that elders 'get it on' or punje or whatever you wanna call it. :LOL

I guess I am so used to seeking out my aunts for info about babies and children that I never remember that our Elders have just as much knowledge.
:duh I feel sad for not realizing this sooner.

Once, I find out I will come back and let you all know what they had to say...
any other questions besides Cradleboards?

[mamabuzzybee]

Boozhoo Jennbee--
Is your buddy's name Little Bee?
We have a photographer in our community who is "Amoose"--the nasalization got lost, but he too is "little bee"....
Welcome!

[Jennbee]

MamaInTheBoonies, we'd have to meet here again to figure the cradleboards out. I have yet to ask around, I think that I'll start with my gramma tomorrow. And I don't even want to think about gramma and grampa "getting it on" anymore. She has told me too many crazy stories about sex.
Mamabuzzybee, yes my little girl is a Little Bee. I see that you're a Bee too. Are you a busy bee?

[~member~]

Yay! I spoke with a few of the elders yesterday! Cedar! I thought I was right, but wasn't sure. The next moon they will show me what I need and how to make one. I have the beads and leather and sinew, so, this will be about how to get the wood and actually make one. I can't wait! :love I haven't been this excited in a long time, lol! :p :bouncy :LOL