Sims Nation Magazine: November 2021

ISSUE 11 | NOVEMBER 2021

#NATIVEFAMILY HONORING NATIVE HERITAGE THROUGH CC WITH SHELLYBEE

TOP MODS YOU NEED FOR REALISTIC FAMILY GAMEPLAY

LOOK WHO'S DECORATING NOW

AN ANIMAL CROSSING LOOKBOOK

FEATURING EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH

FIRST NATIONS NIIN, TRU1TANI, AND TWISTEDANGEL

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CONTENTS WE ARE THE REVOLUTION 05

THE REVOLUTION MIGHT BE TELEVISED

First Nation Fierce

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Getting to know Willyssa

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Amazing Grace

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A Moment with Tru1Tani

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Shifting Identities

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Top Mods for more Realistic Family Gameplay

#NativeFamily

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A Create-a-Sim Custom Content Spread

by ShellyBee

November Shell Challenges:

Better Build Tips with MaiaMakes:

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Sims Mobile Inspired: Decorating for Thanksgiving with Danielle L.

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Every Child Matters : Time for Reconciliation

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THE JOY OF REVOLUTION 93

Top-Notch Family Homes Our Favorite Suburban Homes on the Gallery!

Sims 4: Animal Crossing Legacy Challenge

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Animal Crossing New Horizons: DIY Recipes, Flower Guide, and Building Inspiration

"Grace and Gratitude" A Custom Content Dining Room Spread

Call to Action:

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"Cozy Moroccan Kitchen" A Custom Content Kitchen Spread

by Alaeryn

Call to Action: NO MORE STOLEN SISTERS - #MMIW

Cozy Cooking Space

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Call to Action: Natve American Heritage Association

Flava of the Holidaze, Atessa Shell, Tiny Shell Challenge

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Beyond the Pink A Sims Nation Breast Cancer Awareness campaign

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BUILD THE REVOLUTION

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Sims Nation Essentials:

START THE REVOLUTION

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Beauty of it All An SLFJ Productions Pose Pack

A Moment with TwistedAngel

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The Horse Whisperer An SLFJ Productions Pose Pack

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November Calendar of Events

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Native American History Month Word Search

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OUR STAFF

Alaeryn Emlu'rathian Editor in Chief

ShellyBee Sims

Irimiel Emlu'rathian Executive Publication and Graphics Editor

Custom Content Curator

Machinima Contributor

SLFJ Productions

QueenyaYT

Sarah N.

Danielle L.

AnAdultSimmer

Staff Writer

Assistant Graphics Editor

Social Media Manager

Staff Writer

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FROM THE EDITOR Thanksgiving is one of those quintessentially American holidays that I find both endearing and problematic.

People who know me well know that Thanksgiving is unabashedly my favorite holiday; divorced from the often commercialized pressure cooker that is the gift-giving holidays, Thanksgiving is simply about togetherness, American football, cooking ridiculous amounts of food, eating said ridiculous amounts of food, and thankfulness for the year’s blessings. It is simple, pure, and the only time of year that I allow myself to eat pie. (I wonder if carbs miss me as much as I miss them…?)

But we all know that the story of Thanksgiving is overly romanticised. Despite the initial helping hand that American Natives offered English settlers, the arrival of pale-faced pilgrims on American shores began the slow decimation of Native tribes. Though Natives were deeply knowledgeable about their land and culturally advanced in many ways, there was little they could do to combat settler guns, germs, and steel. The American westward expansion, particularly underneath the infamous President Andrew Jackson, drove Native Americans backward from their homelands in the name of “manifest destiny.”

Now, Native Americans remain the subject of horrific violence and injustice, especially against women. Every year, hundreds of Native women are murdered or go missing. According to the Urban Indian Health institute, the risk of rape or sexual assault is 2.5 times higher for Native women than in the rest of the country.

Murder is the third leading cause of death for Native women, numbers which are probably grossly underestimated and underreported. After a survey of 71 American cities, Urban Indian Health institute uncovered 506 cases of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. The average age of these missing indigenous women is just 29.

Often forgotten, Native American people should remain at the forefront of American memory during this holiday. It is, in-fact, Native American Heritage Month here, and to celebrate our #NativeFamily, Sims Nation Magazine is highlighting the amazing contributions of Native Simmers to our community. We also have some incredible cakes to inspire your holiday baking from professional baker extraordinaire Tru1tani.

This year, before stuffing yourself with turkey and mashed potatoes, consider donating to your favorite Native American charity. You’ll find a few listed within these pages to get you started.

Choose thankfulness every day, and happy holidays.

A.Em

ALAERYN EMLU'RATHIAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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FIRST NATION FIERCE GETTING TO KNOW WILLYSSA

Aniin!/Hello everyone!

As someone who also lives with a disability (or two), the game provides a creative and mental outlet for

My name is Willyssa and I am Anishinaabe (aka

me; the hours/days quickly pass by when I’m really

Ojibway/Chippewa) from Treaty 2 territory in

into the game and creating stuff, a feeling I think

Manitoba, Canada.

many of us know way too well!

My Anishinaabe name is Niizhobinens (Two Thunderbirds) and am from the Deer Clan. I am Two-

Representation is very important to me being an

Spirit, Non-Binary with no preferred pronouns. I’m a

indigenous person as well as being Two-Spirit and

casual gamer, collector (dolls, comics, art supplies),

non-binary. I take pride in my culture and truly enjoy

and occasional artist.

creating and including both Sims and CC that adds

I do various administrative contracts as a profession

some of my culture and community to my game.

and am a fur-parent to two cats and a dog.

