online [gathering]: does internet dating create community?

[morningstargirl (deleted)]

I've been thinking about I believe that online communties (dating/chating/hanging out online) gives Native Americans another way to [GATHER]...you know, get together to socialize. The internet gives us chance to emet and "hang out" across long distances, connect with our communities, and create new communties. As an [Urban Indian,] this makes me feel connected with other native people, because there isn't a place in my city where Native Americans tend to gather.

I'd like to talk to people about this becasue I'm thinking about making a documentary about [indians and the internet.] I think the internet does something really special for us. I'd love to talk to you, and don't worry about being shy - I will respect your privacy.

Want do you think about hooking up/gathering on the internet?

[birdfriend (deleted)]

I don't know if anyone else will agree with me,
I view online communities as the 21st century Pow Wow.
Like the pow wow these communities create a
gathering place for Ndns to meet, share information,
make connections. For some, fall in love.
The powwow did that for ndn people who no longer
lived in their own communities on their reservations.
Now I won't say that it will create a "internet culture"
similar to the "pow wow culture" that exhists among
urban ndnz, but it does facilitate pan indian-ism.
You won't see any Dineh dancing in Ojibwe Jingle dresses
online, but we do see many non-Sioux addressing
us in the Siouxan tongue.

[deersweetme_PREV (deleted)]

I agree to a certain extent, but where are you going to find a place where just ndns meet? I checked the profiles on here and majority are NON NDN looking to h--k up with a skin! What can you share with people who are in love with the "spitiualism" of being ndn...honestly?

I have several good sites that are truly about skins...email me if u wish..there are alot of wannabes out there....

[speller1 (deleted)]

yes your right this extents our world as Natives and it is so funny but at the same time sad we have no where natives hangout not even in NYC where i live but am workin' on it

Thanx this Great

[dragnfly_PREV (deleted)]

I get really upset when i hear that there are not any places in the urban areas where Indians can meet and gather. I feel that it is very important for us to gather with our people and learn from each other. I was raised very traditional however and too much these days people try to commercialize our culure and make money and profit off of our once sacred traditions. My color is red, the blood in my veins is red and who out there will stand up for there culture and not claim to just be indian to get the benefits that traditional natives get. It cracks me up to see these people on here who think that being indian is almost astrological and they come off being very naive as to knowing that Native is who we are and not what society potrays us as. We are educated, we are homemakers, we don't ride horses, and live in teepees thanks to society they have taken all of the greenery and replaced it with concrete. I am not an angry person, i am past what history has done to our people and i am looking to better my people by being educated and serving them with a warm heart

Dragnfly