#Native american goddess names full#

According to the Justice Department, 1 out of every 3 Native American women has been raped or experienced attempted rape, and the rate of sexual assault against Native American women is more than twice the national average. I immediately did some researching online and found that the facts on the graphic were painfully true. I was completely embarrassed that I had posted a picture of myself wearing a headdress, but I was more ashamed that I had no idea of the deeper meaning behind what I was doing. I would soon come to learn this.ДЄs soon as I saw it, my stomach sank. A woman dressed as a 'sexy Indian,' as costume shops market headdresses, and wearing a headdress is extremely offensive. But a woman wearing a headdress is offensive. Whether it's on runways, magazine covers, or music videos, the imagery of sexy women wearing headdresses is everywhere. This is probably a shocker to you because lately in pop culture, women tend to wear them more often than men. These are reserved for respected elders and men who have earned the right to wear them.

#Native american goddess names full#

I had no idea at the time that by doing so, I was disrespecting my own heritage, culture, traditions - and gender.ДЇrom cultural appropriation to the reinforcement of stereotypes, there are countless reasons why people shouldn't wear headdresses, but what most people don't know is that, by tradition, women do not typically wear full warbonnets. I saw it as a family heirloom, so I put it on for a minute and took a picture. When I held it for the first time, I was in awe of the intricate beadwork and embroidery, and how delicate the spotted and golden eagle feathers were. It's the most incredible piece of art I've ever seen in person. It belonged to my great- great-grandfather, but my dad has it now. So a few years ago, I put on a headdress and took a photo.

My dad and grandpa have always been involved in the traditions and practices, but I didn't take part because I didn't want to be different from my friends. I knew that my last name meant 'big horse' and my grandpa was the treasurer of the Otoe-Missouria tribe, but that was about it. I'm a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, but I spent the better part of my youth uneducated about my Native American heritage. It wasn't my intention to look like an insensitive asshole, but that's what ended up happening.