I do look forward to what more is in store for I am sort of a newcomer to The Sims; I began playing

The Sims games in terms of representation,

The Sims 4 in 2017 and since then have racked up

inclusiveness, and cultural diversity.

over 12,000 hours on this game. My play style varies

I do hope that one day Indigenous American/Native

and I have spent many hours building, creating Sims,

American/First Nations cultures make it into the

and trying various gameplay and challenges.

game as well.

Learning to recolor and edit meshes to create my own custom content has really opened up my Sims

Miigwetch/Thank You for this wonderful honour and

gaming experience. I especially love to create groups

experience. Happy Simming and a Happy Indigenous

of characters and pose them.

Peoples Heritage month to all my friends and

Playing The Sims 4 has been truly therapeutic for me.

relations in the USA!

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National Day for Reconciliation (Canada)/"Orange Shirt" Day, "Every Child Matters" Custom Content Recolors I created this past year along with CCribbon skirts. All Sims created by me and posed with Pose Player!

An intergenerational family that I played for a bit. The families, as they grew, were themed according to the colours and clans of our traditional 'medicine wheel' in my culture

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CC recolors created by Willyssa for the Barbie "Life in the Dreamhouse" build and CAS.

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Willyssa's Maxis-faved Pride Drag Club build and a Pride Festival Park

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Builds by Willyssa

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AMAZING GRACE A MOMENT WITH

TRU1TANI INTERVIEW BY Alaeryn Emlu'rathian

Tani, known on social media as “Tru1Tani”, is blessed with the sort of effervescent personality one does not easily forget. A Twitch streamer, professional baker, and dedicated friend, Tru1Tani has a wealth of both bubbly energy and down-to-earth wisdom that has earned her a beloved place in her community’s hearts. Tani is wickedly funny, armed with a razor sharp wit and ridiculous sense of overthe-top humor. However, her penchant for funny is tempered with her incredible capacity for kindness. Tani lives to help others, to extend assistance to those who need it most, and to support the creative endeavors of the Sims community at large.

If this were not enough, Tani has overcome an immense difficulty to run her own bakery business and build a recognizable social media brand.

Finding triumph in tragedy, squeezing lemonade from lemons, Tani has grown into an unstoppable force of sunshine and good-natured humor.

Sims Nation Magazine caught up with Tani to discuss her incredible life and her favorite Thanksgiving sweet treats.

WE ARE THE REVOLUTION

11 Alaeryn: Tani! I’m pleased as punch to have you for Sims Nation Magazine! How are you doing? How is your life, and how excited are you for the holiday season?

Tani: I’m so excited to have this opportunity, I really enjoy this magazine and all it has done since its creation! I’m doing okay, I recently moved and somehow ended up injuring my knee so there was the nursing of that. I tend to get in my own head when it comes to content creation, so the injury made me feel like a content creator failure in a way. So I’ve spent at least three to four weeks trying to get out of my own head.

We lost a lot of family over the past couple of years; unfortunately a lot of my family won’t get the COVID vaccine. Because of this, my mother and I will be spending the holidays with just each other. So I’ll probably create content on those days, like my upcoming Princess Week for the March of Dimes November Campaign. I honestly love making content and want to be able to do it consistently.

Alaeryn: Where are you from and where did you come up with your online name?

Tani: Taniku is an original character I made for an online roleplaying forum [during] my college years. It’s a Japanese unisex name but also a type of Japanese succulent. The character Taniku embodies a lot of my personal traits, so her design is special to me. She’s a green Siberian Tigress, blessed with wings and powers to care for others. She has a heart on her forehead, which signifies that she’s compassionate but wise. She’s careful and trustworthy. She has a whole backstory that has nothing to do with me, as well as a story from her time on Wolf Mountain (the roleplay forum’s name) and she has had a few cubs. I think five. She is on my twitch channel and has been registered as a trademark. My channel’s main emotes are Taniku; she’s so good natured and one day I’ll share her little story with the world.

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12 Alaeryn: Our readers know you best as a Twitch streamer! How long have you been streaming? How has this experience been for you? What are your favorite games to stream?

Tani: I’ve had a twitch account for four years I think. I started streaming September 2019 after my brother passed away and [after] a car accident that left me with a back injury. I was waiting for surgery. I had a lot going on at that time: I was legally homeless and had moved in with my best friend so that I could get back on my feet; I was depressed and needed an outlet. My friend’s husband first allowed me to play The Sims on his account, then I got my own account. One night I just went live, and I can’t remember who first watched me, but I know it was cathartic. After that I streamed after work regularly and then the panini hit (yes that’s what I’ve been calling the pandemic, haha!) I started streaming with intent April 26th and was affiliated shortly after that. The journey has been interesting, I’ve connected with a lot of great people, learned a lot about online personalities in general and made great friends that I bother– I mean talk to– almost daily now.

I prefer streaming The Sims 4 when I play games, but my friends got me a switch for my birthday in August, so I’ll be streaming Pokémon Unite and Animal Crossing soon too!

Alaeryn: You’re often found streaming and cooking at the same time. Viewers love your meal prep streams.

Why do you meal prep and how can the average person work meal prep into their routine?

Tani: I meal prep because my life is often really busy.

If I don't prep, I tend to spend a lot more money on takeout or Doordash. As a person who recently moved and gotten out of homelessness, I [need to know] where and how my money is spent. It is expensive to live in Atlanta, so I manage every penny I earn. [...]

