Why Indigenous people aren’t self-identifying ✅ ❌

[@KeithClapp-e2o]

I can relate to every one of these points. I am 52 and have known my entire life that I was different. I felt different, I thought differently, I viewed the world differently. Because I am adopted I met many roadblocks. Then I discovered that my biological father was also adopted. It was until I discovered who my biological paternal grandfather was that doors started opening and dots started connecting. This side of the family has not been receptive at at.. but I have done 2 years of research to find that my ancestors originated with the Nanticoke - Lenni Lenape in southern Delaware. These people were then forced to Pennsylvania where the family separated with part going north to Canada and connecting with Mikmaq people while other went west and connected with the Cherokee and settling in Claiborne County Tennessee. I simply want to know my heritage but I’m unable to connect with family, and I’m told that I’m “too watered down” to connect with or be a member of any of the nations connected to this family. So Like so many I am left to do my own research to learn the traditions, knowledge and wisdom myself. This is an incredibly slow process and I’m sure that I am doing things wrong but there just isn’t any help or support. I am very proud of the history and heritage that I have discovered and it has finally at 52 put my heart at peace. But I have found that it is painfully obvious that even today the government does not want me to be indigenous and indigenous nations aren’t interest in me being indigenous.

[@MalloryRoseCo]

I'm so sorry to hear that, Keith. I understand the challenges you've faced in discovering your indigenous heritage and finding acceptance within your family and indigenous nations. It can be disheartening when roadblocks and lack of support hinder your journey of self-discovery. However, please remember that your connection to your heritage and the pride you feel in your history and ancestry are valid and meaningful.🧡😊

[@faithwilson3529]

It is definitely number one. I felt I wasn't enough. I have been on a journey of connecting with my culture and learning my language. And slowly I have been healing from that lie.

[@cheyannewoodard7371]

I’m Afro-Indigenous in the South, and that’s a whole thing. I’ve been trying to connect and apply for tribal enrollment and it’s has been challenging journey.

[@Lady_Omni]

Yeah the gatekeeping is pretty intense right now. I feel like it's just easier if I wait like, several years to reconnect. I feel like people are going to realize how harmful gatekeeping has been, when actual Indigenous people have light shined on how many Indigenous people are staying away from the community because of this. Like, people straight up act like the self identification numbers are going up because white people don't want to take responsibility for what their ancestors did. But nobody wants to talk about the fact that the last residential school closed in 1996, when I was 7 years old. If my family hadn't left their reservation a few generations back, there's an actual chance of myself or my cousins getting thrown into one. People really need to wake up and stop aiding the colonizers in dividing us up. There's a lot of us mixed Indigenous folks who had harm done to us from the settler colonial state, and people do not seem to have adequate grace for us. TLDR: Being mixed & non status is a special hell, of never being white enough, but never being Indigenous enough. I can't tell you how many times I wished I was just one or the other. People just treat us like shit.

[@MalloryRoseCo]

I hear you and understand the challenges you face as a mixed and non-status indigenous person. The gatekeeping and divisions within the indigenous community can be disheartening and harmful. Your experiences and the experiences of other mixed indigenous individuals are valid and deserve acknowledgement and support. Remember that your identity is unique and should be celebrated. Surround yourself with supportive communities and individuals who appreciate and respect your journey. 🧡

[@evamei9030]

The feels! I have indigenous blood on both sides of my family. I started acknowledging my heritage again because my grandpa was 100% by blood even though my grandparents left their tribe. I refuse to denounce my ancestors. Just to keep things easy I mark Hispanic on my papers. It's easier than trying to explain that I'm not part of a tribe and why I still identify. I have been looking into connecting with a tribe, though. I just don't know where to start.

[@stacymathias194]

I grew up being told by my grandmother that we were native American, I don't identify as native American because I have no proof. All I have is what my grandmother told me

[@Alex-fc8xn]

My dad mentioned a few times that we had Indigenous ancestors, but I haven't been able to track down how many generations have passed since the family line lost connection to the culture. It's hard when i grew up away from all extended relatives and didnt think to ask my grandpa about it before he passed or the one of his brothers who identified as Indigenous before he passed as well. And now his widow and that side of the family try to say that great uncle steven was just joking and generally has beef with my grandfather and by extension his grandkids and i cant get in contact with them. I met that side of the family, and uncle steven, only twice at family reunions but i was 4 and 12 and it wasnt until i was an adult that i realized the importance of talking to family and learning about our history when I have only one living grandparent left and have only met most of my aunts/uncles on both sides of the family less than 5 times. I probably wont ever know if that uncle actually was joking or not. All i know is that the last person who was marked as Indigenous on their birth certificate was from a few hundred years ago, so I tend to just interact with Indigenous culture and events as an ally with some distant connection.

