Welcome to Indian Country

What should I do with you? In the moonlight, Black skin looks blue, this place my history lies,

A story etched in the skin and the wounds I carry that reach the heavens,

It pulses loud it is bold and strong, this blackness that is my being I am grounded, the color my roots belong,

But there is a whisper within, somewhere ancient and near, so very light it's thread woven lightly, a truth I am unsure to aknowledge but it tugs at my spirit, it is shaken, it wonders if I am ashamed, this truth that I cannot hide,

Should I seek, dare I reach, my past I ask for guidance?

How do I honor the voices, their echoes should they last?

My people, my kin, how their prayers travel through the thin lines of time,

To my ancestors, to both the Black and Indigenous I wish to pay homage and carry you in the cavity of my spinal cord a place close, their essence brings strength,

These roots deeply bound, the breaking dawn I feel dual embrace,

Both sides of the earth I am found.

-ctrl

I wrote this poem tonight, as a ally and as someone with Indigenous lineage. I am still learning what it means to be of both. as my father puts it, “just remember, you come from a long line of warriors and strong people that's why you and me are here today.”

Please let me know your thoughts on the poem ☺️

I’m dressing as the bird from rio for Halloween with a hand beaded teal carnival skirt set. I wanted to wear a head piece but I dont have the bird head they wear in the movie and I’m wondering if this would be considered offensive?

So in the beginning of the year I lost my little sister.Shortly after her birthday. December 20th, 2007 - January 24th, 202. Such a young pure sweet baby. Her body was found at her eagle tree. Not far from her home. She would go there daily looking for feathers and gathering medicine from near by lavender. The day it all happened we saw eagles in the tree watching as we prayed to the creator to take care of her. After we said our goodbyes they flew off and high. To this day after then I’ve seen more then a dozen of eagles maybe closer to 2 dozen. I’ve seen pairs and triples and adults full grown to baby birds learning how to fish. On some of my worst days I always managed to find myself staring at an eagle. Weeks ago I lost my great grandmother. I am the oldest of my family and all these tragic moments have pulled my family away and I’m lost and can’t find anyone to talk to for guidance. I have a twin brother and two middle brothers. I try taking care of my mom and she’s not getting better I’m losing myself more and more everyday and constantly running into problems like car breaking down work being slow family of my own having problems I’m in a very difficult time and need help. Thank you.

So I bought this tunic about a year ago in LA at a $1 thrift pop up sale. I thought it looked really interesting and picked it up because I liked how it looked. But, it’s been sitting in my closet since then because I’m afraid it might be cultural attire and I don’t want to culturally appropriate anything. I’ve been learning a lot more about various cultures and systemic oppression via my social work courses, and I just want to be culturally sensitive/mindful about this article of clothing. I noticed the bottom part of the tunic has a border/pattern on it that seems native/indigenous, so I thought it would be best to learn more about it! I’ve never used Reddit before, so apologies in advance. I am not looking for an appraisal or trying to resell it, just wanting to figure out what it may be or what tribe it may belong to (if at all). If it does turn out to be from a certain tribe (sincerely hoping I am using the correct verbiage), I would greatly appreciate learning how to get it back to its rightful origins! Thank you in advance for the help :)

Also, if it helps, there are no tags or any possible identifiers I have found on this piece of clothing. I tried google image search, and nothing really popped up (just various white lady boutiques trying to sell “western” clothing but was just tribal prints🙄). I also am struggling to find local native groups/organizations that may help with this process as well. Any help or guidance with getting in contact with local communities that may be able to assist would be incredibly helpful! Any who, thank you for your help!

One would think there would be more names for it, that are not as well known

Allowing myself to be present

A lot of my life i have been a day dreamer , or my mind lived in fantasy. I always thought it was like just the way I was but I realize now it was a coping mechanism due to my childhood. I used it as an escape from my reality. I’m learning to be grateful and present and happy with my current self