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13 It’s also important to me that I get my health and weight back under control as I want to be able to have a more active life; I’m a dog mom and I want to hike with them once more.

Working in meal prep must be a desire; I would tell anyone to start with one meal, or snacks first.

Something easy to manage and make. I like to make fruit cups because store fruit cups have a lot of sugar in them, even the ones in juice. I like to make sure my food is always well- rounded though, so If I do my snack, it won’t all be fruit. My morning snack might be fruit and my night time snack might be protein (chopped chicken) and a veggie. It’s a matter of what you need, what your schedule looks like, and what your budget is. Even if you can’t afford or get fresh food (because food deserts exist and need to be addressed) anything can be meal prepped. I try to meal prep a variety of things on stream so that everyone, no matter their socioeconomic status, can feel inspired and capable. A lot of my food doesn't look professional, properly plated or dressed up, but it’s good, lower in sugar, salts and fats, and uses fresh, canned or frozen ingredients that are commonly accessible, even in food deserts. If someone wants to meal prep, the key is to look at what you CAN prep, not what you WANT to prep. If I can’t afford it that week I won’t get it, but it doesn’t usually stop me from prepping.

Alaeryn: Honestly, I was a meal prepper for years when I was lifting heavy every day. My gym rat years were beast! But, for me, my Wednesday and Thursday meals get pretty grody in my refrigerator. How do you keep your meals super fresh while preventing meal monotony and freezer burn?

Tani: Fresh fruit and veggies will definitely get grody by day 3 and 4. The key with them is wash and DRY them completely before storage and store them separately from sauce. [...]

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14 Combine them only when you’re about to eat them.

You’ll notice when I’m packaging my food up (unless I’m rushing, and I am not thinking) that unless my veggies are cooked, or my fruit are going in a liquid mixture they aren’t combined with any food (meat or sauce) until it’s time to eat. I do that with yogurt and granola.

Anything really that once combined you have limited time to enjoy. With my cooked meals I’ll put four in the fridge and three in the freezer; you usually have four to five days in a well-cleaned and ventilated fridge to eat food without bacteria growth on cooked food.

So keep your fridge clean and do not overfill it or the freezer. I usually eat from the fridge, and on Wednesday I take my freezer food out and put it in the fridge to defrost. Never defrost or thaw your food on a counter.

You can microwave your food directly from the freezer, but you must stop and stir and cover with a moist paper towel. I prefer to warm my food over the stove when I’m home; that way I can cook evenly and make sure my food hits temp. There’s a whole science to eating food!

Alaeryn: Although many folks know you as a streamer, they may not know that you own your own bakery! Tell us about your journey as a baker and business owner.

Why baking? Where can our readers support you best?

Tani: The short answer is I love making food pretty; often, meal prep isn’t pretty, so baking can be pretty lol.

I started this business in 2017 with my best friend; she had to step down for personal reasons, so I went forward alone. My best friends have been a HUGE support to me since I’ve known them. I honestly never knew love like this could be a thing, just wanted to say that.

The company used to be Tani’s Cakes & Desserts, then it went to Tani’s International Desserts, now it’s Tani’s Desserts. I think we’re at a place where this is the permanent name for the business. [...]

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15 I’ve grown a lot and most of the things I started teaching myself I’ve somewhat mastered, and I take online classes at random from time to time.

People talk about starting a business in a sort of romanticized way. I think some candid honesty is in order. A business is not for everyone, it takes a lot of sacrifice, pain (physical and emotional) as well as drive.

The statistics state that most businesses fail after the first 3 years, and I’ve not been greatly successful yet, but I’ve been consistently alive since 2017, so I’m hoping my launch into self-sustainability is soon! I hope that one day I’ll need employees and a brick and mortar; until then I’m building Tani’s Desserts from absolutely nothing other than word of mouth and dogged determination. We’re 100% online and can ship to all of the North American Continent and some of the islands.

If anyone ever wants to support me, you can order desserts here: www.tanisdesserts.com.

Alaeryn: Do you think baking is more of an art or a science? Or is it a bit of both?

Tani: Baking is both! I used to work with the Boys & Girls Clubs here in Atlanta and I taught cooking as well as cake decorating while there. I always told kids that cooking and baking is science you can eat. Food is chemicals and minerals that you mix with other chemicals and minerals until you get a new type of item that you can eat (in moderation, everything in moderation) and enjoy!

I love explaining why I’m using the ingredients I use for baking. I often say why I use them in the quantity I do to myself when I am making orders. It’s important to get the measurements right in science and in baking; too much of one ingredient can make a cake too airy or dense. I am very careful how I measure my ingredients and in what order I add them. Science is one of my favorite subjects; the other was home economics, haha.

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16 Alaeryn: The holidays are upon us! What are your favorite items to bake during this season?

Tani: During the holidays I love making sugar cookies and cake pops. I love making things pretty and these items allow me to get super festive so you might see tree, wreath, yule log and ornament cookies in this seasonal batch if you order cookies from me between December 1st and Feb 2022 Alaeryn: I gotta ask. Cake? Or Pie? Tani: CAKE for sure! I’m going to pick the one I can decorate every time, haha!

Alaeryn: What are your top tips for hopeful holiday bakers?

Tani: If you’re planning on baking this holiday, remember to rest your cookie dough for at least one to twenty-four hours; it’s important! Do not bake immediately! it’s non-negotiable, haha! Also, be considerate for whom you are baking. I offer vegan alterations to many of my recipes because I want many people to enjoy them. When you’re baking for your family, thoughtfulness goes a long way and people will appreciate you if you consider their dietary needs or preferences. Finally, make desserts you enjoy. Baking is a labor of love and people can feel the love in every bite; make sure it’s something you love, and you’ll always make something the crowd will fuss over!

