How close do you live to the reservation? What would you truly say their condition is? Have they been able to preserve much of their culture? How do they feel about white people now? Are the young people staying or leaving? What are some more of your experiences with them? Or anything else you think would be interesting?

If anyone else lives near a reservation, I'd be interested to hear your observations as well. Thanks!

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2001

Answers

I live about 15 minutes from the six nations reserve,it runs from Hagersville sort of over to Brantford(Canada)Economically,there are some gorgeous homes ,but mostly alot of unfinished and shack-type homes.They have an active culture,sweathouses,longhouse burials,tribal council,their own police ,native centres for language preservation.It is dominated by the female in terms of ownership,for example,my friend has a daughter who has a native father,she wants to dance in the pow=wows( a celebration of her culture)but she cannot because her mom,is not native,your ancestry comes from the mother.Our reservation is not secluded,thekids go to non-native high school,apparently they get paid by the government a stipend,as an incentive to stay in school.I take alot of classes in herbal medicine,and some are taught by a lovely native elder named Janice Longboat.They are still cautious of us ,I don't blame them.I do volunteer work there every year with my mini horses,and the handi- capped adults,in the group home there.I feel very welcomed there.I think the young people are no different than ours they will someday embrace there culture.but life is too exciting for contemplation!!!! They hold jobs in and outside their community.We tried to adopt 3 native girls years ago when I thought I couldn't have kids,but they did'nt want them outside their culture,we had the support of council but they went to seperate homes before our application went in.Honestly the alcohol is a problem.Native healing,is very popular right now in the centre I go to for my naturopath and courses.I think they speak six languages,as they are six nations.Gee...thanks for asking know I want to learn more so I can tell you!!!!

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2001

Wow, your life sounds so interesting! I am so glad to hear that the Natives have preserved their culture and their language so well. I am sorry to hear that alcohol is a problem. Do you think this reservation is representative of most or is this one doing better? I've always had the idea that the reservations out west are really poor and riddled with social problems. It really upsets me that a race of people can go from so totally self sufficient to so totally dependant in just a few centuries.

Is the girl you were talking about excluded from everything? Or just certain things? I knew that most Native tribes are matrilineal as far as the man marrying and moving to live with the wife's family and women making many decisions, but is she considered a part of their culture at all? I'm surprised!

What courses are you taking and what are your plans? I have been considering taking an online set of courses to become a naturopath. My kids are still young but I want to be ready for my next season of life when it gets here. Are you doing something similar?

You sound so interesting!! Thanks for responding.

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2001

Yes, my friends daughter is excluded ,but I'm sure if they pushed it she could be involved,but her status is still considered non- native.The reservation does have social problems,but up north there are reservations that have had 6 kids commit suicide since Jan.They are closed ,the only way in is by plane,the kids see it as a dead end,I guess.A lot of glue sniffing.I was getting a hot fudge,peanut butter brownie sundae ;)last night at the dairy bar and I saw an ad for a "sobriety Pow-Wow,"with drumming and dancing,crafts herbs etc.thought that was cool. The course I am taking are 4 levels of Natural medicine, vitamin therapy,alternative treatments,accupuncture etc.homeopathy is what really excites me,and I have learned to make new remedies from the mother etc.I too, thought about taking homeopathy correspondence.My N.D, recommends the british school of Homeopathy,I am just too darn busy ,and whatever I need to help my family I can learn.I don't think I would like to make 8o dollars an hour anyway...LOL.It may corrupt me!!!

-- Anonymous, August 23, 2001