There's a German quote written by Austrian poet Josef Linster that goes: "Nur ist der seiner Ahnen wert, Der Ihre Sitten treu vehrehrt" which translated means: "Only he who honors his ancestors' customs is worthy to be called their descendant"
Thank you so much! I am Comanche, Oneida, and Navajo. My father is white and I used to be bullied on for not being Native enough on the outside by my native peers. This made me feel so validated for how I feel on the inside. I am Native American no matter what!
I needed to hear this. My Father and his Mother, my Grandmother are of Native lineage. When my father was still a child, they got a letter from the government saying that they were no longer being recognized as Native Americans and our tribe was considered extinct or something like that. I have always sought to learn more, but it is so difficult to find good reliable sources. I often wrestle with the idea of should I identify as Native? When this info is requested on forms, I always put both Native and Caucasian. Thank you for sharing this.
My son is going through something very similar right now. All this culture being wiped from the land and people. I hope you find answers and peace in your journey
I’ve learned a lot as well about my lineage, and I also have the three rooted molars. I always wondered how my father knew so much and was drawn to hunting. (Man would spend 12 hours hiking for the perfect trophy buck) I couldn’t hang with him, but I’ve learned a lot of “tricks” in the wilderness from him.
I feel so angry they are trying to erase your history and your people. The blood Quantum rules also are so infuriating. Someone raised in the culture is preserving the culture regardless of the blood quantum. How obscene. It's not my place to say as a white person so I apologize if I overstepped. I'm glad you're here and I'm sorry the dominant US culture is so monotonous. I really love World culture day in Salem Oregon. We got to see many tribes dance and hear stories from many areas in the continent. I hope we can go to it again one day.
Thank you for sharing your journey. Mine is similar. Sometimes because I was stolen from the tribe, I feel that I was never born because my history starts with the BIA agent and his family that adopted me. Aho
I do not have any Indian blood in me . But was adopted by the senaca Indianswhen my step father married my mother when I was 3 . His mother was full blooded. She got ill an I took care if her from the age of 7 till I was 9. Then she passed away. My step father died 3 yrs later . You are taught the Indian ways weather your aware of it or not . I am going my best to pass it down . Thank you for doing the same . Your teachings are helping me in many situation s most of my family has passed . Thank you for your time !! 💜
we arent indians, we are native americans! we arent from india, if you truly want to respect us then call us what we actually are!!! You aren't native so you have no right to claim our culture
@@imnfewirose876 1) Russell Means of the the Lakota, and a founder of A.I.M., which did more than most towards our people, would disagree whole heartedly with you. He always called himself American Indian and stated everyone born in the western hemisphere is native American. We all are, according to him. 2) what a rude and very inaccurate thing to say. If a tribe adopted you, you are that family. While DNA is a useful tool for those of us who lost our heritage for various horrid reasons, it's also true that DNA alone doesn't make you native American. How do you think there's so many native Americans who are white? Adoptions and love.
Close enough to be white. Every time I ask my grand ma if we had native blood I always got the same answer. " Just a drop in a bucket full, don't worry about it!" Later my uncle would tell me about his grand mother playing with his hair and telling him about living in a tepee and watching the young braves riding horses. I never understood the fear of being and Indian. Thank you for sharing.
Genocide and persecution... My father told me that it was common to be set upon and harassed/attacked simply for being Native... Hope this clears it up a bit...
@Terry Ulmer Many factors, unfortunately. Greed and Xenophobia being the root of it all. Yes, a massive portion of it was definitely self-righteous entitlement of institutions.
