What Percentage of Native American Do You Have To Be To Enroll With a Tribe?

What Percentage of Native American Do You Have To Be To Enroll With a Tribe?

What percentage of Native American blood do you need to be in a tribe?

How much American Indian blood is required to be considered Native American?

Native ancestry is a nuanced topic. Many people with Native American ties often wonder whether they have enough American Indian blood or a strong enough Native heritage to be considered for tribal enrollment.

But how do you know for sure?

We'll break it down for you here. 

Check out our calculator below to find your %!

Native Americans are the people who contain blood one of the more than 500 distinguished tribes that still endure as sovereign states within the United States’ present geographical boundaries. These are the Native American tribes that descended from the pre-Colombian indigenous peoples of North America.


Related Info – Native American Ancestry — What % of Native American am I?


Am I Native American?

For a person to be considered Native American by the United States government, they must either have a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card or be enrolled in a tribe.

A CDIB card is issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) an agency under the United States Department of Interior. This certificate (CDIB) is the basis most tribes use to enroll tribal members.

The CDIB is an official U.S. document used to certify that a person does possess a percentage of Native American blood and therefore has legitimate Native ancestry. Note though, the blood must be identified with a federally recognized Native American tribe.


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Related Info – What Native American tribe am I from?


The Bureau of Indian Affairs issues the certificate after the individual has forwarded a finalized genealogy.

The genealogy must be submitted with legal documents that include birth certificates, and documents showing the applicant’s descent both from the maternal and the paternal sides.

Certificate Degree of Indian Blood card issued to Morris Phillip Konstantin (Phil Konstantin) in 1996. It shows him to be 3/16ths Cherokee by blood. – Wikipedia

A Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood shows the constituent blood degree of a particular tribe or that of all tribes in the applicant’s ancestry. The percentage required by each tribe to enroll varies. Some tribes require that a minimum degree must be met before granting membership to an individual.


Related Info – DNA Results vs. Tribal Enrollment vs. Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood — What Do They All Mean?


Interestingly, even the federal government requires that you meet a certain minimum before granting Native Americans federal benefits.

To give you an example, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians requires a minimum of 1/16 degree of Cherokee Indian blood for tribal enrollment, while the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Higher Education Grant expects you to have a minimum of 1/4 Native American blood percentage.

That means 25% of your blood is of Native American ancestry.

Blood Quantum Calculator


Tribal Blood Quantum Calculator and Requirements

A Blood Quantum Calculator can also be helpful in certain instances. This will help you zero in on the origin of your American Indian heritage. where here you got the Native American heritage from. The calculations are translated as:

For instance, if you are 50% Native American or half blood quantum, that means you have one parent who's of direct American Indian lineage / Half Blooded Quantum meaning One Parent

If you are 25% American Indian or one-quarter blood quantum, that means you have one grandparent who's of direct Native American lineage. 

The same conversion rate applies as you go further down the line. If you are 12.5% American Indian or one-eighth blood quantum, you have one great-grandparent.

If you are 6.25% or one-sixteenth blood quantum, you have one great-great-grandparent, and so on. 

Read more about Blood Quantum laws here.

Below is a list of some tribal requirements.  This is not a comprehensive list, just a sampling of the more than 500 federally recognized tribes.

Native American Tribal Enrollment Requirement

50 Percent / One-Half Blood Quantum (One Parent)

Kialegee Tribal Town
Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Mississippi
St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin
White Mountain Apache Tribe, Arizona
Yomba Shoshone Tribe, Utah

25 Percent / One-Fourth Blood Quantum (One Grandparent)

Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Native American Indians
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Washington
Oneida Tribe of Indians, Wisconsin
Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma
Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Arizona
Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Kansas
Navajo Nation, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico
Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, Wyoming
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Arizona
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, North and South Dakota
Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute Tribe, California
Havasupai-Prescott Tribe, Arizona
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, Oklahoma
Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, Montana
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, New York, Canada

12.5 Percent / One-Eighth Blood Quantum (One Great-Grandparent)

Apache Tribe, Oklahoma
Comanche Nation, Oklahoma
Delaware Nation, Oklahoma
Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Reservation, Oregon
Fort Sill Apache Tribe, Oklahoma
Karuk Tribe, California
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe of the Muckleshoot Reservation, Washington
Northwestern Band of Shoshoni Nation of Utah (Washakie)
Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Native American Indians, Oklahoma
Pawnee Nation, Oklahoma
Ponca Nation, Oklahoma
Sac and Fox Nation, Oklahoma
Sac & Fox Nation of Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska
Squaxin Island Tribe of the Squaxin Island Reservation, Washington
Suquamish Indian Tribe of the Port Madison Reservation, Washington
Three Affiliated Native American Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation
Upper Skagit Indian Tribe of Washington
Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (Wichita, Keechi, Waco and Tawakonie)

