What is guide and gatekeeper for those returning to the roots?

Guide and gatekeeper are two crucial roles when it comes to people returning to their roots. These two individuals are usually responsible for helping people reconnect with their ancestral heritage.

A guide is someone who assists individuals in exploring their heritage and learning about their roots. Guides can provide information on genealogy, cultural traditions and customs, and historical events that are relevant to their client's ancestry. Guides can also help them understand the significance of family traditions, cuisine, and language, and even lead them on tours of their ancestral lands.

On the other hand, a gatekeeper is a person who helps prevent cultural appropriation and protect the cultural heritage of a specific community. Gatekeepers can provide guidance on how to respectfully incorporate cultural practices and traditions into one's life without offending or disrespecting the culture.

When returning to their roots, individuals may need both a guide and gatekeeper to navigate the complex journey of reconnecting with their heritage while ensuring they are not causing harm to the culture they are learning about. Therefore, it is essential to work with people who are familiar with their cultural heritage to help understand its history, customs, and values.