[@MalloryRoseCo]

I sincerely appreciate the time and effort you've taken to share your truth. We hope you can find the connections you are seeking. Keep tuning in for more exciting videos and feel free to continue the discussion in the comments section. Thank you for your support and have an excellent day!

[@lindaboiteux1758]

Dear Mallory, I'm 78 & part Cherokee. I'm with you. Please calm down, Little One. You seem angry, anxious & agitated. Take some deep breaths. Smudge. Try to relax.

[@darylanncrosby]

I’ve always felt a definite connection with indigenous ways and cultures, ever since I was a young child. Though there’s no Native American DNA showing up in my ancestry, I strongly suspect that perhaps I was in a previous lifetime?

[@tuckbanks8039]

i’m more than 25% cherokee and i still feel mad imposter syndrome even tho i’m 500% indigenous and identify all the way.

[@angstybreadstyx1242]

I definitely feel this. I say I have indigenous heritage but often that I am not indigenous. I don’t have many who claim me, I’m not enrolled, and I live far from the reservation of my people so participating in culture is difficult. Usually I don’t check the indigenous box on forms and things because I do have that imposter syndrome. I also feel that as someone who lives in the city and is racially white, I shouldn’t tick that box cause I don’t want to take any opportunities away from other indigenous people who are at a bigger disadvantage than I am

[@MalloryRoseCo]

I understand where you're coming from. I know how hard it is living far away from the reservation and being unable to participate in our culture. Imposter syndrome and concerns about taking opportunities from others are common experiences. Remember that your heritage is valid, and your personal journey and connection to your indigenous roots matter. Thank you for sharing your story! 🙏🏽🧡

[@VictorLittleJaguar]

I'm Mexican I Have Brown Skin Long Hair My Mother And Grandmother And A Grandfather Have Really Strong Native Blood!I Live In South Dakota And Actually Hang Out With Lakota & Dakota Friends For The Most Part They Look At Me Like Another Native!Sometimes I Run Into Some I Don't Know And Look At Me A Lil Confused😅

[@MalloryRoseCo]

That's wonderful Victor! Thanks for sharing. 🧡

[@Toni-lu2bh]

As long as that blood is running through your veins, keep going. Our Creator is the judge

[@kamkam3457]

I’m african american and both my grandmothers are native (my grandfathers have very strong west african ancestry) I talk to my grandma but we don’t know our tribe so i don’t feel valid enough but i know where i’m from. I know this land and i live through it

[@MalloryRoseCo]

Your connection to your grandmothers and the land is important and valid, regardless of knowing your specific tribe. Embrace your roots and honor your heritage. You belong and you are native enough. 🧡

[@MalloryRoseCo]

Which of the 6 reasons is the most relevant to you?

[@ryanmalachy777]

#1 but it’s getting better

[@donnas9727]

Thanks for your videos Mallory! I certainly feel too far away from my indigenous roots to participate in the education of my nation which is the Wyandotte part of First Nations. I want to be a tribe member for the sake of belonging to a portion of my roots but I don’t want to take any benefits away from others. My great grandmother was Wyandotte but it was not written on her birth certificate. I don’t know how to validate what I know from oral history that our family is from the First Nations in Canada, not Kansas. My children might want to look into it more if they discover how but I’m getting older. I don’t have the energy to dig into personal history more. I’m not able to contact others from that part of my family. My parents divorced and I grew up in Hawaii. I don’t think everyone in my family knows anyway. So I get frustrated. I appreciate your teaching about smudging though!

[@TS-bwey]

Thank you for listing out these reasons, they make sense to me and the ones that resonate are when you don't meet requirements but do want to acknowledge your ancestors - and not wanting to be lumped in with folks who falsely claim for fame and money opportunities. When I go forward with the understanding that I'm just trying to make community connections as an ally/distant relative with good intention, I've always felt welcomed. And I have enrolled friends/cousins who don't disclose at certain times because they just don't want to be hassled, but they know who they are and who claims them and that's what matters to them.

[@tuckbanks8039]

big relief knowing that imposter syndrome’s a common thing, wado 🤟🏼🙏🏼

[@jeffkay7207]

H i , Mallory your so right .