@@3nt3rtain _Christian's Doctrine of Discovery_ "invade, search out, capture, vanquish, and subdue all Saracens and pagans whatsoever, and other enemies of Christ, wheresoever placed, and the kingdoms, dukedoms, principalities, dominions, possessions, and all movable and immovable goods whatsoever held and possessed by them and to reduce their persons to perpetual slavery, and to apply and appropriate to himself and his successors the kingdoms, dukedoms, countries, principalities, dominions, possessions, and goods, and to convert them to his and their use and profit. Pope Nicholas V (Papal Bull 1452)
@@3nt3rtain Matthew 10: 34Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Glad to hear that Mr.Brown isn't against the DNA tests. With that said I'm a mixed blood Chicano. But my DNA states that I am Pueblo (Zuni,Jemez/Navajo) on my mothers side (Anasazi) and a descendant of Kennewick Man from my fathers side. My father was born in Mexico and my mother Texas. My understanding is that the Jemez/Navajo strongly suggests Coyote Pass Clan and my father Na'kai Dineh. So I am Ma'ii Deeshgiizhinii born for the Na'kai Dineh. :)
We are all related.. Common ancestor though the places we live change our colours and culture because human beings are amazing.. We need to celebrate and love, and not divide and fear.. Love this elder 🙏🏾
I have always known of my family's Native American lineage, however the practices and teachings have long since been forgotten. I am learning all I can about The People so that I can pass it on to my children. While I often feel out of place, due to my ignorance, your video has encouraged me to keep going. Thank you so much!
I don't have one drop of Native American blood that I know of, but I know the Red Road. I sat at the drum and sang with our Kiowa head singer and sweat leader. At the pow wows sometimes I dance the intertribals. But I am a "white man" after all. There were those who were quick to call me a "wannabe." The truth is I know well enough who I am and where I come from. I love this land I grew up in and I respect the Native American ways. What I learned were intertribal songs and ceremonies, and I know that with the various indigenous nations of this continent, there are lines that an outsider, especially a "white man" like myself, should not cross. Alright well I should leave it at that. I went my own way, distanced myself from my Kiowa "uncle" and my sweat brothers, but that road I walk is still red. Sometimes I get nostalgic. I learned that peyote is not the right medicine for me, but I miss going in the sweat lodge (the kind made of young willows) and singing at the drum. I'd like to smell that cedar from Longhorn Mountain again, but if not there's plenty of juniper up at the higher elevations around Silver City. I'm in Las Cruces. I lacked good guidance when I was growing up. Like coyote I had to learn from my own mistakes, as well as both the good and bad examples of others. I'm listening to these teachings at the age of fifty after much difficulty, a life out of balance, but there is beauty all around and I have hope that in old age, lively, I may walk on a trail of beauty. Thank you for sharing your teachings. I think they help a lot of people.
No one really speaks of the Natives who are from Native of the Caribbeans and mixed with Natives of American. You are the first. Thank you for that. I am one such Native American. I have my pedigree back to the 14/1500’s. I proudly carry my citizenship card.
My great grandmother was Cherokee in Kentucky and I have always been very proud of that as well as the rest of my mixed heritage because I am a child of this world and not of one particular tribe
I'm mostly mescalero apache and oglala sioux the rest is Irish sadly I was taken from my people at a young age and most of my family know nothing of our traditional ways I'm thankful for mr brown to teach me
Always proud of my people. Always proud of my heritage, my lineage. Full blooded Navajo, both on my mother's and father's side, my tribes are Many Goats on my mother's side and Red Bottom on my father's side. My grandparents live at home, as well of my entire family on my father's side. My mother's family live in New Mexico.
Being an American whose 2/3s Native American, whose Mother moved away from her family with my Father away from Texas…I felt lost in Missouri or as I call it “Misery”…. But this Guy Includes Every Person Of Native American 🇺🇸People ✝️✌️🌊. Neh.
Thank you so much for this. I’ve been so torn over this topic the last years after being called a mixed blood or half blood and told I’m not native enough when I literally live my life by the teachings. I’m not Navajo but I am Mohawk and grew up feeling the pride and beauty that that lineage made of me and my family and I sought for my whole life to learn from it and be connected with it. Younger I was told it was enough but as the world changes they say it’s not enough and I’m not full blood. Well it’s in my veins and speaks through my mouth. I am grateful to all of my heritage and ancestry equally but feel particularly called by my Haudenosaunee roots.
As more and more people have children, there will be many more mixed people. Listen to your own heart as you have been doing. You are on the right path
Josh, you're Native. "Our people do not come in parts." You can be Native And. Being parts is uncomfy, lol. All choppy. It's ok to Be Native. Just as Wally is saying. We tend to need to....