Alaeryn: Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?

Tani: I want my readers to know that while I was very open and vulnerable in this interview, I’m not looking for anything. I wanted to tell my raw and uncut story in this interview.

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17 I want them all to know that you can still be successful and be depressed; you can still achieve or fight even when you feel like giving up. It is okay to cry, and it is okay to want to scream. I am always going to be one to push people to be open and honest with their mental health because it’s not something to be ashamed of. We are humans going through things, some tough and some easy, some good and some bad; we aren’t infallible, and we need to give ourselves and others grace! I give myself grace. My friends, and family give me grace. I give grace to my friends and family. Love takes work - love for yourself, love for others and love for the things you enjoy- and that’s okay. Cook, eat, and show love!

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SHIFTING IDENTITIES A MOMENT WITH TWISTEDANGEL INTERVIEW BY ALAERYN EMLU'RATHIAN

TwistedAngel is a sharp, high-spirited console Simmer, writer, and streamer with a deep appreciation for her pagan and Native American heritage. Fascinated by fantasy, TwistedAngel delves deeply into ancient mythologies to tell her stories and create her characters. Angel’s story is of changing identities, of self-rediscovery, and of the blending of many cultures to shape a dynamic personality.

Sims Nation Magazine connected with TwistedAngel to learn more about her Native heritage, her unique experience as a Simmer, and the various ways that the Sims community can create a more inclusive experience for Native players.

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19 Alaeryn: It is such a pleasure to connect with you! Tell us your story! What brings you to the Sims community?

Angel: I have been playing Sims since the early 2000's. I was interested in the building and the character creation aspects, particularly the Zodiac signs. I actively joined the community when Sims 3 came out, but most of my activity was on modding websites. I created a couple of recolors of things for Sims 2 and 3 as CandyHarlequin, but I really started sharing content on Sims 4. I may not have many files up on the Gallery, but making things look good on the Xbox takes a ton of time.

Alaeryn: Where are you from? How do you infuse your identity into your gaming or social media experience?

Angel: I am from the great Pacific NorthWest, specifically Lakewood Washington. My identity, aside from being a walking contradiction, is rooted in fantasy. I infuse fantasy into my CAS and Build creations because I am inspired by the legends of my Native American heritage, in which normal humans can do supernatural things. However, I also love fantasy because on top of being Native American, I am also Pagan. This is noted everywhere on my social media profiles.

Alaeryn: You are part Native American. Tell us more about what this means to you.

Angel: Finding out about being Native American, as someone whose DNA is a cultural cauldron, is something that helped me better understand things about myself. I was adopted; so my interests in mythology, cuisine, culture, and religion never made sense to me; my adoptive family had no interest in those things.

Now [that I know my heritage, my interest in fantasy] makes sense. More than that however, being Native American gave me a cultural background to connect with more than being a "Heinz 57" ever could.

Alaeryn: What is your favorite part of Sims?

Are you a Stylist? A Builder? A Storyteller?

A little of all three?

Angel: I don't have a favorite part of the Sims. I enjoy all the variety that the game offers. Having said that, I primarily am a Builder and Stylist. I like to storytell, but my stories are reserved for my family as a kind of family game night.

Alaeryn: This month, Sims Nation Magazine is highlighting the experience of indigenous people everywhere. How has your heritage shaped who you are today?

Angel: I absolutely love this question for its complexity in my circumstance.

I am Iroquois, and the way my cousin explained it is that we are a blend of multiple tribes collectively known as the Iroquois Nation. She also said we are cousins to the Cherokee. This information plays a big role in who I am because it was very strange to spend over 20 years of my life classifying myself as white/Caucasian to then switch to classifying myself as a Person of Color. Skin tone can be quite deceptive, as when around other PoC - they think initially I am white because I look white.

I just laugh and explain that I may look like a pasty white woman but I am part Native American. I am proud of my Native heritage, even though I am not as knowledgeable about it as I would like to be.

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20 Alaeryn: How does your heritage, as a Native, affect your experience in the gaming community?

Angel: I think it is a positive asset overall. I mean, yes there have been issues on various platforms. However, I feel that being Native, and being open about who I am and what I enjoy is a very positive experience.

I am proud of who I am, and I encourage others to be proud of their heritage as well.

Alaeryn: What do you think most people misunderstand most about the experiences of indigenous people?

Angel: I think the largest issue people have with the experiences of indigenous people is that frankly history is written from the perspective of the victor. Additionally, despite ample similarities in various indigenous peoples' experiences - it isn't all the exact same. Indigenous people and PoC have been marginalized, oppressed, treated as less than an "amoeba on a flea on a rat" and it is aggravating to feel like you don't matter. Now, in some situations things have improved, but those improvements do not undo or excuse the wrongs that have been done. We cannot change the past, but we can change the future. I think people are working toward a more positive future for everyone and that gives me hope.

Alaeryn: How can Sims 4 better represent Native people?

Angel: I think that the best things [the Sims team] can do is as follows: first and foremost, [while] I understand kits are another way to make money and I fully agree that people should be paid for their work, [the Sims team should] stop putting cultural representation in kits. [Cultural representation] should be a free update.

Secondly, [the team should always] bring in people who belong to the desired, represented culture to provide insight and help with the design process.

