I am a Native American. And I live on a reservation. Ask me anything.

Its not really tribes In canada. Its nations. There are 6 of them, oneida, mohawk, cayuga, tuscarora, seneca, and onadaga. I am mohawk we also have a number of clans. I am mohawk turtle.

Canada? Sounds very upstate new Yorkish. We spell it Onondaga.

Lol it kind of is and you are right its spelt Onondaga my bad lol

My father is a judge for a Native American nation. ;).

Lol good.

Where does Ojibwe fall under here ?

There is a ojibwe reserve on my reserve. But they come from up north in canada I should of been clear in the area I am in there are the 6 nations. All around canada more up north are different aboroginals

Is that the Alwesasne reservation? How close to the USA are you?

Awkwesasne lol the closest border would be niagra falls or buffalo. So 45 minutes to a hour

What was it like killing Jack Nicholson, breaking a window with a water fountain, and running off into the sunset?

Well see me and jack go way back. So for me it was crazy. As for the window I had to pay for it. And as for the sunset it was beautiful that day.

So majestic.

Yes you are. Remember that..

Question: Why do you downvote your own comments? Almost every single comment from you, you have zero upvotes.

EDIT: Well, obviously he doesn't have 0 upvotes anymore.

Lol me myself I feel that is kind of loathing and bein cocky about what I said. I'd rather see upvotes come from elsewhere.

I listened to a recent This American Life segment about people/families being kicked out of tribes, primarily due to financial reasons. Has this happened at all in your tribe? Do you have an opinion about it?

related link: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/491/tribes

No that's america.

I think that is kind of wrong to do. But on my reserve this doesn't happen.

What are some stereotypes that drive you crazy, because of how untrue they are?

Around where I'm from its stealing vehicles. Some people do steal them where I'm from but white people from surrounding communities are the ones to say things about it.

Have racist people ever done or said anything to you?

No I ain't being tough but they know better.

Hope it stays that way. Thanks for answering!

You're beautiful thank you.

The stereotype of alcoholism on the reservation I feel runs quite strongly whenever the topic of Native Americans comes up. Is the problem of alcoholism on the rez as bad as people make it out to be?

Of course this comes up. On my reserve there are natives that have no goals yes and are bums who drink all the time. But I personally have no alcoholic family members. I personally don't drink myself. But alcohol is a problem.

Can you give us a run through of a normal day on a reservation? I'm just curious as to how much different things really are between a reserve and an average town. I'm from Michigan and I've always been interested in Native American culture.

A normal day isnt really normal for me. I work nights lol. But its like any other small communties. Wake up bake up go to work come home and do it again ya know.

right on. Speaking of 'bake up' what are the rules on weed/marijuana on a reservation?

Its illegal lol if your caught its the same as anywhere else.

Is it any more accepted/unaccepted on the reservation than it is in another places?

No lol if you get caught your done.

Sorry to be the one to ask, but can you provide any proof? :)

That aside, is there anything you'd like Reddit to know (ie. misconceptions, cool facts, etc).

Working on the proof right now sir lol, how do I put A pic up lol

How old are you?

What do you do in your spare time?

Do you have spare time?

What can you tell us about yourself and your way of life that we will most likely not even think to ask you?

What does being a mohawk turtle mean?

Is that your status in your nation? Do you change from a turtle to something else. or are you always a turtle?

I am 20 years old, in my spare time I mostly get high off weed only and life. I love playing basketball also.

You go by your mother and you can't change who you are so whatever your mother is you are. I'd have to say even though alot of people may think that were poverished . A good number of us are well off, even some millionaires on my reserve.

And mohawk turtle is just a nation and clan just shows what you are. Being this really doesn't mean you have to do anything because of it. Its just who you are.

Do you have a feather bank like US tribes?

No we do not.

