Truth be told, I was raised as white as Snow white. I grew up in Southern California, and it was probally the best thing that happened growing up. My Native culture if you could call it that started in the early eighties. living on Woody island and in Uganik bay. this is what i consider to gruow up Native. truth be told, most of my living relatives have not clue as to being Native other than a blood quantum, no disrespect, as this is with most Natives growing up under White government. One of the most Native families I know are white, the Linbergs of Village islands.
The awarness starts with knowing the past history. the enslavements, the assimilation culture, and now the present day system. lets be honest, the corporate business model is flawed towards white govenments. how much land has been lost, that is my question. like the government of the united states, the Native government should have a tribal and a business. The tribes should be there to protect Natives, and the land, creating community based on subsitence and Native health and wellness. I am so grateful for not being raised under an Alaskan government.
That is just my opinon. my fondest memories growing up were chatting with my granny, while she cooked up some spawned out humpy on the stove. it was delicous. I had harvested a seal while in Uganik and brought that to them to eat, It was a pungent smell that my California palate.