Finally, [the Sims team should enlist] more creators from the Sims community to work on the various packs and kits.

Not only would this encourage cultural acceptance, but it would also excite both the people chosen to help and the rest of the community.

These actions would show that we matter, that our thoughts and diversity are important to the franchise, and that [we are] being accurately represented.

Alaeryn: Who are some of your favorite streamers? Modders? CC creators?

Angel: Okay, I legitimately laughed at this question because if I were to list them all you could easily fill two pages with this one answer! That said, as a console player I cannot list modders for the Sims 4 because we can't use mods sadly.

For Sims 2, 3, and 4 - check out Mod the Sims for some very talented modders and CC creators.

A favorite CC creator for Sims 2 and 3 on TSR is D2Diamond. For great streamers I recommend Vectruhh, KawaiiFoxita, Nechole_the_Sim, Starrfold, Plumbaleena, QueenEggie, Architekh, NutsSweets, HootoftheSims, SphereArcana, ShellSmiley, ImThatPeanut55, Zavocadoplays, strawberrymomma1, SaltynSassy, SizeUpQueen, Nicole_e88 ... and I'm gonna stop there because otherwise I'll list everyone I enjoy watching. With that said, you can find all my favorite streamers on Twitch (I love you all).

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21 Alaeryn: How can our readers best support you? How can our readers better support indigenous people in general? Is there anything else you’d like us to know?

Angel: The best ways to support me are to download from my Gallery page, leave a comment, and to follow me on Twitter and on Twitch.

To support indigenous people in general, be kind, follow them, and interact with them.

This hate malarkey going round needs to stop. It's 2021, we're better than this.

Support indigenous cultures by buying products from them, follow them on social media, but most of all be kind and respect one another.

I'm sporadic, chaotic, and to quote Ava Max "sweet but psycho.” I'm a walking contradiction, an artist, a gamer, a mama, a sister, and a wife. I love RPGs, and I'm a sucker for steak and potatoes or chicken fettuccini alfredo. I'm a chocoholic, and I absolutely LOVE blended iced mocha Frappes.

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#NATIVEFAMILY CUSTOM CONTENT LOOKBOOK

BY SHELLYBEE

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BETTER BUILD TIPS with MaiaMakes

An outdoor barbeque for your autumn mood!

Recreate this industrial outdoor cooking space! No CC required. Custom-made with the TOOL mod!

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SIMS MOBILE INSPIRED:

Decorating for Thanksgiving with Danielle L.

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"COZY MOROCCAN KITCHEN" A CUSTOM CONTENT BUILD WITH LIVE LINKS CURATED BY ALAERYN

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WANT YOUR BUILDS TO BE FEATURED IN AN ISSUE OF SIMS NATION MAGAZINE? TAG US ON TWITTER! @SIMSNATIONMAG

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"GRACE AND GRATITUDE" A CUSTOM CONTENT BUILD

BY ALAERYN

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+LIVE LINKS

TOP NOTCH FAMILY HOMES OUR FAVORITE SUBURBAN HOMES ON THE GALLERY!

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SUBURBAN FAMILY MANSION CREATED BY: HatsyYT

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OLD TIME FAMILY SUBURBAN CREATED BY: SpringSims

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BIG SUBURBAN HOUSE CREATED BY: dawidxyhzh

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SUBURBAN DREAM HOUSE CREATED BY: Fischio

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SUBURBAN DREAM HOUSE CREATED BY: Simprehend

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NATIVES IN NATURE A SELECTION OF POSEPACKS FROM SLFJ PRODUCTIONS

It’s no secret that many Native American cultures are characterized by their deep understanding of nature and animals. Though indigenous people did not make use of horses until the arrival of Spanish settlers, Natives quickly adopted horse riding into their everyday lives.

Horses helped Natives hunt buffalo and travel long distances.

SLFJ Productions has created two stunning poses inspired by the long, storied history of Natives and their horses.

Grab these introspective poses for your storytelling today.

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HORSE WHISPERER

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BEAUTY OF IT ALL

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Family Mods

BY QUEENYAYT The holidays are a time for family, and many Simmers love enacting their picture perfect family needs through this beloved life simulator. True to form, modders all over the world have come up with helpful script mods, curated programs that modify the way the game runs.

Modders have added a new level of realism in the Sims by improving the game’s education system, its cooking framework, its family interactions, and more!

Below is a list of eight modders who bring more family-related gameplay to The Sims.

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KAWAIISTACIE: Perhaps one of the most well-known modders in the Sims community, Kawaii has crafted a gamut of gamechanging mods that are often the backbone of PC SIms gameplay worldwide.

Education Bundle- this mod adds more to the school system within the game. While at school children gain skills. Toddlers can go to preschool!! While at preschool they gain skills; once they reach a certain point they will move on to kindergarten. If you want your child or Teen sim to go to school online, you can buy an online computer( it’s a certain type of computer that comes with the mod) and attend lectures.

Slice of life- allows teens to get their period, experience puberty, break out in acne, wear perfume, and even watch streams on their phone!

Slice of Life also enables such essential life experiences as realistic sickness, special memories, in-depth social interactions like group phone calls, and emotional appearance changes like blushing, teary eyes, and bruises.

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PANDASAMA: PandaSama’s mods create a better gameplay experience with Toddlers. She creates individual animations for all of her mods! With PandaSama, you can expect: Functional bunk beds~ for toddlers and child Sims.

Pandasama x Ravasheen Little Chefs Toy Kitchen~ This allows Child and Toddler Sims to play chefs.