6.25 Percent / One-Sixteenth Blood Quantum (One Great-Great-Grandparent)

Caddo Nation
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon
Fort Sill Apache Tribe
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
Sac and Fox Nation, Oklahoma
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, North Carolina

Lineal Native American Descent

Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town
Cherokee Nation
Chickasaw Nation
Choctaw Nation
Citizen Potawatomi Nation
Delaware Tribe of Indians
Eastern Shawnee Tribe
Kaw Nation
Mashantucket Pequot Tribe of Connecticut
Miami Tribe of Oklahoma
Modoc Tribe
Muscogee Creek Nation
Osage Nation
Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma
Peoria Tribe of Indians
Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan
Seminole Nation
Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma
Shawnee Tribe
Thlopthlocco Tribal Town
Tonkawa Tribe
Wyandotte Nation


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Last Updated on January 5, 2024 by Paul G


254 Comments on “What Percentage of Native American Do You Have To Be To Enroll With a Tribe?”

  • Avatar for Julia Weaver

    Julia Weaver

    says:

    As my mother used to say, “Your skin is white, but your heart is red.” My bloodline only runs 1/16 Cree. My mother did research on our family the old way, before computers, decades ago. I in turn, continued with ancestry.com, but hit a dead end when it came to my great-great grandmother. My mother said that the “people” burned down the Catholic school and church where any records that concerned any of our ancestors were kept because of what happened there. I can only guess at what that “happening” was.
    DNA results show strong connections in Quebec, but roughly 1/16 of my DNA remains unknown through 23 and me. I am the last to do beadwork (a matriarchal tradition), the last to know the stories of our family, but not the last who still feels the pull of the land as well as the urge to work with her, not against her. If anyone knows of another path to travel to gain knowledge of this woman, who left so much wisdom behind her that it lasted through generations, I would appreciate the help.

  • Avatar for Olathe

    Olathe

    says:

    (I changed my name because I don’t want people to know it it’s very complicated) What are my benefits of being 25 % Navajo? My biological grandpa was a full blooded Navajo Native American and I want to know what this means for me. I have heard Native Americans have a weaker immune system and get sicker more often (I always get sick especially when I was little) does this also mean I could get super sick? I have already been diagnosed with ADD and a little OCD so I need to know because I literally asked my parents if im gonna die 😰 😱 😰. Do I need to live in the Navajo Nation reservation place to get the scholarships and money when I’m older… because i live in MO…?

  • Avatar for Addie Ortega-Tso

    Addie Ortega-Tso

    says:

    What are my benefits of being 25 % Navajo? My biological grandpa was a full blooded Navajo Native American and I want to know what this means for me. I have heard Native Americans have a weaker immune system and get sicker more often (which fits me perfectly ngl) does this also mean I could get super sick? I have already been diagnosed with ADD and a little OCD so I need to know. Do I need to live in the Navajo Nation to get the scholarships and money when I’m older? I want to know….

  • Avatar for Melissa Poole

    Melissa Poole

    says:

    Hello Christine.
    Do you know much about Canada Indigenous blood?? My mother’s DNA for Native American is coming from Northern Canada.. any information you have I would greatly appreciate!

  • Avatar for Rose

    Rose

    says:

    i’m 1/12 and still don’t understand what it means. we are métis and in canada, and 1/12 is small. can someone tell me what i can apply for with this? somebody told me to apply for a status card but i’m not sure if you have to be a certain amount of native to claim one. i’m very confused

    • Avatar for Candace

      Candace

      says:

      Go to tribe and ask for information

    • Avatar for Bob Lew

      Bob Lew

      says:

      It’s impossible to be 1/12. Or 1/6. Or 1/3.

      No one has three biological parents.

      It’s OK though. Many people these days have trouble figuring out fractions.

    • Avatar for Vanessa Quigley

      Vanessa Quigley

      says:

      Hi Rose, Canada doesn’t use blood quantum. It’s by lineage. If you can search records for your ancestors, then that will support you in applying for membership with the particular band for status.

