BellaOnline Forums Travel and Culture Native American A month in north america?

Vicky, one of the reasons I strongly suggest finding a mentor/host family is not only for safety, but transportation. Most places here do not have mass transit like in Europe. We're much more spread out and you will need someone with a car. Even on a reservation you would need a ride around to the different Elders. Many live in isolated areas. Depending upon which area you choose to visit, you also have to consider the animals. Not knowing the land/animals, it would not be safe to walk alone in some places. There is still much wilderness in American, Thankfully.

You don't want to get here and then spend most of your time walking or trying to find a ride.

Another issue is lodging. Only the larger cities here have hostels. Everywhere else we only have hotels and they can be expensive. I know well that urge to do something on your own, but you might have to compromise on that just a little, since you are too young to drive here.

A good idea may be to narrow your search down to Native American communities, such as the Pueblos as suggested. This would eliminate most of your transportation needs. Finding a host family in one of those communities would also provide for lodging and introductions to Elders, not to mention the additional knowledge gained from living with a Native American family. You will learn so much more totally immersed in the culture.

I don't mind finding a mentor/host family, though I was more.. um, afraid to intrude? But it's true I hadn't thought about the transportation problems. I actually wont be going this year though, I'm really disappointed, but i'll be 15 years 11 months at the end of the summer, and they just answered, 3 weeks later, that the wording was wrong, I have to be 16 (basically, my birthday has to be before or during the trip, and not during the year I plan to leave as was written on the website ><). I'm not giving up- this will just get me an extra year to study before I leave, but I might not have the time next year. Anyhow, thanks a lot for your help, I'll keep it in mind :)

I know you'll be busy preparing to attend University next summer. However, this would be a trip truly worth making both plans and time for. You'll have a whole year to find a family/mentor and build a relationship. By the time you arrive, you'll be visiting friend(s) who will have assisted in getting everything ready for you.

Keep us updated on your research, we'd love to hear how it's coming along.

Having another year to study will be good, Vicki. It will give you the time needed to plan for your trip and hopefully find a host family as lcp suggests -- lcp is one of our most knowledgeable members here on the Native American forum.

In 2008, I watched an episode of "30 Days", a reality show. In this episode, Morgan Spurlock (journalist and film producer) spent 30 days on a Navajo Reservation, living in a hogan. A hogan is the traditional Navajo home. The show is a fantastic way to learn about the Navajo peoples and their way of life. You can order the video from Amazon at this link:
Living on an Indian Rez

It will really be worthwhile to watch the video. You might even be able to find out about a host family by contacting the "30 Days" producers.

Here is a link to an article that gives a little information on the film:
Morgan Spurlock - living in a hogan

I believe that things happen for a reason and you having one more year to study and plan will probably be the best thing for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how things are going with you.