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We’ve heard from some single Native Americans that dating can be somewhat difficult, especially if you want to date and marry someone from your tribal community. Why does this challenge exist? Is it because of a small pool of eligible singles? Is it due to conflicting clan systems? Or is it that you are related to all the eligible bachelors or bachelorettes?
Guests:
Greg Grey Cloud (Crow Creek Sioux), co-founder of Wica Agli
Tasha Spillett (Swampy Cree and Trinidadian) – Indigenous educator
Break Music: Native Puppy Love (song) A Tribe Called Red (artist) A Tribe Called Red (album)
As the product of a multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi-spiritual background, I will tell you firsthand that my parents’ love was not enough to shield me from ALL of the negative effects of being regarded as “too much this, not enough that,” by some of my Native and non-Native peers and community members. Regardless of best intentions, one culture will predominate – if the non-Native person does not speak his/her partner’s tribal language, and is unwilling/unable to learn, their children’s Native language persistence will likely be jeopardized. For Native nations that include quantum requirements for tribal citizenship, women’s decisions to have children for non-Native men, Native men from other Native nations, or for fellow tribal members who do not have “enough blood,” will impact population persistence. Forgive the cynicism, but the love two people share does not address these issues, or the myriad other concerns. As isdzán Nde (Chiricahua Apache woman), and one who is not enrolled, I’ve come to realize that my grandmother’s decision to have children by a Méxica man, and my mother’s choice to have children for my Jewish father, have exacted multi-generational impacts, to the point that I’ve consciously chosen NOT to have kids. Please consider how your actions will impact your family years into the future.