I am a breed ,decendend from the Muscogee creek's ,have always had a natural connection with nature, was riding horses right out of diapers, grew up in the Everglades, really starting to make since now at 61 ,thanks to the internet, which has brought indigenous teaching to the world and myself thank you.
My grandfather lived in Arizona with our people. I'm so happy to have found your channel! Sadly I never learned about my culture from my parents. I remember my grandfather speaking the language but it was never taught to me. I want my little one to know where she came from. What are the best ways to learn? I've wanted to get involved my whole life!
Navajo Word Of The Day has a lot of language. I'm not sure what get involved means. Learn your culture? There are Navajo pages & Native pages with many Diné on facebook, to observe on and begin to learn so that you can regain some by seeing. You're aware questioning ("demanding") info is not likely to be embraced with open arms, right? Pushy is against tradition & mainstream ways can seem pushy. Don't hurry. Lol. But it's in your spirit, you can catch on to a bit. Right now the Rez is on lockdown of course. I have Diné cousins. I'll think on this. Respond if you see this, in case I find something to send you to help. You can ask me things. I'm a different tribe, but know many. ✌️
Involving myself with my culture, yes. I wasn't aware I was being pushy, how would you advise to ask for more information or learning resources? I appreciate any help/ advice you have. Is it more appropriate to learn on my own & maybe seek out friendships?
I am descendant of the Huron, of whom there are no full blood Native Americans of this tribe left. Only those of us with some great~ great~great~great ~ancestors bloods .. Thank you for your gracious invitation to honor those who came before us
And we always want to be PROUD OF OUR ANCESTORS! I have Native American ancestors and Indigenous ancestors from Canada that I am SO PROUD OF. NEVER FORGET HOW WE GOT HERE and give thanks for all they sacrificed. I try to follow a life hey would e proud of.
i really appreciate this message. my father's mother is half cherokee and i have always called myself mixed race between cherokee and white. but the time i have spent around the reservation in wnc and the cherokee athletic programs has showed me that they are so different than i am. they were always kind because i showed them extra respect but i still never got that experience of being among "my own people" because i was mixed and lived in the city. it hurts to not belong anywhere on the face of the earth.
Just wanted to say I understand your words very well. I'm about a quarter Eastern Band Cherokee. I grew up with the Choctaw people though. Lived closer to their rez. And there was a fairly substantial Native population in my city. I grew up in two different worlds. Lots has changed since then. No Natives around me now. It isn't easy, but try to keep the ways you know. Reach out online to other natives. Pow wow vids are a start.
My Grandfather played on the Carlisle football team with Jim Thorpe. His name was Joseph Bergie and he was the last member of that team to die. Pop Warner was the coach. My Grampa trashed Ike Eisenhower's leg in a game against West Point. Eisenhower complained of an old leg injury before he died. When I was a sophomore I slept during a history film on Eisenhower and woke up the last 5 minutes and for some reason, I remembered that part. A few months later we went to Grampa's funeral and found this out.
I'm Choctaw/latino/some Irish. My Dads Mothers Mothers folks were transported in covered wagons from Kentucky,Tenessee in trail of tears Into Southeast Oklahoma ( Choctaw) My other Great Grandparents were NDN also.
A Good message with Good heart to deliver it Thank You for your efforts. Many do not understand in this manner ! Your message is like a deep drink of water.......Refreshing!!!!
Thank you . I needed to hear this and i cried when you said: Welcome to our family... . I did not know about my Native heritage until my father died. And after taking a DNA test it turned out that i have both Canadian First nation - and Native American ancestry. The relatives go back 80-120 years ago.. and my father would have been 86 now - so it was either his father or one of his grandparents ( or both if one was mixed) . Sadly i have not been able to find any relatives - because my father was the result of a romance at a circus the fall of 1933. I have looked and looked but ther are so many tribes.. But after doing some reserach i was told i was most likely part Sioux ( Lakota) .. There were a lot of reasons for this and they sounded plausible. I have also found 2 older pictures of a group of men where 1 of them looks so much like my oldest brother i almost fainted when i saw it.. The other man looks like my father at a younger age and also like me when i was 25 ( i was very androgyn looking in my 20ths ) .. I just have to find the name of the men in the picture and try to look if i can find any relatives and take it from there - see if we are related. I belive these were Lakota as well.