There are two modes: 1. Play Kitchen- where they can just play around and gain skills.

2. Pretend Cook- child Sims can create actual food.

Toddler Sims stand on 3 books to play kitchen A base game compatible bicycle for kids Kids and toddler trampolines Toddler Stuff Mod Pack~ which includes a Sleeping Mat, basketball ball hoop, Toddler bedroom swing, and a rocking horse.

Toddler changing table- allows Sims to pick up their Toddlers, place them on the changing table, and change their diapers.

Toddler Creativity Station~ includes a Rock-a-Stack, a crafting table, toddler drawing supplies, and a xylophone. The Rock-a-Stack is a toy composed of donut-shaped rings. The Toddler will work to figure out which ring goes first. The crafting table allows your Toddler to craft paper mache balls and other objects. The xylophone allows your Toddler to play music. The drawing supplies allow your toddler to make little drawings.

Toddler Play Telephone Makeup kit and play tunnel~ with the play tunnel, your Toddler can crawl through and nap. With the make up kit, toddlers can give themselves a makeover or adorably give family members (teen-elder) makeovers.

Piñata and clown in a box ~ allows the Toddler to have parties with piñatas. They can hit and get candy from them. The clown in the box is a wind up toy. Toddlers can become scared of the clowns, and have fun with the toy.

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LITTLE MS. SAM: Little Ms. Sam is a prolific modding powerhouse wellknown in the Sims community. Their mods improve everything from the retail experience to foster families!

First Crush- allows children and teens to have their first crush.

Foster Family - allows Sims to join the LMS Foster Family Network to take care of Toddler, Children, Teens or Pets in need of a Foster Family.

Chore mod -allows Sim Parents to schedule a time for their children and teens to complete chores using the Parenting Bulletin Board

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GIVE ME SOME TALENT MOD: This mod adds some amazing gameplay for families.

This mod gives parenting a purpose. The way a Sim raises their child will determine what skills they will have as Teens and Adults. For example, low creativity as a Toddler will lead to negative modifiers when they become an adult.

IT’S KATATO MODS: Kiddoodle Job Listings- Child Sims can get an odd “job” like Lemonade Stands, Babysitting, Dog Walking, Mowing Lawns, Bake Sales, Garage Sales, Computer Repair, and Phone Repair. There are also two different payouts- higher and lower. The player can choose.

Child life specialist mod - This mod allows Children and Teens of all ages to feel stressed or worried while visiting the hospital or clinic. According to Katato, “The unfamiliar environment, loss of control, fear of pain, and lack of routine are among the most common anxieties young patients feel during a health care encounter,” so these are some of the emotions Child Sims will feel during in-game doctor visits.

Tumbling Tots Co-Active Daycare Career - This mod allows Daycare providers to care for children in their own homes or daycare facilities. Daycare providers take care of a child's every need. The mod even allows Sims to run a daycare in their own homes!

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AROUND THE SIMS 4: Nutri-Baby~ adds more food options for toddlers.

The food comes in two types, Solid and Mush.

Drink O Baby - Electric bottle Warmer offers 16 new drinks for kids. The drinks come in three forms: Bottle, Sippy cup, and Drink pouch.

Offers~ Mini Chairs, Mini Tables, and booster Seats as alternatives to high chairs.

LUMPINOU :

Woohoo Wellness is the ultimate family planning mod. Sims can adopt a child, get a surrogate, choose artificial insemination, experience unwanted pregnancy and teen pregnancy, make use of paternity testing, and even give up their child for adoption.

SHENANIGANS : Private School Mod- this mod allows your Child or Teen to go to private school.

There are many, many mods that give the gift of realistic family gameplay in the Sims. Which ones are your favorites?

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BEYOND THE PINK: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS HIGHLIGHT

October, as many are aware, is Breast

Each year, Sims Nation Magazine holds

Cancer Awareness Month. But amid all

an annual breast cancer awareness

the strangely sexualized "save the tatas"

challenge to highlight the real facts

and "save the boobies" campaigns that

about breast cancer, especially stage

occur during this month, it is easy to

four.

forget the deeply urgent situation that is breast cancer. One in eight women

Participants dressed a room or a Sim in

will develop breast cancer in their lives.

pink, teal, or lime green -- Metavivor

And while there are some ways to

colors-- and shared one fact about

decrease one's risk of breast cancer, the

breast cancer.

biggest risk factor for the disease is simply being a woman and simply

While Felisha N. won this particular

growing older. For many, they cannot

challenge and earned a $10 gift, we

out exercise their risk. They cannot

present all submissions below for your

healthy eat out of their risk.

perusal.

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LIN L.

CATHERINA SOPHIA

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FELISHA N.

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LXNNEKEE Fact: The leading risk factor for breast cancer is simply being a woman.

Though breast cancer does occur in men, the disease is 100 times more common in women.

So, I'd like to introduce you to Angel.

A woman in her late 30's, with 2 children around 10 years old. She had a job in a garden shop she loved, a husband and kids and was just enjoying life.

Until, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a year of chemotherapy and lost all her hair.

Fact: A woman has about a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute.

A flower shop to go along with my Sim!

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JINXXSHADOW Fact: Breast cancer is more common in the left Breast than the right by 5-10%.