  • Avatar for Wendy Williams

    Wendy Williams

    says:

    I don’t see the Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska here 🤔🙄

    • Avatar for Allen Anderson

      Allen Anderson

      says:

      Athens Alabama Mae Clem great grandmother and grandmother Nora Vest
      Mae clem was a Johnson before marriage
      Mom was Sherry Vest Salem Virginia where I was born Roanoke gill memorial

  • Avatar for LINDA BASS

    LINDA BASS

    says:

    I was told I am part Choctaw but at my age of 72 it does not matter and married a part Cherokee man, my enemy! lol

    • Avatar for Candace

      Candace

      says:

      They are actually family the Choctaw and cherokee.

  • Avatar for Brenna Garcia

    I wish we would start calling ourselves Nations again. We were never tribes, if I’m not mistaken it’s what Columbus called the different Nations because he was ignorant. We were our Nation, Human beings, descendants of this land. I’m just tired of it, just like I’m not Latina,Hispanic, terms given to put us in a box to help them understand how they will regard us.

    • Avatar for Candace

      Candace

      says:

      Columbus did not find America,it was way past the vikings.Their were Egyptians here in Arizona.

      • Avatar for jody back

        jody back

        says:

        Candace, what do you know about the Egyptians in Arizona it’s like history erased them or should i say the U.S.

    • Avatar for Natalie Nicky

      Natalie Nicky

      says:

      I concure entirely!

  • Avatar for Brenna Garcia

    What about Nations that aren’t Federally recognized? Ya know there’s not enough of you left after the genocide so we’re not going to recognize you. You can’t get any benefits that other Nations are entitled to either. As a Shasta, once registered, and Wintu descendent, I am also Tarascan from Mexico. I was told there’s no point in registering with the BIA because of this lack of recognition. My Grandmother is in the Shasta Nation Book registered with the library of Congress. This so disheartening.

  • Avatar for Jennifer Clavell

    Jennifer Clavell

    says:

    Discovered 15% indigenous central American Guatemala
    7% taino native Puerto Rico 2% indigenous Andies 1%cuban indigenous 1% eastern south America. I want to claim my Taino ancestry how can I do this

    • Avatar for sadena samayoa

      sadena samayoa

      says:

      my husaband is from guatemala and i have friends who are full native from guatemala it is hard to speak with them since they speak no spanish i have one of ther kids or husband translate and he barley speaks spanish. it is awsome my husband could have some native blood but we are not sure

    • Avatar for Mike M

      Mike M

      says:

      if you have a blood quantum that is smaller than 10% it’s probably not worth looking into that part of your ancestry. something that small of a % is just the company doing your DNA test and taking guesses. That DNA could have been from anywhere at that point. The best way to claim to be Taino is by finding a distant relative that was on record for being Indigenous and starting from there. Also if your trying to gain benefits from that make sure that Tainos have made a treaty with the US Gov. or whatever country the Tribe falls in because unfortunately not every tribe is federally recognized even if they do fall inside US borders.

      • Avatar for Silla

        Silla

        says:

        UNfortunately, due to slave trade and the Spanish having no willingness to work with the indigenous ppl of the Caribbean, Taínos were not allowed treaties. However, because so much of the Caribbean, particularly PR are indigenous and continue to be proven correct one tribe in the Virgin island JUST established a treaty in 2021. Tainos across many non-incorporated tribes have been banding together for recognition. If you go down this route it is really hard, because there isn’t much respect for us (even tho Tainos were the ones who encountered Columbus), and it’s been an uphill battle. But, clearly there is move meant and new recognition occurring. Its the more progress in Indigenous affair we’re seen in years. You kind of have to commit to it though, it’s a struggle.

        • Avatar for Robert

          Robert

          says:

          Yea for now few Taino communities now working on language with few existed words and Thur relative Arawak ppl/Lokono and many other like ceremony, crafts, regalias etc, some of us have high % from what i seen two ppl have 40% then my cousin have 36% and me 21% Taino dna tested, we r still working on it slowy but yea struggle is real, yet we can do it!

  • Avatar for Mary Helen

    According to Ancestry.com testing, I am 47% Native American. I found where my grandfathers grandfather is registered on Indian census as 100% Native American with the Laguna tribe in NM. How would I check to see if I would qualify to become a member or who do I contact?

