--- title: Native American Stories and Ceremonies about Menstruation date: 2020-10-17T03:00:00-04:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/native-american-stories-and-ceremonies-about-menstruation" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Native American Stories and Ceremonies about Menstruation A collection of traditional Native stories and ceremonies about menstruation, referred to in many Native American cultures as “moon time.” > Many nations across Turtle Island (North America) celebrate with a ceremony the rite of passage of girls who reach womanhood. Not only is the onset of menstruation a transformation in social status within a community, but it also can include a change in roles and responsibilities. [View the site ](https://kweksociety.org/traditional-teachings-2/) SOURCE: The Kwek Society ![Traditional Teachings Our Stories scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) Othenin-Girard/Unsplash ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle) - [ diverse lived experiences of the menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diverse-lived-experiences-menstrual-cycle) - [Native peoples](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/native-peoples) - [BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bipoc-black-indigenous-and-people-of-color) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Living with Congestive Heart Failure TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Interacting with My Cardiologist TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health3) [ResourcesRead ## 35 Self-Care Tips for Black Women A collection of self-care tips for Black women ![Brandy kennedy 7 P1mau71k JA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) A collection of self-care tips for Black women](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/35-self-care-tips-for-black-women) [ResourcesRead ## A Trauma-Informed Response To Racial Injustice How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice. ![Duncan shaffer lo Pr MM Xp IIA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEEklEQVRIiV1W2XLkNhADQK6zPrL/X3ncb3S8Lo8ayEOTkhyVRqzR0Wj0gSZ///4nyXEcj8fX1+efPx8fnx/vH/++f368f31++HiQ/PH08/nl9eXt1+vbr9e/f728vj2/vPz18/np6Wn+mJIAxK5aZh6Pr+PxdTweVaUASQAgCHolAQDEXq9rv7w/AJLbn2s5V8z9PBcCAJAgSFAkGymnB+1UkrgXZN9YsBfC3O8kzmUDbVqkGgYgwARJfB2RHSBEbHsZ2cYJcNr+7goQgiRFDsoEQYFsv9uKyy5XFckkJBPHdtymVpSIGbudysJf/pOiBtNoCoTtftlVrip9A2gjdtPckZguJ3F5UUl2fAY11HgagALasFNVVXUcJR4IxlADJK5yHLszS4CzqpC4nEocGAgJUUOaCQmAA9wJKNdRx3FIgx03i+wq2JnpWKcZHL7lbVNbDKbAxYDNIB2c43GIIgDHQ6JArFLpaAcBAcw6Cl0CtR5gJ0AKoCCUACUdHx9HSQcpAHbGkNQkuoC3ncWgKkG+MVCHiAJpJiRBJYvB8SjyQIjEwx5D0mqYsxeRgEhmHYXAu/7QVU2JIwMwO+sAA5TRlUMQQew5Z40aumHwJgIrB13gSXb2yY4qiXULRDM4ykCtkh22PcbwsCRJXDAi0Yozq9ysAsRJuMuU3W1YtQtn/RB003jY5TE9hscYYwyNKKJAibsPuuu2hjUDCAxFhsvwcgCpxBXG9ix7lD09nJkkyhgDAolIBDHtSwcDLvsI10nIcdcjEnO5YZmR7WEnc5X+aMmi1Mkk5l1swy3L5AbYLbkkFE6YGFDBymp/IFt9QaEMEAzBDbDr5JTBLB5mSDBgQgcx4BAxoJ2eQGRRogyaFBQYVGZuJbUvPPm0XyE7etm6j4RIQqRnx7JOmUo5nTlCc40vMqf1vnEK6z67AnqEJWHQxNjq4JRDhzZtWp3ICWlPGHw7Lhq83zphABhg4HVmnY4d2AEFT2hcccdZUDhnxqri9aBjxZNxyJAGjAumkt01mlwMkIWR08PcrV/DlCABrd0BFTbeSpITOqRbKSfH2H5vjYL7L7IBr+1Aqw3DrQUSqOyZ6pWXwBESegOscWwY/cJm8D/7ANikiS0oQ5R2sS1Z6+lKcnKMa+diRIZ5xii5B20Lci+EKIqU0CdXpTmB3WI2JZ0bqOaANYuwtzv3DVOHpnmQ5FZp9c4DYDege5NzMUi6bZjO4T29FwKJNI/T+oXRuQECI+z9YTIpNQDtUOAa8zv4OVv3ZLAUX+SalWrrpwqsagkAzIUcLwcuqbgq695955zgNV7WsT+5KhLAhLpnlG6gc5O72/WcEmcRgfdDy3jvYa5sLQztTW6bXpdvLX3/akHwhNlC9U0od0SD4D+qDUwMm8uNVAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-trauma-informed-response-to-racial-injustice) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## If I Had Listened to Abortion Protesters, Things Would Be Different A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her. ![abortiontshirt](data:image/png;base64,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) A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/if-i-had-listened-to-abortion-protesters) [ResourcesRead ## Ageism and Heterosexism in African American LGBT Lives This article tells the stories of LGBT African Americans, their very real problems around coming of age, and how those experiences shaped their lives as they grew older. ![Growing Older Final](data:image/png;base64,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) This article tells the stories of LGBT African Americans, their very real problems around coming of age, and how those experiences shaped their lives as they grew older.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ageism-and-heterosexism-in-african-american-lgbtqi-lives) [ResourcesRead ## The Social Determinants of Health in Breast Cancer Care A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time. ![African American mother covering face while sitting by unpaid bills, children playing behind her at home.](data:image/png;base64,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) A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/social-determinants-breast-cancer-care)