LILAH

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NO MORE

STOLEN SISTERS #MMIW #NOTINVISIBLE

https://www.csvanw.org/mmiw

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#MMIW FAST FACTS

5,712

506

THE NUMBER OF KNOWN MISSING OR MURDERED WOMEN AND GIRLS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

CASES OF MISSING WOMEN AND GIRLS IDENTIFIED ACROSS 71 SELECTED URBAN CITES

#3

116

MURDER IS THE 3RD LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR AMERICAN/ALASKAN NATIVE WOMEN

THE NUMBER OF CASES LOGGED INTO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE DATABASE. WHICH EQUATES TO ONLY 0.02 %

29

96 %

THE MEDIAN AGE OF VICTIMS

THE PERCENTAGE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST NATIVE WOMEN AND GIRLS COMMITTED BY NON-NATIVES.

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Indigenous Women (girls +) murdered 10x higher than all other ethnicities.

More than 4 out of 5 Indigenous Women have experienced violence (84.3%) (National Institute of Justice Report).

More than half Indigenous Women experience sexual violence (56.1%).

More than half Indigenous Women have been physically abused by their intimate partners (55.5 percent).

A little under than half of Indigenous Women have been stalked in their lifetime (48.8 percent).

Indigenous Women are 1.7 times more likely than Anglo-American women to experience violence.

Indigenous Women are 2xs more likely to be raped than Anglo-American white women.

Murder rate of Indigenous Women is 3xs higher than Anglo-American women.

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EVERY CHILD MATTERS FROM 1836-1996 MORE THAN 150,000 MÉTIS, INUIT, AND FIRST NATIONS WERE FORCIBLY REMOVED FROM THEIR FAMILIES AND PLACED IN DISTANT BOARDING SCHOOLS. THE GOAL OF CANADA’S INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SYSTEM SHARED THAT OF ITS U.S. INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL COUNTERPART: “KILL THE INDIAN, AND SAVE THE MAN.”

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INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL

FAST FACTS

90-100% 40 – 60% OF CHILDREN SUFFERED SEVERE PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SEXUAL ABUSE

WAS THE MORTALITY RATE OF THE INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT OVER 6,000 CHILDREN DIED WHILE ATTENDING

130

2015

RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS WERE LOCATED ACROSS CANADA ALONE WITH THE LAST SCHOOL BEING CLOSED AS RECENTLY AS 1996.

THE INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SYSTEM WAS OFFICIALLY DEEMED AS "CULTURAL GENOCIDE"

2013

7,310

ORANGE SHIRT DAY WAS FIRST ESTABLISHED AS AN OBSERVANCE AS PART OF AN EFFORT TO PROMOTE AWARENESS AND EDUCATION OF THE RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SYSTEM AND THE IMPACT IT HAS HAD ON INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES .

IN 2021, MORE THAN 7,300 UNMARKED GRAVES WERE FOUND AT THE SITES OF FOUR FORMER RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS ACROSS CANADA AND THE U.S.

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ANIMAL CROSSING MEETS THE SIMS

That Animal Crossing and The Sims share a reliable demographic of certain, eagle-eyed gamers with a creative affinity for the cozy is no secret. In fact, just months after The Sims released their highly-anticipated Dream Home Decorator game pack, Animal Crossing released “Happy Home Paradise” with a near identical premise on November 5th. The addition of fresh content alongside improved mechanics have delighted Animal Crossing players, and has largely set the streaming community abuzz with unmitigated excitement.

After the update, Animal Crossing players gained the ability to cook, regular island information about who can be found on an island on a given day, and the opportunity to provide villagers with the “vacation homes” of their dreams.

The game looks stunning, full of saturated characters and tiny, waddling villagers. The villagers ask the player to build gyms, luxurious bathrooms, classrooms, fruit-themed sanctuaries, and more!

Below, Sims Nation Magazine has collected @aSplashofSims Legacy challenge everywhere can attempt (all while giving Tom Nook his share.)

that Simmers

We’ve also compiled a few recipes and build inspiration from some of the greatest in the Animal Crossing corner on the internet.

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ANIMAL CROSSING LEGACY CHALLENGE By: @aSplashofSims

Are you ready to move to Sulani with

Build your house by paying off your

nothing but a tent and start your new

loans to Tom Nook.

life? Then this is the challenge for you!

How you handle romance, kids and choosing an heir is up to you!

An Animal Crossing Legacy challenge with 8 generations based on the

► Global Rules

different villager types!

Start with a young adult sim with the life span set to normal (You can base

Complete all the aspirations and

them of Animal Crossing Characters!)

collections that are set for the

Move into a desired lot in Sulani and

generation and are based of the type

set your Simoleons to zero with the

characteristics!

cheat: Money 0.

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► RULES AND GOALS FOR EVERY GENERATION Gen 1: Normal

Gen 2: Jock

You are the adventurous Sim starting this

Growing up on the Island has made you strong

incredible adventure! You moved to Sulani with

and gave you a passion for anything physical!

zero Simoleons and your small tent.

Aspiration: Outdoor Enthusiast

Aspiration: Bodybuilder

Traits: Loves the outdoors, paranoid and one of

Traits: Active, clumsy and one of your choosing!

your choosing!

Career: Athlete Career: None! This Sim isn’t allowed a job.

Goal: Finish your aspiration, reach the top of Goal: Finish your aspiration and complete the

the athlete career and complete the trophies

fish collection

collection.

Start with only your tent; you are allowed to build a

You start with the one room, but when you have

house consisting of 1 room when you have collected

collected 25,000 simoleons, you can upgrade to two

10,000 simoleons. These have to go to Tom Nook so

rooms! These have to go to Tom Nook so take them

take them off your balance!

off your balance!