    • Avatar for Cynthia Eufracio

      Hi Helen how did you find the Information on where someone signed up to a tribe from your lineage. I’m almost 50% native and my parents have no idea

  • Avatar for chris torrez

    chris torrez

    says:

    I just recently did the DnaAncestry and i came back 60 percent Indigeious. My dad says he has Lipan Apache. but im Trying to figure out what i do next. I would love to get my tribe card. but i dont know the Steps of how to do it. Could someone please help me. My email is [email protected]. thank you for taking you time reading this.

    • Avatar for Brenna Garcia

      You have to go directly to the Nation you believe that you are affiliated with and request the application that they have for their members . They will require proof and you just ask them how they would like it completed, or how is this proof typically provided?

    • Avatar for Sally Kozee

      Sally Kozee

      says:

      Tribal registry does not recognize DNA Ancestry, if your dad’s people were enrolled, you need to start with that tribe and trace back the grandparent that was enrolled, and start there.

    • Avatar for Lavonn

      Lavonn

      says:

      You would need to reach the tribe/ nation and start the process.

  • Avatar for ANA

    ANA

    says:

    I discovered that I have 15% indigenous Puerto Rico (Taino) and 1% of Indigenous Eastern South America. I Just wanted to contribute to the thread.

  • Avatar for A. Upchurch

    A. Upchurch

    says:

    Will a DNA test be enough proof to change my birth certificate? I’m in NC.I don’t know much about the people in my father’s side. He had always called himself and his children white, due to the discrimination of the Cherokee and other Native Americans being bad when he was growing up. He didn’t share much about his parents, especially his father after he abandon him, 13 siblings and his mother. I found out that we were Cherokee from cousins. Years later, my family went to Cherokee, NC in the mountains and my son pointed out a man and said hey, he looks just like your dad! Our last name was Hicks. I see it is a common last name for Cherokees. I’ve searched on all the rolls, I’ve been searching off and on for years to find his dad or his grandmother, but always come up empty. My parents both died in the past 2 years. I ‘be always respected his wish that we were “White”, but now that he is gone I want to reclaim my ancestry. Sorry so long. Unfortunately, my family members do not feel as enthusiastic as I am so I seldom get the chance to talk about this Thank you!

    • Avatar for Terrell Wilson

      Terrell Wilson

      says:

      I have known that my family on my mother’s side is Native American from North Carolina. My mom’s maiden name is Hickman. I have always wanted to know more about my ancestry and my tribal lineage but never knew where to start.

  • Avatar for Carolyn Swann Preston Taylor

    Carolyn Swann Preston Taylor

    says:

    My grandmother was a full blooded Cherokee Indian. I’m not sure about my grandfather. My father truly looks Indian.

    • Avatar for Littlefeather

      Littlefeather

      says:

      My paternal grandmother was not a full-blood, but my father sure looked it. So did my mother. And, get this…..they are both of Chippewa lineage! My dad also goes clear back to Standing Bear.

  • Avatar for L.j Nogler

    L.j Nogler

    says:

    Just found out from my 82 yr old Grandmother, her entire family bloodline is 75% Blackfoot. 40 years and now you tell me Grams.. lol She says we are from the Dakota tribes? Always felt something was off about me spiritually. Never felt settled in the burbs or cities, always drawn to the woods and water. My sensory is insane, night vision, hearing, peaceful warrior spirit. Making sense now! Where do I begin this Native Indian Journey?

    • Avatar for Bliss Barela

      Bliss Barela

      says:

      Her percentage will not exactly match yours or other family members. Each person has their own and some people don’t always get that DNA from ancestors. It skips or jumps around the family trees. You should take a DNA test.

      • Avatar for Angela Garcia

        Angela Garcia

        says:

        So true. I got almost double the amount of native DNA than my dad’s 1st daughter. What’s even funnier is we look Alot alike, DNA is really intricate and confusing

    • Avatar for Raspberry

      Raspberry

      says:

      Begin your journey anywhere just start to learn start to read start to research I’m Blackfoot from the Dakota tribes also if you ever have a question or anyting feel free to ask me

    • Avatar for MaryStarshine, Retired Public School Teacher

      MaryStarshine, Retired Public School Teacher

      says:

      Hi, just another “Indian” whose Native family wasn’t totally “out in the open.” My mom did try to instill it in me as a child by showing me a photo of her mother with HER mother who looked alot like Geronimo to me wearing Mary Poppins clothes. Photo was taken in the early 1900s. I never believed my mom that THAT dark woman was my great grandma. We lived in white suburbia and I am PALE and half Caucasian on dad’s side. I am now a retired Public School Teacher from FL and FINALLY looking into my “roots” because my “odd health problems” have stumped my newest doctor the past few years, who is himself “a Jew from Peru” as well as Hispanic/Peruvian.

