Hi everyone. I was just wondering if anyone knows of any type of homestay type thing with anyone on a native american reservation, or anything of the sort? I've tried looking online, but haven't found anything. Understandably, it's probably not going to be like "come white people, share this land that you let us keep, the worst and smallest of our formerly vast, beautiful home.' But the place where I am in my life right now, I'm trying to find my path, and my spirit is really pulling me to the native americans. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much. aho!
I feel the same and wanted to spend some time on a reservation myself, but also thought they'd not be as enthused to see me. Well when I was in Arizona, we drove to the Hopi Reservation, and it was different than I was expecting, the modernization has kind of hit there too, they have some electric, but a lot of solar as well, and some cars, I even saw a freaking cellular one store there (in a mobile trailer) but still, I was shocked.. so we rolled into town, up to the cultural center and they were pretty nice there, as well as at the gift shop (naturally) but overall it was a good experience and their land really feels wonderful to be on... but I didn't get to sit and watch any of their ceremonies or anything, I know some of them you can, but some of them are too private for guests... overall, I'd say they made us feel more welcome than not in the Hopi lands. Oriabi is the oldest continuously inhabited village in all of North America I believe. And there's a lot of other things about the Hopi that I've read that made me want to go there. They told us a lot of what was written about them is not completely true or completely made up. I don't know if this was the answer you were looking for but I hope it helps and I wish you the best of luck on your journey.
Hey there~ well this is a complicated request! I do agree with Drumminmama, in the sense that doing service work is a good way to get your foot in the door. Healthcare workers are much respected and can get student loans payed off too! Teachers are very much need and respected too! I've been to many reservations. Oklahoma has the most, research "Trail of Tears". Lots of poverty in almost all the reservations. New Mexico's Pueblos are the *most intact* with dealing with peoples that haven't been displaced. Outsiders are not allowed into the innermost realms (and who can blame them?) It's a matter of survival really. If you find yourself somehow hanging with a indigenous family, hang with the women (if you are a woman) and hang with the mens if you are a dudes. Also, drug are NOT approved of EVER, even if someone tries to convince you otherwise. Drugs and alcohol are a path of destruction on the Res. Old fashioned kindness is respected, a lot of these folks were raised by strict boarding school and manners were beat into them. Most of the time, when "white people" go looking for the "indian way" there are held misconceptions that are shattered when one arrives. Like the impressions of expecting the Res. to be some tipi wonder-land with everyone sitting by the fire. and then being bombarded by "modern conveniences" and having that image shattered. THese folks want to be like everyone else AND maintain their identity at the same time. It's kinds cool to know what a rainbow of culture the indigenous folks like to live in. A real good way of gaining respect is to learn the language, but not to show off with it. Watch out if you can speak it better than an actual person of that tribe. That happened to a friend of mine and he almost got his ass beat. It's difficult to be of a people and can't even speak your own language. So it can also be insulting. One time I went to a funeral back in Oklahoma and there was a non-ndn guy there that spoke fluent Cheyenne and he officiated the ceremony, he was much loved by the folks in those parts. I've known many, many inter-racial and inter-tribal married folks. And then there are the folks that believe that they have to stick with their own kind. And you have to be prepared to accept that. It's not very modern and not very p.c., but you have to really understand it's a survival mechanism the ~ back to the blanket movement. Colorado has primarily Navajo as the biggest indigenous population in the state, but there are also S. Ute and lots of Cheyenne & Arapahoe in the Denver area. Lots walk the line betwixt traditionals and urban ndns. Never really fitting the mold that we've created in our minds about them. I've lots of relatives of lots of different tribes and I dated a Navajo for 9 years, hung out with all his family. One thing that I was taught by an Elder, it's important to be proud of who you are and where you come from and not try to be something you are not. JM2c best of luck~ AHO!
uhhh, there is a TINY piece of rez land set aside in Oklahoma. Most of the state is nation land, however. So be clear that Cherokee Nation (or Shawnee Nation, or whatever) is NOT the same as the rezs near Ignacio --Southern Ute and Mountain Ute-- or in Arizona. Now, the reality of the rez varies by rez. Some have income some do not. And the boundaries are the same as in the 1880s, but with populations for 2006. See a problem there? OK, I just reread OP. trying to find your path? So you want to go stay on a rez to use their people spiritually? that's messed up. What's wrong with your OWN path? not somone elses? Want to make a lot of resentmet? Be a Wannabe and try to be Black Elk. I have to ask, how much interaction have you had with people from tribes?
As to going to a rez to use their spirituality, are you kidding me? Everyone has their own path, and lots of paths intersect. Very rarely will you find any one whose life has not been touched by someone elses. I feel a pull to the land, and living and loving it, not in this concrete jungle. I was looking for help on moving further in this direction. Just because I feel pulled toward native american culture doesn't mean I'm trying to exploit them, or use them. Also I tried in my OP to be sincere and respectful, and you coming at me like this? THAT'S messed up. I just wanted answers, and that's what we're all looking for. Too bad all I got was accused of trying to use people. Generations back on my mother's side, one of my great great, and so ons, grandmother was full Cherokee. We have no way of even learning her name or anything about her, as most of my mother's family has passed from this life. As to the interaction I've had, I've gone to sweat, and talked with a medicine woman. Not that it's any of your business, or your place to judge anyone..
I would suggest calling any local Tribal Council. If anyone would know of such a program, they will. I don't have a link for you, but I'm sure you can find something on the nation in your area.
see, my "take" is what you will encounter. Pretty good retort. You'll hold your own just fine! Have any great skills to offer? (geez I'm such a devils advocate bitch) one warning, you do know the Gener-okee joke, right? NO ONE cares about the great greats in that particular tribe. I'd not mention it if I were you, esp since you don't have tribal rolls info. Now, if she was Eastern Cherokee, maybe that would carry some weight. but Cheorkee Nation, everyone and their dog claims it west of the Mississippi.
oh, duh...how about helping the 200 or so Utes who want the stop the AL-P project? http://www.alpcentral.com/
