It is good to see you here.If a person were white skinned but had a Native heart and practiced a semblance of traditional Indian Way ,would you accept them as Indian or would they always be outcast?What bands would you say are more moderate regarding this?
2007-09-08 13:40:52 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I am a small percentage Native,but have always felt strongly compelled toward Indian Way.I have never pretended to be Native I just know I am at heart.I don't do sweats or any ceremonies to try to become "more Indian" as far as I'm concerned its not necessary to prove anything,knowing is enough.I would like to learn more of traditional Way from elders though,but I'm not of any tribe it seems so I'm kinda stuck.
2007-09-09 05:53:49 · update #1
It's true,I do want "in" as a matter of fact I feel that I want and deserve "back" in.Even though I practice Native way alone and always will,it would be nice to share and expand on it.Being Native is not a matter of skin color or having some paper that says you belong,its a Way of life,a disposition.I probably am more Native than many "card carrying" individuals.
2007-09-09 10:43:35 · update #2
Do you mean being of "white " heritage and wanting to be accepted by the native communities because You have a "native heart"??
Being native is more than doing sweats, going to pow wows, beading, drumming etc..
It's a way of life that has been handed down through generations..
It's knowing the stories and legends of your ancestors.
it's about wanting to pass on the tradition of your people to the next generation to keep the spirit alive.
It's about taking pride in your heritage, and knowing the direction in which you are going.
It's about not forgetting where you came from, and who you are.
It's about not being ashamed of yourself; being true to you and your people.
It's about accepting the past, and working together to make a better future.
It's about honoring your Elders and embracing the knowledge.
It's about not forgetting the sacrifices your ancestors made for you to be strong in a prejudiced world.
It's about all this, and so much more. To simply have a "native heart" is not enough to understand everything we have gone through; all the hardships, losses, and the lessons we've learned. To truly be accepted, you have to see the world through the eyes of one of us. To see it for what it really is. The good, and the bad.
The Indian Way is not all bead work and jingle dresses.
2007-09-09 05:40:36 · answer #1 · answered by mina 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Just the opinion of little 'ol me... but personally the "Native at heart" thing always makes me cringe.
Actually yesterday while heading home from a powwow I was kidding a pregnant friend (who's finding a lot she can't eat right now) about having an "Indian stomach" (pun off the 'Indian heart') because the things she ate there were no problem. Maybe that's where her little bit of Kiowa hangs out. lol
Anyhow... the gist of it that I've gotten, there are some people who don't mind curious allies who can understand their limits on what isn't theirs to know/have/be a part of.
Asking however what bands are most open to accepting you because you want in...eh...
2007-09-09 17:07:09 · answer #2 · answered by Indigo 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I like your quesiton! I'm nearly full blood Cherokee but have light skin and hazel eyes from the one English person in the family! When I say I'm Cherokee, I usually get smart remarks about how I don't look like an Indian. Everybody has a stereotypical image of what an "Indian" should look like. I practice my heritage in my daily life. I'm teaching my child the same way I was brought up....Cherokee.
If you have no 'Native' blood but respect the culture enough to learn of our traditions, then your respect and knowledge can teach others. You are in no way an outcast in my eyes.
2007-09-09 04:21:36 · answer #3 · answered by tsalagi 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I have great admiration for the American Indians . When he Spaniards arrived in America they thought they would be rich on the slave trade. The Indians refused to be slaves . They would be beaten to death before taking orders .
Before America entered the second world war, the Germans had large POW camps of shot-down fliers from France and England. People talked in whispers. When America entered the war, the camp became alive with laughter and yelling.
One American called a German guard close to the fence as if he was going to whisper something to him. When the G
erman got real close, the American grabbed him and raked his face back and forth on the barbed wire . Naturally, other guards immediately shot the American .
This spirit runs through Americans who eat from plants grown on the same soil, drink the same water , breath the same air as the American Indians.
We can be very proud of the Indians, and proud to be like them, and to have learned from them.
2007-09-08 21:13:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
depends on how you would carry yourself around them..If I went to school with you I would accept you for you. Be proud that you have that blood. but also be proud of your other heritages... better to acknowledge and accept and just be yourself..you'll have more native friends.. several here reading this may just become your friend..good luck..
2007-09-08 20:53:55 · answer #5 · answered by prairie fire 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hi... im Canadian... and my grandfather is half native half french, but my mother is that and also has german and spanish in her,,, and i have polish ukrain english and scotish from my dads side... so i like to look into differnt family orientations... but when it comes to natives that go to school with me... they all hang out... and they kinda make everyone out to get them... and i dont like it... i have native in me and have photos of my great grandmother who is whole... thats just what has happened to me
2007-09-08 20:47:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
elmjunburke, I would have emailed you but it's closed. I wanted to say THANK YOU for remembering US in such a good light.
To the asker, If you are tribal. So be it. If you only seek knowledge it will come to you.
2007-09-08 22:28:18 · answer #7 · answered by Mr.TwoCrows 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