I'm transgender myself and am intrigued to know how gender variance exists in different societies. I know there are 'Two-Spirit' people but wasn't sure whether they exist / are accepted across all Native American cultures. Does your reservation accept such people? Do they have any other name? Either way how are they viewed? Wishing you well from the UK :P

I can only talk on behalf of my culture not others. But yes anything you are will be generally accepted and loved. We love you for who you are not what you do.

They arent viewed as any different nor called by different names.

What a good one. How are you doing?

Lol how are you

OK, I guess.

Keep rocking.

I'm all about pleasing. You don't seem pleased do you have another question.

Wait, please.

OK, I am an old man. Everyone I know is sick or dying. Things are way hard for me right now. My health is not good either.

I had no intention to offend you, I just thought I'd spare you my old man sob story.

Lol I ain't angry or offended sir. I said I am to please. I'm here to try and make you happy. Because knowing I made a tiny difference or helping someone just is what people are put on earth for. Sir I hope you have a great life. Think of all the beauty around. Sometimes things may be dark, but brighter days come eventually. You sir have a great day :) . And I have all the time to listen btw. Stay up.

Your health may not be good. But stay in positive light. There is always a chance of things turning around. Do stuff that makes you happy.

OK, my young friend, I will take your advice. I want to go to New Orleans. I want to go to Brennan's for breakfast. I want to take my girl, she is ridden with cancer, but she loves New Orleans.

How about I get off my dead ass and take that girl to New Orleans?

You sir are a hero. To me and her.

Lol you'll never guess but my name Is brennan

Do you consider yourself patriotic for Canada?

When it comes down to it yes I love my country canada. I don't know if I would consider myself patriotic. But there is nowhere else I'd rather be.

I have one.

How is your view of (EDIT: Canadian) history different to that which is taught to you at school?

We were taught what was in the books. Weird you ask this question. History really became my thing in highschool. And I like to expand beyond horizons. So I learned about american history on my own. But I wouldnt say we were taught differently.

So you were taught the same lies that we were then?

Lol to some extent yes

I didn't mean you were taught differently on the reservation, I just wondered to what extent the US History books 'gloss over' what the European settlers did to the native population.

They didn't really gloss over. We always learned how european settlers had arrived here and all.

American here...Whats the difference between living on a reservation and just being a normal Canadian Citizen?

Basically living is the same. Just we have no regular businesses like eg. Mcdonalds, wendys. My reserve is the largest in canada. So its pretty hard to say I know everyone. Everything os privately owned.

What's your opinion on Assassin's Creed III? Have you yourself played it, and what did you think of Ubisoft's decision to create a Mohawk character? Personally, I thought the character of Ratonhaké:ton was very well-created, as well as his relatives and fellow tribesmen - I kind of got immersed into his worldview and customs, but then the Multiplayer kind of spoilt it by having a fetishised "Native" woman as a playable avatar. Thoughts?

Yes I own this game. And I do love the story and gameplay. I find it amazing that they integrated a language I know into it. I have never played the multiplayer mode though

I was wondering if you could tell me how common these are and if this one is old enough to be worthwhile donating to a museum or something?

http://i.imgur.com/yy95JGF.jpg

A beadwork necklace huh. Well, how old is it. Because usually no they wouldn't be worth much they are very common among i'd be pretty sure every reserve. But then again how old is it?

-- As part of the next generation, how present or tangible is the trauma of residential schools in your community? Is it something that is talked about? Have your parents or parents friends been a part of any of the major residential schools class action settlements?

-- What do you and / or other members of the community see as the best path going forward? Does abolishing the "Indian Act" risk losing too much?

-- What do you think is the most pressing problem facing the first nations communities of Canada at this time?

-- Do you and the people you know tend to vote?

I see what the residential schools did to some of my people.. mostly elders. But no none of my family or friends have been involved with residential schools. But, people on my reserve have been apart of the mushhole which is in brantford a community close to my rez. Google Mush Hole brantford. I really can't speak on other members because I am to myself person, and never asked that anyone express their opinion about it. And to me abolishing doesnt risk losing to much, I think changing it would be for the better. Land rights is the most pressing problem. Not the people I know No don't vote.

