Happy Native American Heritage Day!
Today we are celebrating our Native American history by remembering those tribes who are now extinct, tribes who were slaughtered by European colonists and settlers, and all Native American tribes who are still amongst the living-telling their true ancestoral stories, rich culture, and legacy.
We are also celebrating strong Native American cultural influences, which many Americans have stolen or adopted into their fashion designing, and wardrobe.
Cherokee Blood
The picture above is a picture of my great great great grandmother on my biological dad’s side of the family. This picture was given to us at a family reunion in Oklahoma by older family members who have been researching our ancestry since the 90's!
My great great great grandmother (dad's mother's mother, mother) was said to be part Cherokee. Although my cousin told me that Cherokee DNA had not been found in those who have been tested, I watched a video from a genealogist who said that you can still have Native American blood that may not show up. (Especially if you are half breed) No one that I know of has taken the Cherokee tribal test though, so this is something my family should be exploring.
Mine definitely will not show up through DNA testing outside of the Native American tribal ones, because Cherokee blood is on my paternal side. Since a female does not have the same chromosome makeup as a male, her paternal ancestry cannot be scientifically traced. Only maternal. So ladies, if you want to know about your father's DNA ancestry, your father, brother, or uncles will have to get a DNA test.
I strongly believe in preserving one’s culture, and ancestral practices no matter who’s language I and my ancestors have adopted, or were forced to adopt in the past.
Although I am a mixture of several races, without my original languages and cultures, I won't know who I truly am.
The Native American Elders have done an excellent job in passing down and upholding their cultural traditions no matter what happened in the past.
SOURCE-The American Indian By Colin Taylor
SOURCE-The American Indian By Colin Taylor
A lot of Native American traditional clothing and practices are similar to some indigenous African tribes-so although I may only have 1 or 2 drops of Native American blood, I still feel my Native American ancestors deep in my spirit.
My Native American Ancestors guide me as well. They make their presence known to me in many ways.
Click Here To Watch Video-Follow me in the woods to hear live Native American chants!
Yes! Today is Native American Heritage Day-But did you know that November was marked as Native American Heritage Month? I wrote an interesting article about it last year. In fact, after researching, and discovering the meaning behind the thanksgiving holiday from the eyes of Native Americans, I stopped celebrating thanksgiving cold turkey😄
If you are Native American or half-breed to 1 drop, sound off in the comment section below.