      I recognized my doctor’s Jewish background right away from his last name because..well, I’ve taught a bit of Spanish and know, and also because I, too, am 1/4 Jewish…my Native grandma married a Jew from the Ukraine. Then one day I mentioned to my doctor that I was ALSO Native American and BINGO!!! HE LIT UP LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE!, slapped his knee and exclaimed: “THAT! explains IT! You have an SNP in your DNA!” and then proceeded to explain that. Apparently Native Americans have a chain in their DNA that is DIFFERENT from all others, Caucasians, etc. This is the DNA chain that is responsible for the problems Natives have if they drink alcohol and use illegal and even a number of legal/medical drugs. And my doctor had already experienced the bad reactions I’d had to certain medicines he had prescribed for me in the past. SO I’M SURE I’M A GOOD BIT NATIVE.

      I smile (now!) at things from the past, like how I had to quit drinking alcohol in my 20s because I started waking up with bad reactions. I also remember having my blood sugar checked for hypoglycemia and during the test had bad low sugar reactions, which the “attending physician” told me “I COULDN’T BE HAVING” because my sugar level wasn’t low enough… Uh, “low enough” for a Caucasian maybe, uh? I realize now…

      And just to show that I was apparently not too consciously aware as a child, I never made the connection to the truth of my mom’s declarations about the Native line in our family even though at at 6 or 7 yrs. I called her to my room because I had been awakened by A LARGE DOG (heavier than our little one) JUMPING ON THE FOOT OF MY BED!!! but I couldn’t SEE HIM!! and asked her what was going on??? And she honestly did NOT know! (Perhaps she is one who didn’t get alot of her mother’s DNA. My mom DID LOOK EXCEPTIONALLY JEWISH, HOWEVER. There was no one who met my mom who ever doubted her Jewish ancestry, esp. other Jews.)

      This “unseen large DOG” has been with me all my life. Eventually, in the last few decades I became involved in metaphysical pursuits at a local Metaphysical College as well as a metaphysical church and a large pagan group that included Native clebrations to celebrate The Wheel of the Year Pagan holidays in a public park. One very popular activity of these groups was being guided in group meditations. And at least twice I attended guided meditations that sought to lead the participants to visualize THEIR VERY OWN SPIRIT ANIMAL! And BOTH meditations brought the vision of the Same Spirit Animal for me… yes, a large WILD dog. My Guard, my guide, my love, whose endangered status has been removed this past year by the departing President leaving many killed in the Feb. hunt in Wisc. including those belonging to the Ojibway Tribe. As a Sierra Club member, I have been fighting to protect these animals. I hope all who read this will join me in this fight to protect not only the endangered wild animals but also to save our land from more oil drilling and extinction of vital species, etc.

      So, as well as having a Spirit Animal around me, and having the “symptoms” of having Native DNA medically speaking, it was not until this last assessment by my own doctor that I FINALLY REALIZED, YES! I AM INDEED NATIVE AMERICAN NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS OR THINKS. I could also go on to tell of my first excursion without parents and I chose to walk into a peaceful wood by my elementary school. I can recall the time when I was 6 yr. old walking to school and totally puzzled by a woman who tried to keep a squirrel out of her yard… and I thinking to myself “that squirrel has as much right to be here as you do, woman.” Actually the whole concept of “land ownership” was alien to me! But you know, children are just children and don’t realize that they are any different from anyone but the nature hating people.

      Well, I haven’t changed much in over 50 years. Last year I got so angry when neighbors decided to have several very old Oak trees, that are supposed to be “protected” in my town, cut down on the “pretext” that they had termites. Of course, the trees had termites and that kept the termites out of the house! The land owner just wanted to sell the property to someone who wanted to do more building on it. I WANTED THE SHADE IT AFFORDED HERE IN FLORIDA!!! Frustrated, I joined The Sierra Club, hoping to make a difference for the trees as well as wild animal rights, the things that really matter to ME!