I’m from Los Angeles. My father was born in Guatemala & mother from Honduras. I’ve come to realize how we are decents of each other. We all look alike & have the same or similar culture. I have been searching for a place to learn the Mayan Language. I started by finding some online stuff. We all need to unite ❤
Thank you Wally for your teachings and giving us an opportunity to heal in many ways. I am a combination of Jewish, Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian, German, Welsh, Ukrainian, Spanish, Asian, E Indian and Native American and not even sure what tribe my ancestors were from. One DNA site says Iʼm Taino, Peruvian and Columbian Indigenous, and another site says Plains, Artic, and NE woodlands. But my heart has always felt pulled to learn as much as I can about Native American cultures and languages. At the very least I can say I am an ally. It is hard sometimes to not fit in anywhere, but it is also a gift that gives me openess to keep learning and making new friends. I do feel the Native American within even if it is only 5%. My parents met in Sequoia National Park where I bonded with the land, birds, chipmunks, and trees from an early age....which is another reason, Native ways make more sense to me than mainstream America. Being Jewish, I empathize greatly with what Native Americans in this country have endured. My grandfathers whole family disappeared in Ukraine when Hitler invaded. All of this pains my heart. I am learning Diné Bizaad.
I’m glad to hear you say this! I’m Native American and have always said it proudly even though o don’t know how much. My father’s mother “My grandmother” is 50% and you can definitely see it in her. She was very wise and told me a lot of stories that I will never forget. She lived to be 92 years old and was still in good health but she died from an infection which caused a stroke but she would have lived a lot longer if that didn’t happen. Oh she also smoked a pipe! 😂😂😂😂 She made sure that her pipe was given to me. I miss her!!!!
@@ForageGardener: He's being nice. You can not be part of a Clan--a Clan is who you are genetically. A Navajo Clan tells your genetic background. You can live with a Clan family--but you can never be of that Clan. It's like living in Japan all your life, but you can never be Japanese, you can live and experience the culture and marry into the family, but you will always be an outsider. It's a nice sentiment, but he needs to be clearer. Even 1% is not going to get you into a Clan.
My favorite museum in the whole world, and I have visited many: The Royal British Columbia Museum, in Victoria, BC. I loved the Native Art there. :) Back in October of 1997.
Idk ehy, I have no connection with Dené people or any of the peoples from US, but your traditions resonate with me! (I'm slavic if anyone wants to know)
@@vixendoe2545 that's because before the christianisation of europe it used to be like any other indigenous pagan believes = praising your ancestors. Sadly the knowledge is almost all lost.
@@momoom2915 The Scots also used the feathers of the Scottish Golden eagle to denote their clan chieftains, said prayers and thanked the spirits of the animals they hunted for food. I have read, I don't know how true it is, that tribes would adopt the Scots that came to colonial America. The raven is also highly regarded in parts of the U.K.
@@vixendoe2545 Never heard of the feathers, but nice! I often thought maybe the northern american natives had similar belives as the europeans because of the weather? Both have to prepare for winter and both have the nothern lights. Compared to other continents who have almost no winter or seasons that would make sense I think. Have you heard of the bear cult of the stone age? It's the root of animal worship and reincarnation.
Thank you for your kindness 🙏and warm welcome. I recently discovered that my maternal grandmother is Dine'. I knew that my paternal grandmother was native American but of the Cherokee. God bless you and all that are a part of your RU-vid video production 🙏
Part Shoshone, Arapaho and Crow here and I love it (the other parts mixed European). I resonate more with the native side. Thank you for what you've said.
im a descendant of germanic and Scandinavian tribes ..I find peace and connection among indigenous american natives.. my daughter has yaqui in her bloodline .. she too finds comfort among fellow native peoples.. the world is still turning because of the unbroken prayers of indigenous peoples.. prayers up for all bloodlines.