[@ScarletCandlelight]

I have been treated like a unicorn and felt more like a living exhibit just for beings indigenous.

[@lenaperie.5752]

I can relate to this Mallory. Recently when I went to the doctor I checked the box that I am “Native American” and the doctors office selected “white” instead on their own! I’m half Native and half German. I was seriously upset and offended by this but I don’t know how to handle this in the future. My mother is First Nation Native so I identify as Native American because we are Matrilineal.

[@mariebom8145]

I check both!

[@kristillana]

Subscribed ❤

[@MalloryRoseCo]

Thank you so much Kristillana! I appreciate it! 🧡

[@stephaniecorso3799]

I’m adopted and so I know that I’m half indigenous but don’t have family associated with a specific nation or the specifics of which nations so it makes me feel uncomfortable to talk about it or ask questions. But at the same time, it makes me angry that I feel that way because it feels like the more I don’t learn and reclaim and pass on those teachings and traditions, the more the people who caused all of this get what they wanted-extermination. Their goal was extermination on all levels. Survival is the greatest form of resistance.

[@mariebom8145]

I check both! If you ever get a chance, try a DNA test. Hey, there's some that are real white that are almost full blooded. Don't be afraid to explore your roots. It's your right! You might be surprised by what you find. You can do it all online nowadays. Hope I'm not overstepping!? Sorry if I am.

[@lyktahlyktah8528]

I would always claim to be indigenous because that’s who I am, and proud of my people, and my ancestors went through too much for me to not be proud to check the box correctly, that I am indigenous her first nations too many of my ancestors died too many of many peoples ancestors died to be silent or deny who we are. We should stand up and be proud of who we are, otherwise all of the deaths of all of our ancestors that died before we came along would be in vain

[@danieljager3137]

Hi Mallory, I can relate to most of all the six reasons I never wanted to self- identify as being Indigenous. But, if I had to choose, I would say 1, 3, 4 and 5 were the one I really related to with my life as growing up in non-Indgenous community. The fears around being segerated into a group of people who society still to this day consider inferior to general population. It took me many years to over come these fears and today I stand pride of who I am in being Indigenous. I have experienced rasim and being called names because of my skin colour, because I grew up under porverty line. But it wasn't unitl I accepted my Indigenous roots that things got better for me and help me self-identify my true role and path I was to walk with dignity and pride. Today I work with others who have gone through the same experiences as I did, and I encourage them to not hold onto what others or society has given them to let go of what was not theirs to carry and reconnect to the culture and be proud of who you are and not let others hold you in judgement. Thank you for your videos they help me remember how far I come in my walk and where I still need to journey.

[@MalloryRoseCo]

Hi Daniel! Thanks for sharing your journey! It's great to hear how you've overcome fears and embraced your Indigenous roots with pride. Your story is inspiring, and your work supporting others is commendable. I'm glad that the videos have been a source of inspiration for you. Keep walking your path with pride, and may it lead to further growth and fulfillment. 🙏🏽🧡

[@TheExistentialMind101]

Hello Mallory. I'm a new ally. I received the email yesterday but the pre enrollment link isn't opening the page. Is there a website I can visit? I live in Canada if that makes a difference. (Edit): Nevermind, I found the link and am good to go 🙂

[@Silver-W-Eagle]

Good video Mallory as usual.

[@MalloryRoseCo]

Thank you so much for always being there to support us, Tim. 🧡🙏🏽

[@American_Devil]

My grand mother is full Choctaw but I’m 1/4. I’ll check the box, not white.

[@MalloryRoseCo]

Absolutely, embracing your Choctaw heritage is a wonderful way to honor your grandmother and your own identity. It's about recognizing and celebrating all aspects of who you are. 🧡

[@LarryE.Potter-un6pp]

My Ancestry goes back to 1652 but I don’t Always feel indegious but I am Aho

[@meggiecoughlin8305]

As an ally, I can say I asked an Indigenous person what tribe they were from. I had no thought that they might be offended, but first of all, was so happy (even in a limited time) to find out about them and wanted to learn more about their specific tribe or history so I could go home and research more - perhaps I should have asked about their Nation however the brief conversation went well (I thought) and hope it did. Some questions are a starting point to get to know the other and not meant to offend. It can shut down conversation or friendship if we all become suspicious, so that is better left out. I found saying I was learning since I wasn't taught properly about cultures. As for completing forms, people in general can feel left out or inadequate for example perhaps not living in the best side of town, having attended the best or same University as the one assessing the form/application - that sort of thing. This "judgement" of others needs to go and have good solid reasons for questions and responding to them also. Miigwetch!