      Do I really need to prove anything to anyone by leaving my safe Florida home to live on a reservation like my cousin Morning Star, nee’ Darlene Bennett, did when she was divorced, alone and her kids were grown? She wrote me often and told me of her life on the ‘rez.’ I always sensed she was in NC on Cherokee land. Still won’t know for sure until I find the letters she wrote me of Native life. She died a number of years ago of Cancer. Her sister thought she was on the Cree rez… don’t think so, that’s in NW Canada… and when she visited us here before she died, she indicated she was closer. My “sense” perception always envisioned her in NC… and know there was a Creek group in NC my grandma’s family lived in, I even met Grandma’s aunt in Hendersonville when I was about 7…she was DARK RED! There had been a Creek Rez just east of the Cherokee rez and on the same road, too…I met her in the 50s. Was it still there when the Twin Towers fell? when Darlene Morning Star was on her rez?

      Someone who knows, please tell me…

      Aho!
      MaryStarshine Matlock
      Retired Public School Teacher
      St. Pete, FL

    • Avatar for sadena samayoa

      sadena samayoa

      says:

      i am a descendant of blackfoot my grandma and father are enrolled and i got enrolled in 2016 since i wasnt close to that side. but we are from the black foot nation of browning montana

  • Avatar for Chad H

    Chad H

    says:

    I’ve always been curious about my past native roots. Unfortunately, estranged family, family loss, and lack of detail has left things pretty much as they are for the past 40+ years.

    My understanding is that my grandfather’s mother (my great grandmother) was born of two tribes, but I was told as a child and don’t remember what they were. I do know that she had no birth certificate, and my grandfather’s birth certificate was lost in a courthouse fire decades ago. Doesn’t leave me with much to go on, but that’s what I’ve got. My mother would be at least 1/4 native, myself at least 1/8, my son 1/16.

    My only motivation is to honor and remember that part of our heritage, to learn more of my great grandmother’s life and pass those stories on to future family generations.

    • Avatar for A De Leon

      A De Leon

      says:

      My mom’s side of the family has always proudly spoken about their Ute(Uncompahgre) and Iroquois decent. My dad always claimed he was Apache, which I only took half seriously untill my half sister got a DNA test showing she was a little over a quarter. We know it can’t be from her mom since she had none, meaning I should have a similar amount. The problem is though, I’m not sure if I’d half enough of one tribe for any of them to claim me. I have a document for my Ute grandma, showing she was Ute and her marriage legitiment, but besides that I don’t really have anything.

      • Avatar for Paula Arce

        Paula Arce

        says:

        My son, who’s adopted as an infant, is 42% Native American. We know nothing about either of his birth parents. He was left in a town in Northern New Jersey. We found out his Native percentage from an ancestry DNA test. He now identifies as Native American. However, since we have absolutely no information on his Native bloodline I don’t know where to begin. Is there a specific test that can be done to find out what nation he is from? I really want to help him with this. Thanks for anything you can tell me. I know it’s a long shot, but I don’t want to give up. I think he needs this.
        Thank you.

    • Avatar for pearl

      pearl

      says:

      Hi Chad: my line is similar to yours. My great grandma was full, her son (my Gpa 1/2) and his son, my dad a formal tribal member (Colville) was 1/4. Me: 1/8. My dad spent a couple of years helping set up one of, if not the first mental health clinics on the Colville land, i spent a year with him and went to school. I inherited 120 acres of trust land along the Columbia (beautiful but worthless).

      Colville requires 1/4 for membership – and more. I want nothing from the tribe or BIA or whoever doles out funds. There is abject poverty everywhere. I just wish there was a “step” member or something for direct offspring of tribal members. It has always been a big part of my life – because of my dad. I have oral histories he transcribed before Gma died – incredible stories. I have tons o antique baskets and beading… I do my own beading and watercolor portraits of native faces, I have language books (Ha! Can’t even try. I can say my dad’s childhood nickname, “Keh-EESH-EESH-Laou.”

      It just stings to be shut out. That growing up, learning from my dad – learning on the reservation – it’s always been such a part of my life. Always will be. But it’s like being shunned. I want no benefits, perks, just a sense of belonging, if only tangentially.

      Check the free LDS genealogy site – I found tons of Census images that lead me to more and more… Graveyards, other relatives… and who *wasn’t* part of my family. Spelling surnames was often iffy, and everyone seemed to like naming their kids the same few names.

      I hope you find out more!

