Finally saw the TNT miniseries (I think it was on TNT?) Into the West. Talk about an awesome experience. So many of we Americans come from families who were intermarried between white and Indian, and they had to make tough choices. This is where people like us come from. It's so vitally important to know who we are, and where we're from.
But for anyone who sees a movie like that, and wants to explore their native heritage, understand that not everyone is Lakota... which is a failing of such movies. That aside, it raised the bar for historical accuracy... even if history seemed to repeat itself on the set itself, if the gossip is true.
There were times growing up that I didn't hardly feel white. Especially after spending summers with my aunt and uncle. He had been on the tribal council of the Choctaw nation when I was really little, but spent his time helping the local Navajo community once they'd moved out to Arizona. Those were some great summers.
But of course, the look skips around the family. I look completely white as yall know (that is, unless you know what to look for). Anyway though, I encourage anyone who knows they have a even a smidge of native American blood to find out more about where they are really from. Most of the nations have websites, you can read about maybe becoming a member, or just read about how to get involved with how to make things better.
And if you fell in love with that medicine wheel and what it represents, feel free to scower the net and get your own bit of bling, but be sure it's the real deal, support native american artists. Otherwise, such bling can be downright offensive.