Native American question about aprochig an elder...?

Question

Here's the problem. I am part Lakota, but was not raised or taught any of the way's. What I know is mainly from the internet. I now have my grandson to raise who is 4yrs old. He is 1/2 Ojibewa and 1/4 mohawk, 1/4 Lakota, Irish, german. I do know of a native american gentleman that lives 2 blocks from me. He has met my grandson with his dad( my son, who chose to not raise him) once.
He has said he's willing to help my son with anything he could. But how do I approach him about teaching my grandson the ways that only really are learned from the elders. This family does go to pow-wow's regularly and participate in them. But I really dont know any more than that. I really would like to see my grandson know of his heritage and let his hair grow like his ancestors do, even if others in my own family disagree with me. I want to see him raised to be proud of being "of the people". Also when I go & talk to him do I need to bring a gift to him, like tobaco? Please help !!!

Answer 1

If the man is of the same heritage and has offered, then I see no reason that you could not go to him. Maybe tobacco, I've heard some blankets are often a prime gift to. Maybe go to him and let him know that you would like your grandson to have someone in his life that can guide him in these ways and you'd be forever thankful if he would consider it, and maybe help him out in some ways in return for his kindness.

Answer 2

Well, You can always take the easy path and just asking him about the way of the Shaman. A nice thing to bring would be a nice rainstick (the ones with the beads that sounds like rain when you flip it around) and dreamcatcher.

You know, it's never too late for you to indulge in your roots and learn for yourself and practice with your son. I'm 50% Cherokee and 25% Pima, and Irish, Welsh and Dutch. I have a high amount of Native American Shamanism in my blood. But, regardless of trace amounts, you still have it, and thus you should try to learn for yourself as you would for your son. It's really an interesting belief system. My innate animal is the Wolf.

You know, you could always ask for some literature from this man. That information is highly prized these days. Within families, more knowledge of the past means a sharper shaping of the future.

Good luck! Blessed Be and Happy Yule/ Merry Christmas.

Answer 3

I am sure you are going to get alot of people tell you all manner of things. Get him a chew of red man if he chews. That is a block of chewing tabaco. About the size of a pack of smokes. Speak slowly and ask the man to teach your son the ways of the tribe. Do not beat around the bush he is not a white man and we like to be straight forward. If he does not chew, get him something to eat like a beef brisket or a cake. Of if you are in dought buy him a good knief with natural handles (deer horn).

Answer 4

what's MZ? Im assuming you're speaking of Montana....I even have been there, and confident they have Reservations, and NO they don't have "Indian Nursing residences", in assessment to us human beings in usa, who purely throw there old in a house, and cover them away, Indians shelter there families at abode, (the government, deliver them money to stay off, besides the very undeniable fact that it a pitiful quantity). the only way which you would be able to additionally be waiting to this, (assuming they even choose for to allow you into there reservation) is you could ought to speak to somebody in there relatives 1st, meaning you could ought to attend a close-by "pow wow", that's an Indian ceremony, the place they rejoice there way of existence, do ceremonial dances, naming ceremony's, ect., fairly some the time it particularly is open to the ordinary public, and that they've artwork's and craft tables, nutrition, and different entertainment, so possibly in case you could shop your eye's peeled for a style of activities, (try goggling it) that's often no longer accomplished until warmer month's, until they do it interior a construction (that's additionally uncommon), stable success, and want it artwork's out. (by using ways, in case you do certainly even get to speak with an elder, you could desire to easily remember to ask between the kin in enhance what form of present you need to deliver, to the guy, because it particularly is often times a instruct of appreciate. some human beings have asked which you deliver a sheep or goat case in point)