Gen 3: Lazy

Gen 4: Peppy

You are the complete opposite of your jock

You dream of being famous! You work hard

parent. Working out has never been your thing.

with a big smile on your face and love doing

Relaxing with good food is the life!

anything creative.

Aspiration: Master chef

Aspiration: Master Actress

Traits: Lazy, self-assured and one of your

Traits: Cheerful, creative and one of your

choosing!

choosing!

Career: Culinary

Career: Actor

Goal: Finish your aspiration, reach the top of

Goal: Finish your aspiration, reach the top of

the culinary career and complete the insects

the actor career and complete the postcards

collection

collection

You start with two rooms, but when you have

You start with three rooms, but when you have

collected 40.000 simoleons, you can upgrade to

collected 60, 000 simoleons, you can upgrade to four

three rooms! These have to go to Tom Nook so take

rooms! These have to go to Tom Nook so take them

them off your balance!

off your balance!

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► RULES AND GOALS FOR EVERY GENERATION Gen 5: Cranky

Gen 6: Snooty

A famous paren’t isn’t always fun, which makes

You could never do this the way your great

you a little cranky! You are very persistent and

great great grandparent did, you need your

want to be a politician!

luxury and dream of being fabulously wealthy!

Aspiration: Master of Mischief

Aspiration: Fabulously Wealthy

Traits: Self-absorbed, gloomy and one of your

Traits: Snob, hot-headed and one of your

choosing!

choosing!

Career: Politician

Career: Style Influencer

Goal: Finish your aspiration, reach the top of

Goal: Finish your aspiration, reach the top of

the politician career and complete the fossils

the Style Influencer career and complete the

collection.

crystals collection

You start with four rooms, but when you have

You start with five rooms, but when you have

collected 80,000 simoleons, you can upgrade to five

collected 100,000 simoleons, you can upgrade to six

rooms! These have to go to Tom Nook so take them

rooms! These have to go to Tom Nook so take them

off your balance!

off your balance!

Gen 7: Smug

Gen 8: Sisterly

Being rich had made you smug! You are a real

Having a parent who was always dating

gentleman or woman and love flirting with

someone else made you very good at making

people.

friends! You are very caring and love gardening.

Aspiration: Serial Romantic

Aspiration: Friend of the world

Traits: Flirty, neat and one of your choosing!

Traits: Good, family oriented and one of your choosing!

Career: Secret Agent

Career: Education

Goal: Finish your aspiration, reach the top of

Goal: Finish your aspiration, reach the top of

the Secret Agent career, and complete the

the Education career, and complete the

elements collection.

gardening collection.

You start with seven rooms, but when you have collected

You start with six rooms, but when you have collected 125.000 simoleons, you can upgrade to

150.000 simoleons, you can upgrade to eight rooms! These have to go to Tom Nook so take them off your balance!

Notes: You can decide how you handle romance and choose

seven rooms! These have to go to Tom Nook so take

your heir! Spouses can also help make money! I also haven’t

them off your balance!

tested if the amounts of money are reasonable yet, I’m only on gen 1! So if you want to adjust them feel free to! Also feel free to change things if you don’t have certain packs.

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ANIMAL CROSSING RESOURCES BY @NOOKBYTHEBOOK

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NOVEMBER 2021 SUNDAY

MONDAY 1

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

2

3

4

FreePlay

FreePlay

Mobile

New! Maternity Pack 24

7

8

9

Mobile

Sims 4

"Spice Spice Baby" Treasure Hunt

14

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

5

6

11

12

13

18

19

20

Mobile

FreePlay

New! Influence Island S19: Diwali

10

FRIDAY

Wumples #66

Blooming Rooms Kit Release

15

16

FreePlay

FreePlay

17 Magical Morocco Live Event

Ghost Flustered Player Favorite Quest

FreePlay Influence Island S1: School Cafeteria

"Spice Spice Baby" TH Catch Up

Mobile

FreePlay Daring Do's Long Hair Hobby Event

SimChase 21: Thanksgiving Throwdown

Wumples # 67

21

22

23 Cozier Home STS rerun

29

26

27 Friday Night Cinema rerun

30

$$$ SIMS MOBILE PACK INFO AND DATES:

11/01: If You've Got It, Haunt It 11/08: Fluff & Knits 11/12 : Panton-ed for Fall 11/15 : Orange You Glad It's Autumn

25

Mobile

Mobile

28

24

11/26: Bronze Black Friday (rerun) 11/26: Silver Black Friday (rerun) 11/26: Gold Black Friday (rerun)

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W O R D S E A R C H

TRIBES ANCESTORS BRAID NATIVE INDIGENOUS SACRED POWWOW THREE SISTERS TWO SPIRIT HARVEST WEAVING TRADITIONS CRADLEBOARD FIRST NATIONS WARRIORS MUKTUQ

A H T B P G W E A V I N G K L T X S

N N F T R I T C A L I E T F W H H N

C B S W L N A T I V E T M I X R M O

E D S O O D K R O M U N E R W E A I

S P K S D I L I C Q A U T S U E I T

T O B P O G K B E A X A S T V S F I

O W C I E E R E K Z B H E N P I G D

R W K R L N I S B T R L V A B S E A

S O R I P O F A C J A T R T T T Q R

S W S T M U S L U R I R A I F E U T

K T E A U S A C R E D G H O G R T O

L D A I N I T R H I Y U A N J S K L

C R A D L E B O A R D K E S K K U N

W D P M N C E X P T A K N E L N M I

A A Y L W A R R I O R S R I E M A V