I am decadent of Mohawk on my mother's side. It was my great great grandmother. I was at a pow wow recently and talked to an artist. I told him of my ancestry and explained often I feel inspired to do First Nations art and he said it would be insulting to the people as I was not Native American enough. I asked another who gave me great advice. Since I am descended from those who were Mohawk and have First Nations blood in my veins and all are descended from our great spirit who am I to deny my past and inspiration from the holy one. Guess what? I am doing the art and I love it.
Thank you so much for this video. My dad's great grandmother was Cherokee from Kentucky, she married my dad's great grandfather and escaped the "trail of tears". My dad really had prominent Cherokee features, and those eagle grey eyes. Unfortunately he was indifferent about his heritage; but I am very proud of my trace amount Cherokee. Unfortunately, I probably don't have sufficient to show up on DNA testing, but I know it's there, and that's all that is important. Thank you.
Your ancestry would definitely come up on a DNA test, just maybe not those cheap standard ones that everyone is getting. Check out GeneaVlogger. He is a geneologist. Most of his videos are reaction videos, but he explains why people get the results they do. About a month ago he did a video which showed the differences between 5 different DNA tests which was really interesting.
@@tstarr8314 Thanks for the suggestion. I took after my mom's side which was Irish/ Scotch, blond hair, red beard, and blue eyes. No resemblance to my dad. I will definitely check out your recommendation.
@@markporter6933 the Scottish genes are strong! I have family who discovered they were part Aboriginal after their grandmother got alzheimers and started telling stories that they had never heard before. They had no idea. Their grandmother just seemed very Scottish. They were actually able to connect with the Aboriginal side of the family and meet their relatives, which was pretty cool.
Greatness to you I always knew that I had native blood in me because the culture was familiar to my spirit my great grand mother was Cherokee Indian from skin bayou Oklahoma
My grandmother always told us we are of Navajo descent. Her father's family were native. She passed away in 2017 and even the last time we enjoyed her company.. she talked to us about her father , his family's and alot of family we never met because of this or that. I have binge watched Your videos because on the video were you explained the turquoise necklace and the meaning of the shells and loops and quantities of beads... I saw your hands . They looked just like my grandmother's hands. The nails a certain color .. she shape of the fingers and nails too . I see a little bit of that tiny but mighty woman in you .Thank you ♡
Thank you! I am half Native American from my mom's side. We come from the East though the Americans and ended up in Mexico as a tribe. My mom was born in a small village with no electricity or running water. This bloodline is from the Dine I have. I gave been missing my grandma. I grew up living rivers, mountains,nature and forging wild herbs and fruit. So happy to connect here with my tribal roots.
I just found out a few years ago my great great grand mother on my fathers fathers side was pure Cherokee. But in early south Louisiana this was looked down upon and this is why it took me almost 60 years to find out. This really made me proud and explains a lot of my thoughts and beliefs and probably my temper from what I understand about the Cherokee.
I'm descendent from Cherokee natives whose ancestors never left Appalachian homelands or had names documented on rolls or "legal papers" therefore we are refused federal recognition. My family's elders held on to some of the traditional skills and passed them down but sadly assimilation into english culture and society was pressed and much of our heritage and beliefs and story's that are passes down orally in native culture I have not been taught.
I hope you can find out more💖 anyone getting a DNA test should do so through their doctor so it is HIPPA protected and not sold. Commercial DNA results can be sold to other service providers and are not protected.
This talk really grabbed me. I’ve been in the practice of praying for my ancestors and my family tree my whole adult life. My sibs and I have 7 nationalities. My children have that +1. And I’ve loved to learn about these cultures and histories. But in the last few years I’ve been increasingly *dis*-connected from my nationalities, *more* connected to family tree and more drawn to the people who share my values and beliefs, regardless of ethic background. And since the pandemic, intentionally forming community around me, nurturing it like a beloved garden…
I’m Irish Scottish, born in Arizona, and I speak for the art left by the ancestors. It matters not what I shape you have, or the color of your skin. Do not try to pretend to be anything that you’re not but follow your heart.
