SRS, meaning no disrespect to you, but it seems to me there are a lot of assumptions being made about some claims of ancestry. I think it is also good to remember that some of us are either married to or living with, or have had in the past, members of one tribe or another. Not all are "wannabes."

I understand what you are saying and I did see a lot of what you speak about when living back East, during the Pequots building of the largest casino in the Western hemisphere. The contrast between them and their way of life and those in Wyoming on the Wind River or the Rosebud in S. Dakota, for instance, is stark and extreme.

FWIW, here is a site with extensive NA links. I have not checked all of them, so do not vouch for their veracity, but it does look as though there are som good ones: please click.

For a very interesting and scholarly discussion on whether it is ethical to teach Native American Religions at unversity, please click here. This includes imput from Native American and non-Native American professors.

Finally, for some direct quotes about what SRS is pointing out, please click here.

This, imo, points up the distinction I am trying to make, that is that many of us are accepted by and associate with Native Americans and are not considered "wannabes" by them. We don't pay them money for the sweats, etc. as is noted in the last link, etc. In other words, I believe it is important not to generalise about anyone.

This could bring about another interesting discussion, that of cultural ownership of spirituality.

Thanks,

kat


Thanks,

kat