[@MalloryRoseCo]

Thank you for sharing your perspective as an ally, Meggie! Being open about your own learning journey and acknowledging that you're seeking knowledge can create a positive space for meaningful exchanges. 🧡

[@MrOldfashion]

Hello Mallory, all reasons resonated with me. But reason 6 , resonated the most. In my daily life, I see no reason to identify as Indigenous/Metis. Yesterday June 3rd. My church hosted an indigenous blanket exercise. It's always a moving experience, after during the sharing circle. I told the group that I'm Metis and after some of the non-indigenous participants, they asked me a few questions. At that moment I felt a good reason to identify myself as indigenous.

[@roberttwin888]

Some are ashamed to be indigenous.

[@MalloryRoseCo]

Yes. It's unfortunate that some individuals may feel ashamed of their Indigenous heritage. This can be a result of historical trauma, discrimination, or societal pressures. It's important to create spaces of support and empowerment where Indigenous people can embrace and celebrate their identities. Education, cultural revitalization, and promoting positive narratives can help combat shame and build pride within Indigenous communities. 😊✊🏽

[@wtfyourface]

Exactly!!

[@PattieKnapp]

I'm not enough indigenous, so the local reservation does not recognize me and they view me as imposter. My blood lines are Apache and my ancestors fled across the border into Mexico to avoid being put on a reservation. I embrace my heritage at home but feel empty because I cannot be involved with others, if you want to put numbers on it, I would be about 21%. My grandfather died before I was born and sadly the heritage trail has been lost.

[@jeffkay7207]

Hi,Mallory my wife pasted was about 1/2 she did not like to talk about It at all & we lived were their was very few Natives . Sad .

[@RaAyla369]

I can relate to number 1. Like many people from my island Puerto Rico, I have 14% indigenous Taino and my maternal line from my dads side is Taino mtdna but we are not “considered” a nation etc even when aside from being dispersed in the Caribbean they also lived in what is known today as the state of Florida. Is an internal struggle plus being multiracial you can imagine. :(

[@MalloryRoseCo]

Thank you for sharing! I understand the struggle of not being recognized as a nation despite having significant indigenous heritage. However, remember that your Taino heritage is valid and meaningful to your personal identity. Embrace your unique identity and connect with others who share similar experiences. Let your heritage be a source of strength and inspiration in your life. 🧡🙏🏽

[@RaAyla369]

@@MalloryRoseCo Thank you 🙏💜 and thank you for bringing awareness by speaking about this topics!

[@whitecrow1949]

Hau Mallory. I am a hexagonal peg, 6 cm diameter, and all the holes are round or rectangular with a 4 cm diameter. 😮 Identification is problematic for me. I never seek any special advantage or benefit. It's all about knowing myself, my family, and finding my spiritual home. Mom's family goes back to the UK. She is responsible for my pale complexion (actually ruddish). Dad's dad's line immigrated to California from the Azores (Portugal), but his mother was reservation born. ---> But I grew up not knowing that she was born on the Sisseton Wahpeton Reservation in South Dakota. She and Dad were long estranged. That had nothing to do with her birth/ancestry. Other issues were at play. ---> I learned about her birthplace after she crossed over. Several years later when my life fell apart, I was embraced by the brothers of a Native American Circle. They became my new family. I found a spiritual home there. The Circle had brothers from many different nations, so we focused on one set of traditions: Lakota, while always respecting the others. Self-identification is not easy. I wish to acknowledge and honor all of my ancestors ... Indigenous and European.

[@wildwombanwithn10]

Don't have resources to follow...I am, tried to track not able to go far back enough

[@nicknack8866]

Subscribed for awhile now. I have learned a lot from this channel, thank you!

