Dos and Donts//

thewitchmama:

thecuriousviolet:

From a Native to my Non-native readers:

If you are non-native, don’t:

•say you have a spirit animal
•say you have a totem
•smudge
•wear feathers
•wear regalia as a costume
•practice Native religions
•claim to be Native if you aren’t
•own a dreamcatcher that is not native-made
•own moccasins that are not native-made
•perform native dances uninvited
•touch native made drums or instruments without asking
•show up to a powwow uninvited
•attempt to perform Native rituals
•disrespect Native cultures
•make fun of native customs
•make fun of native dances
•make fun of native speech
•practice Native Medicine
•make fun of Natives
•call natives derogatory names
•use Natives as a mascot or costume
•appropriate native culture
•be racist
•assume things and accept stereotypes about Natives

Do:

•respect natives
•listen to natives
•ask a native friend if you can tag along to a powwow
•buy native-made dreamcatchers and moccasins
•know your Native history
•smoke cleanse
•ask natives about their culture
•respect a Native’s wishes if they inform you that you are being offensive
•support natives
•buy art from natives
•fucking be a decent human being

This list is important.