thank you for this video , im native , not Native American but native North African we are called “amazigh” and I’m slowly connecting to my people and my culture this video made me feel valid , thank you
According to my dna test, I am only like 2% native american from an unknown region. But your teachings really resonate with me and put into words what I have felt all along. Thank you for the information
Thank you for this video. I can't understand people who will turn to someone of Native blood and tell them they are not Native American "enough". I wonder how they don't see that the concept of DNA percentages is a result of colonization? By gatekeeping the culture our ancestors meant to pass down and honor, we are slowly killing it off. Our ancestors' ways was never about "looking Native enough", but they WERE about respect and kindness to others, as they believed we were all created equal. The words at the end of this video meant so much to me: "Welcome to your family."
Our maternal ancestors are Dane-zaa, Sekani, aka Rocky Mountain Goat People, or People of the Rock. As the band declined in numbers they joined the Sinixt of the Arrow Lakes. When they were caught below the 49th parallel following the USA/Canadian treaty, they were adopted by the Chewelah-Spokan, descendants are found throughout Interior Salish Plateau tribes. Another of my Great-Grandmother's is listed as Navajo in the rolls of the Cherokee Freeman. (My sister's middle name is Nadine.) Yet, most of our lives this heritage had been hidden. Truth is liberating.
Some of the greatest cultural contributions any group can produce are often forms of art or craftsmanship. As an outsider, i greatly appreciate the visual aspect of Native art, and design in general. For example, the gorgeous rugs or tapestries hanging in the background of these videos. They are fantastic. These visuals speak to me.
Good Morning and thank you Mr. Wally. My mom told us that Indians were murdered and nothing was said about it. She and her grand mother was afraid for there life, but I never was and am not. I am Native and very happy to know it😊❤
I am Maharlikan and I love these teachings as it helps me to live a more harmonious and intelligent life . Thank you for making this wisdom available for all .
I m so happy to hear that you say this. I am very proud of beig apart. N,A but i feel like many are against this - something i do understand since it has been misused by o many. . I took a DNA test because of my grandfather and it turned out that i am part Native American. been doing some digging and it turns out that he must likely was Lakota Sioux. I feel so conflicted - i live in Norway and also have Sami ( indigenous) dna on both my parents side, but i would love to embrace my native American heritage too . Actually - i will embrace it.. Thank you for your very kind and wise words.
Wonderful idea!!!! My first introduction to Sami culture was the movie Pathfinder made in Norway. One of my favorite films ever. I think mother Earth wants us to embrace her and Native peoples have so much to teach us about respect for plants, animals and each other.
I'm in Albuquerque, I'm used to Native Pride, I can embrace the the culture the teachings to a extent. I could listen all night to this. Thanks Diné. If I told people I was Diné I might get a punch😂 most of my Diné friend are tough in Albuquerque.
Thank you so much for saying this. My Paternal Grandmother was half Native American and I seem to have found myself on the outside looking into the Tribe. It does hurt a lot at times, but I dearly love the Native American Indian People and am devoting some time each week to attend to my Heritage in that area, through prayers and studies. I love your videos and am learning a lot!
Thank You Wally for all the videos that you have done so far. I sure hope that you are well during this pandemic time. May the creator bless you and your family
Thanks I'm only a quarter and I've had people say that but i was raised with what you said no mater if you are full blooded or a quarter you are still Native American
I love this so much. My great great grandmother was Chata. She assimilated so most of our culture was forgotten in our family. My grandfather always told me to be proud of my Choctaw roots. He reminds me so much of this man. Thank you for seeing all of us even though it’s difficult to find your place and figuring out how you belong. I will always take pride in my ancestors. Yakoke ♥️
I grew up with Hispanic customs . But my grandfather always told me of our native amcrstry. In Texas alot of natives started to identify as Mexican so that they could survive. And many natives spoke Spanish because Spain and mexico owned Texas before America. Many of us Hispanics and Chicanos are colonized natives who've lost our connection to our ancestors. But when I study the ways of our medicine and the love for our earth mother. I feel like I am home. No.. I KNOW I am home
