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Joined: Dec 2010
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Hi :)
I'm a 15 year old french student, and I'm applying at this organization that lets students travel abroad, alone, for one month. We have to give in a report of some kind, and organize everything ourselves.
If I'm accepted, I would like to go to North America this summer (Id like to go to Canada, but I'm not sure) to study Native American creation myths, and other legends.
Though since I've started researching the subject, I find I'm really interested by totem animals and medicinal herbs and... soo many things.
I'd like to make some sort of book, decorated with pictograms, crafts and artwork, as my report, and maybe a small 'book of plants(?)' too.
Anyhow, I don't know where to start finding 'contacts' in America. I don't know any Native Americans... How will I meet people, where should go? Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks a lot for any help, I really don't know where to start
Last edited by VickyS; 12/12/10 03:56 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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BellaOnline Editor Koala
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BellaOnline Editor Koala
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VickyS, the organization to which you are applying should be able to match you with a host family. They may have a family that lives near a Tribal Organization or Reservation.
I would not advise traveling to another country without first having an established, verified, and investigated host family or mentor. If the organization does not provide for a host family or mentor, and you are responsible for finding one, you must use caution.
You could start by contacting Tribal Councils and organizations, or even Native American Artist Associations. Another source would be universities with Native American Cirriculums. Investigate all individuals you contact carefully and thoroughly. This is not only for your safety, but to also ensure you are where you can learn as much as possible in your allotted time.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
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Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
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Hello VickyS, welcome to our Native American forum. The advice lcp gave you is excellent and well thought out. It would be very wise to keep her suggestions in mind when you make your plans. Do you know yet which state you will be visiting? There are over 500 federally recognized tribes in America and each one is very unique unto themselves. There are some basic similarities in spirituality -- yet each have their own customs, traditions, myths, rituals, etc. I have some articles written on myths, which you can find at this link: Myths Articles on Animal Spirit: Animal Spirit I hope these articles give you a good idea of the different beliefs among the many tribes. When you know which area of the US you will be visiting, research on the internet for Native American tribes in the state you will be in. Then remember lcp's suggestions. I hope you enjoy your visit in our country. I wish you all the best in your project and studies. Please feel free to come back here to our forum anytime -- if you have any questions we will do our best to help.
Last edited by Phyllis, Native American; 12/12/10 08:07 PM.
Walk in Peace and Harmony. Phyllis Doyle Burns Avatar: Fair Helena by Rackham, Public Domain
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Jellyfish
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Jellyfish
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you might want to try to find something in the Taos New Mexico area. There are a number of story tellers there and Native culture is live and palpable. It is also a good central location for visiting a number of ruins and pueblos. You will feel somewhat like you are in a country other than the United States..
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BellaOnline Editor Koala
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BellaOnline Editor Koala
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Arrow provides a great location to research. You might also consider the Pacific Northwest (you had mentioned Canada), Oklahoma, Texas, and even the Eastern Cherokee in North Carolina.
Deciding which area you would prefer to visit might be as hard as finding a good teacher. For that, I'm sure you will need an introduction and a gift to offer them (it's traditional).
Many Tribal Elders are careful with whom they share knowledge and some are even suspicious. If you encounter this, please do not take it personally, there are numerous, good reasons. If your heart is in the right place, they will know.
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No, actually, all they do is give you the money, and you have to do the rest. Actually, I am a bit young, normally they accept people from 16 to 20 years old. But I'v skipped a class and will move for college, so this might be my last chance :/
Thanks a lot for your advice though, ill go through it this afternoon :)
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Joined: Nov 2007
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I do hope you will be traveling with a chaperon, VickyS. It is not safe nor advisable for a minor to be traveling alone. Also, as lcp points out, many tribes are not openly accepting of strangers. Due to the history of Native American tribes, many prefer to keep to themselves and will not be very willing to speak about their traditions, etc. The best way to study Native American cultures, traditions, plants, animal totems, etc. is by researching online and in libraries. Travel in America requires adult guardianship for many reasons. There are many instances where an adult signature or approval is required. Here is another article I have written that may help you understand Native American myths: Symbolism in Native American Myths
Last edited by Phyllis, Native American; 12/13/10 01:10 PM.
Walk in Peace and Harmony. Phyllis Doyle Burns Avatar: Fair Helena by Rackham, Public Domain
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Actually, we are supposed to do it alone, and my parents are ok with it. I heard a 17 year old girl spent a month with Tibetan refugees, a 17 y old guy went on a tour of Germany on foot, another 16 y old girl a month in Taiwan, another,Senegal... Things like that. Would going to America really be dangerous? I'v never been there, so I wouldn't know :s
:/ So I guess I shouldn't go? I really don't want to 'bother' anyone or intrude or anything, just learn and travel.
Last edited by VickyS; 12/14/10 11:10 AM.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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Of course you would not be intruding or bothering anyone, Vicky. Your desire to learn is admirable and your trip to America should be very educational. I am only concerned for your safety. It is not dangerous to travel in America as long as you take care of yourself and are always alert to your surroundings. I have just never heard of a teenager traveling to another country alone. This is a decision between you and your parents.
I would suggest you do some research online for the places you are interested in and get as much information as you can before visiting. That way you will be better able to make your plans. A month is not a long time to learn much about Native Americans. I have studied Native American cultures, traditions, and history most of my life and there are still many things I do not know. It is a vast area of study. I do think you will enjoy learning about the different tribes and their traditions. If you focus on one culture like the Pueblo tribes, it will be easier to learn. Some tribes, like the Eastern Cherokee in North Carolina, are more open to helping others learn about their culture.
Last edited by Phyllis, Native American; 12/14/10 11:46 AM.
Walk in Peace and Harmony. Phyllis Doyle Burns Avatar: Fair Helena by Rackham, Public Domain
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Vicky, Here are two very good sites for review that will give you more information and ideas: First People of America Native Tribes and Native American Tribal List are on the same site. Another good site is Tribes and Cultures
Last edited by Phyllis, Native American; 12/14/10 11:45 AM.
Walk in Peace and Harmony. Phyllis Doyle Burns Avatar: Fair Helena by Rackham, Public Domain
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BellaOnline Editor Koala
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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.
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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 :)
Last edited by VickyS; 12/16/10 02:20 PM.
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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.
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Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
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Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
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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.
Last edited by Phyllis, Native American; 12/17/10 01:29 AM.
Walk in Peace and Harmony. Phyllis Doyle Burns Avatar: Fair Helena by Rackham, Public Domain
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