[@MalloryRoseCo]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Nick Nack! You're welcome. 🧡

[@wadesmoke9726]

I identify as being of Chickahominny/Cherokee decent. Each is documented in my genealogy and Irish. But I can totally understand when a tribal member identifies with their nation, those documents definitely do not have a list of all tribes that you can check. I am told I look Native or people have said they can tell I am part Native. Unfortunately for those that don't, i have an advantage of blending in and being more accepted.Anyway, I have a group of friends that are federally enrolled that do include me in things. Native Rights in this State. And some prayers and ceremonies. I don't care for these people that identify as Native and have all these groups they call tribes that misrepresent federally recognized Natives and misrepresent the culture. They hold their own Powwows where they make money off them. They make Crafts they call Native made. Make up false genealogies. I'm like well if your genealogy says your Native why are not applying with the federally recognized nation you claim you are. And most claim they are some despersed lost Cherokee tribe and they push and push the law makers to give them state recognition. If I had a child I certainly wouldn't want them to learn native culture from imposters. My Native friends do not agree with this and I totally understand and support that position. I have not ever tried to apply. I've been told that I should apply for something that is like a Certificate of Native blood through these two lines. I found this through research. I found another third line comes from Harlin County Kentucky where I guess my direct ancestors would have been considered a Melungeon. There was a tribe way back I guess 1600s that lived on Willow Creek in Harlin Co Kentucky that were "very peaceful" this researcher/genealogists says. He is now supposed to have the full complete genetic DNA of these families that mixed with that tribe way on back. They came right in and blended with the original settlers. And these mixed families kind of stuck together in this county. The first settlers called those Natives the Quadroon Indians or the Quadrules. Which I have no idea how they got that name. There was a group of Shawnees when the settlers came to the Harlin County area they called The Ridgetop Shawnees and they say that sometimes the Cherokee would come up into the county and there was a lot of hostilities between the Cherokees Shawnee, and the settlers of that area. There were small skirmishes and battles there back then. There are old accounts among the settlers of the Native tribes leaving to go to Indian Territory and many years later slipping back to be near those friendly settlers in the Moutians. There are stories of a few Native men coming back and living in the old cold mining camps temporarily to make some money to take to NC or back to their families in Oklahoma.

[@cheriosten6522]

Hi, I do have an American Osage membership and bloodline cards and I still live in Canada for 55 years. Will those card be useful in Canada? My Osage Nation don’t know the answer.

[@clearerpicture9509]

Ushually if i meet another native thats when i self identify lmao hey you look like a cuzin, where you from 😂🥰 God bless.

[@cheriosten6522]

All my life was that my late mother kept on denied that she was native and in my heart I knew she was lying and put me as a white . Finally years after her death, one of the distance relative advised me to register to prove that I’m an Osage. I still live in Richmond Hill, on. And now finally I have an Osage card. But I have one question. What will I do with this card use for? Cheryl Osten

[@MalloryRoseCo]

That's awesome, Cheryl! It shows your membership in the Osage Nation and offers access to tribal services, healthcare, education, and cultural events. It also serves as identification for tribal activities. To learn more about the privileges and opportunities associated with your card, reach out to the Osage Nation or check their official resources. 😊

[@cheriosten6522]

One question is that the Osage Nation do not know if I could use my Osage membership card in Canada. I still live in Canada for 55 years. Will I be able to use it?

[@erinzeleny9549]

🤍

[@MalloryRoseCo]

🧡🧡🧡

[@marypainter2405]

I'm 2.2 & My daughter is 1.3 percent My grandfather was Native American he was taken away from his family when he was a baby So i don't know what tribe We are from Which i new My grandfather is passed On 😞 I don't know We're to even look or Start 😞

[@MalloryRoseCo]

Thank you for sharing, Mary! You can start by gathering information about your grandfather, such as his name and birthplace. Reach out to family members for more details. Explore genealogy websites and contact Native American organizations for guidance. It may take time, but each step brings you closer to uncovering your heritage. Hope this helps and good luck on your journey! 🧡

[@marypainter2405]

@@MalloryRoseCo Thank You So Much For The information I'll Start right there , Maybe I'm start a Family tree also 🥰❤️

[@tuckbanks8039]

we have to meet the gatekeepers’ energy and punch back whenever they try to attack your indigeneity based on a colonial concept that was meant to kill us all off to begin with. istc if anyone ever calls me a pretendian i might just end up smacking someone.

[@cdnwolfwoman]

not enough and except in summer don't look it. No family connection

[@giwant2003i]

1, 6

[@matf5593]

Merci pour ce vidéo ! J’suis content que vous vous sentez bien. C’est juste moé là mais je ne sais pas que les ‘alliés ‘ ne devraient pas être mentionnés. S’ils veulent parler, c’est de leur affaires mais personne ne s’en fout Ally…ally… quelle merde Désolé pour mon commentaire négatif 😅

[@MalloryRoseCo]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, M C. It's okay to have different perspectives on the concept of allies. The important thing is to foster understanding, respect, and support for Indigenous communities. 😊