apparently this is something people are struggling with but: buying native items (dreamcatchers, beadwork, turquoise, pottery, etc.) is OKAY when bought from an actual ntv person. PLEASE DO as often times this is how ntv people financially support themselves-

-and their families. we like to share these things with non ntvs because we’re proud of our culture and our people. if used correctly and respectfully, then most ntv people see no issue with this and even encourage it. this is what we mean by cultural APPRECIATION.-

HOWEVER, it becomes a problem when you’re buying ntv objects from non ntvs. buying unauthentic ntv items feeds into the cultural genocide that colonialism has and still is encouraging against our people. so please understand that buying and owning these objects (with limits, as-

always) isn’t entirely frowned upon, we just ask that you support ntv artists and makers and use these objects CORRECTLY, and refrain from participating in the gentrification of our culture. otherwise it becomes disrespectful and yes, it’s cultural appropriation.