Become More Connected with Your Native American Roots

In a country that is slowly but steadily becoming more culturally tolerant more people are discovering a desire to connect their heritage. For people with Native heritage this desire can become quickly dampened. Many people feel that if they are not enrolled with their tribe they will not be welcomed to participate in cultural activities. Even those people who are more brave the uprising of appropriated or stolen Native culture makes it difficult for one to know how to connect to their true heritage. Fortunately this process can be much easier than it appears. There are a few simple steps that anyone can take to quickly connect with their Native roots and to become more self confident as a Native person.

Step 1: Know your History: It is important, as a Native person, to know as much as possible about your own family tree. It is common in Native communities for one to talk about their roots and identify oneself based upon commonly known family members and ancestors. You don't want to be left out. Learn what you can about your own family: know last names, know birth places, know important events they were involved in. Be confident in what you know. Be even more confident in what you do not know. Native people have a long and complicated history. It is not uncommon for Natives to have missing links in their family history. Do not express shame for these missing pieces, accept them as a part of your Native heritage. Once you know all you can about your family and are confident in what you know move on to step two.