Can you recommend any Canadian Native American writers? (I'm a big fan of Native American Literature - Momaday, Silko, Welch, etc. - but I'm not aware of any Canadian in my book collection). Thanks.

Try Daniel David Moses sir.

Since you are in canada. Are you called Native Canadian? Or all of north america it is "Native American"?

I knew that question was going to come about and its american because we are in north america and we were founded here. Yes I live in canada. But my peoples were known as native americans.

Do you have tax-exempt status like NA's in the US?

In many cases, Native Americans are not tax exempt in the US. The general notion of freeloading is largely a myth. In some instances they are exempt, such as a sales tax that isn't imposed when an enrolled tribal member purchases and receives a product on the reservation- makes sense. Enrolled members living off reservation pay federal taxes.

I was going to say I didnt think they did

Yes we do.

My friend is 25 percent hochunk. is there any stereotypes about the hochunk nation?

That's in Wisconsin im from Canada unfortunately I can only tell you about where im from. There is a lot of reserves in the US, I know nothing of.

What do you think about our world?:)

Lol the reserve is truly a different world. But being as intrigued as I am with other things going on around the world. I think the whole world in its entireity is beautiful. Always something new to see or do. All you have to do is venture forth and experience.

Well said. Greetings from Russia and have a good day:)

You too sir.

Do you or most native Americans you know actually find the term "Indian" offensive? Or is that just overly sensitive politically correct people?

Some may find it offensive, because they look at indians as asia indians lol. But indians is kind of what white people came up with themselves. So it may be offensive. More so to some you know.

Does this piss you off when people whine about immigrants?

Not really. I mean it should be done the right way but, no complaining.

Is there something equivalent to IGRA in Canada?

No gay rodeo here aha

• Why do a majority of first nations youth choose not to go to university or college even though it is completely free for them to do so?
• Do most first nations choose to stay on reservations because leaving means giving up many of the financial subsidies that are provided?
• How do you feel about the Aboriginals Act and how it impacts the first nations societies? Do you believe that the imposition of reserves and the benefits that come with them are holding first nations back from self-sustainability and advancement?
• How transparent are the finances in your nation? This has been a sensitive subject and also quite controversial lately, and it would be very interesting to get the perspective of a member of one of the first nations communities.
• As a 20 year old, what are you plans for your future with regards to taking advantage of the educational and vocational programs that are publicly funded for the express purpose of empowering the first nations youth?

Sorry I'm answering your questions seperately but I have to reread them lol. As a 20 year old I want to finish school. And empower myself to be successful and happy. There are other people doing things for my community. That's just not the person I am. Ill always have my hometown on my back. But personally I have to do things for myself.

Is this a common sentiment? The mainstream media sends the message that the first nations don't WANT to do things for themselves because they are constantly reporting that it is unjust to have first nations members leave their communities to look for work, even if there is none to be had on the reserve. It almost seems to me that this viewpoint is proliferated to such a degree to try and keep first nations on reserves rather than providing the incentives for them to leave and stand on their own two feet.

Do you think the government policies are creating a dependence that will be harder and and harder to overcome? I have worked in close proximity to several northern communities where we employed many of the people, and one of the issues we had was that at certain points in the year people would stop showing up to work because if they made more than a certain amount in a year they would not get their government subsidies. It is an extremely controversial topic, but would systematically reducing the subsidies to first nations and creating the environment where they had to support themselves potentially alleviate some of these issues?

How do the band leaders feel about this as it seems they are always demanding more money from the government rather than trying to find ways for there to be more cross-cultural integration (and I don't mean diluting of the first nations cultures, but rather less segregation of the groups).

Finally, as I said, I have worked with many first nations and have always found them to be some of the nicest and friendliest people I have ever met. Much luck to you in the future.

