Thank you all for your kind input. I've been doing some reading of books, online information (including family histories), etc., but you're right - that personal interaction with an elder would be key. I will check into the NDN center around here and see what I can learn. I am planning on attending powwows locally, starting next month. I would love to spend some time in Chickasaw country in OK - whether I would be able to move there, or not, who knows?
So far, on this site I feel that most folks have pretty much taken me at face value and accept me as a novice when it comes to tradition and cultural issues, but I haven't felt pressured to prove myself. If there are those who don't accept me, then I would hope they would at least give me credit for being sincere in my desire to learn to do things the "right way," rather than just taking the ball and running with it.
