MIXED INDIGENOUS STRUGGLES

I’m sorry if this seems rambly. I always have so many complicated thoughts about this issue. Growing up, I was never allowed to adopt native practises or dress. I was ridiculed for my “Asian” features. And yet, whenever my parents would make a derogatory remark, they’d cover it up with “It’s okay. We’re part Cherokee, you know.”

It was only until I moved out that I was able to do things like smudge, do vision quests, and wear native regalia. I’m happy that I have that freedom, but it’s so hard feeling stuck in the middle sometimes.

Regarding the last slide, I also suspect that my ancestor was a stolen sister. We can’t find hide nor hair of her parents or siblings. I believe she was stolen to be a bride and forced to assimilate into white culture, hence the Biblical name Esther. I can’t even find her grave. The only proof that she exists at all is a signature on a marriage license, and the features she’s passed down to my family and me.

Anyway, long rant short, are there any other mixed indigenous people on lemon8? What was your experience growing up? What have you done to reconnect?

#indigenous #indigenouswoman #indigenoushistory #embracevulnerability #unfiltered #native #nativeamerican #nativeamericanculture #nativeamericanrepresentation #cherokee