Thank you for your question. I think the government does make the ''real world'' look scary to natives. Especially if growing up they were shut out of the world or didnt get off the reserve that much. They will try and stay around to try and find employment. Mostly to their dismay they won't find any. And venturing out off the reserve scares them, so they would rather be jobless on the rez and on welfare. Its sad sometimes to see the people on welfare, when there are so many juste opportunities to be had if you just were to go and look.

I don't think my views are shared as much as I like. I think most people would love to keep things the way they are. But we need to advance as a people. We have been fighting to long for what reason lost land and lost time. I think some people need a reality check. And I can't really speak on behalf of the council. Because they are baffoons. Lol

And as for government policies some do effect us in negative ways. But there are some positives to come by this. We need to give our head a shake. And really start becoming more I'm depth with the world. Or else well be another forgotten peoples.

I think a lot of aboriginals are scared to leave in light of what theyll lose. They become to dependent on what's giving to them. And personally yes I think the indian act is holding back a certain degree of sustainability and definately advancement. It needs to be changed for our people to really thrive.

I think a lot of the kods not choosing to go to school is most of them get jobs straight out of highschool. And get accustomed to the money, and once that starts flowing in for them there is no reason to go to school. But I have been to college.

Of course like anyome else I think finances arent being spent like they are supposed to be. I find a lot of irrelevant things being done for us in which we dont need.

Have you read or are you interested in reading the famous speeches given by famous Native Americans (e.g. Chief Joseph, etc)?

Mostly pauline johnson is the only one around where I'm from. And the only one who's speeches I really know. I don't really look into others.

what kind of deal on untaxed cigs and illegal fireworks can I get on your rez?

Fireworks I dont really know. For untaxed cigs the deals differ around here sad to say. We are overrun by smoke shops lol.

What do you know about Bigfoot? Have you ever seen one? serious question I know a lot of Native Americans accept their existence

No I have not seen a Bigfoot before, there are some crazy lores around here though lol but, don't we all. I do accept the existence of some crazy things, but for me I don't think Bigfoot is one.

From what little I understand of native culture they believe they have a very close link with nature (stop me here if that's incorrect). If that's true why is it that native americans over-fish to the extent they do? Our government tries to keep fish populations in check so that everyone can continue to use the fisheries, but native americans can fish as much as they want and with nets. If they care about the environment so much why is it they are destroying it in this manner? It boggles my mind.

I couldn't answer this question. I'm not around a fishing rez. Where is this one you are talking about. Thats the same way with our hunting season though.

on average, how many whiteskins do you scalp per week?

Meh I quit. Just kidding lol kill count at 0 sorry for the letdown

Is it true you guys don't have a lot of body hair?

Lmao well I don't, now that I think of it's true lol

Do you have a rival nation? If so, what are the stereotypical differences?

No rivals really. Just basically myself personally don't like the ojibwes on my reserve that's it.

How did you guys divvy up the beads we traded you for all of this sweet sweet land? Was it like.. Everyone gets a bead, or did the leaders take 'em all like happens here in non-reserved America?

Lol I couldn't tell you brother. Sorry.

haha I'm glad you took that for the joke it was meant to be and didn't get offended. That is how Reddit is played. Well done.

:)

Whats your favorite animal spirit.

I like the domestic house cat.

Lol animal spirit .. Uh if were talking all animals then a lion spirit.

Are there people who aren't native on your reservation?

Yes though it is not allowed. Only white people and black people are the only ones no others.

Why the fuck do you drink hairspray?

Ugh, don't do that -_-

Curious, what kind of women are interested in? Are you partial to Native American snatch, or do you sometimes prefer white meat?

I love all women I really do. Maybe its my reserve but it seems we don't have to many beautiful native women but there a gorgeous women here. I absolutely love white girls and they love us too well where I'm from.

That's some Bella and Jacob shit.

Lol fuck shark boy and his tan

Really? I was Team Jacob. Edward was a creepy and pasty son of bitch.

Lol I was team actual natives on the movie lol jks

How many Indians did you lose on your last raid?

I dont know ask your grandma how many native relatives you have. Because she was probably raided and trained ;)