      • Avatar for Felicia Elayne

        My grandfather was full creek Indian my dad 1/2 which makes me 1/4. I was just approved to the tribe 58 yers later. Had to get my dad’s death certificate his father my grandpas death certificate, he was already on the Dawes Roll. Over the years the tribe or Indian creek nation made it almost impossible for my family to get approved based on name spellings or something small , for 35 years my mom had tried getting us enrolled. I decided to try again succeeded…

    • Avatar for Shon Ramsey

      Shon Ramsey

      says:

      I’ve been told I was 3/4 of Native American due to my mother having Cherokee father Blackfoot. Mother’s side her great grandmother princess of tribe great great grandfather chief. On dad’s side well grandmother dad’s mom had to adopt American name. However I was raised in an Hispanic Environment but I’ve always held my ground on being proud of my Heritage regardless of being product of our Environment. I’m 50 today and all I really want is validation of my Heritage and proof on record that I’m Native American. So glad to hear of these tests today just need to be financially prepared. Thanks for hearing my story MS. LC

  • Avatar for EVA MONTEALEGRE

    How do I find out. My great, great, great, great grandmother was Emily Addams. My great grandmother was Eva Bullock Metcalf.

    • Avatar for Karen Medina

      Karen Medina

      says:

      My mother was 80 years and told me she took DNA test and indicate she was 49% Native American. I will like to know what tribe and how much percentage I have. Now I understand why love outside and water. Hearing noises, voices, always sending me to right path.

  • Avatar for Melinda Ammons

    Melinda Ammons

    says:

    Tonight while working on my Thrulines of my Great Grandparents. I found something I didn’t know about. I had a 4th Great Grandmother, and someone had put she was 3\8 Cherokee. So I don’t know anything really about that. But I do have 2 Great Gma’s on on each side of the family. Both Indian. My gma, which was her daughter told me her mother was Cherokee, and my mother said she (my g. gma) was 3\4 Cherokee. I have done my dna and as far as showing a percent of Indian blood I don’t. My Aunt and her twin was born on I.T. in Tuskahoma June 29, 1897. My Aunt twin, is in a Indian Book at Library, but they messed up on Census of 1900 and 1910 Census. My gma (which is my great gma dau told me things about the family and I found stuff in those census, that backs up her stories.) If it had not been for all the mistakes on these census, my family would already had an Indian Card. Then I had a Great Gma on my dad side and her maiden name was Amos. Went to the Choctaws, they said she was Indian, and they knew she owned a farm in Ark. but she never lived in Oklahoma. We don’t know where to look any farther or not on her. She was born in MO. and she married and had a farm in Ark., her husband died when her kids were young, but she raised them on that farm. If you could give me any info, would be appreciated. On dna matches you can not just throw names in there. I have name like: Morgan Little Eagle, Mayna Yellowhair, Littlejohn, names like that.

    • Avatar for Eleanor

      Eleanor

      says:

      If you belong to any of the Five “Civilized” tribes (Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Seminole), you can check the Dawes Rolls on Ancestry.com.

      • Avatar for MaryStarshine Matlock

        My heart goes out to you, Gavin. I’m not 100% sure whether my heart is Cherokee or Creek, smile. My mother used to often ponder this and say at least once a year when she would bring out a photo of her mother and her grandmother together and show it to me, and say “I think we’re part Cherokee.” If that were true, then by Cherokee law which is matrilineally derived, then I would be 100% Cherokee.

        However, about a week ago my long lost cousin whose mother was sister to my own mom, contacted me via Facebook to answer my question which was: What Tribe did her oldest sister belong to at the end of her life??? And she told me “Creek.”!!!

        I didn’t have a problem with that because our common grandmother’s mother really looked it. In the photo I was repeatedly shown, she did NOT look Cherokee. Cherokee have alot of white blood in the line and the ones I know at my church all pass for Caucasian. (Well so do I but I am half Caucasian on my father’s side.)

        My Native great grandmother, however, would never pass for white. On first glance she looks one of two Native options: Seminole Tribe… or…. Geronimo HIMSELF! … lol both are very dark and in a black and white photo might look Negro until you notice the facial features are NOT Negro. I met a great aunt in N.C., sister to my great grandmother she could only be., when I was 6 or 7 yrs. old and in Hendersonville, our family summer cottage. When my grandma took off with them to ‘visit family’ one evening they were headed for the Cherokee Rez… Only recently I discovered that back at that time, there was also a CREEK Rez just east of that Cherokee Rez.

        So given all the info I have at my disposal this time, I am going with being from the Creek Nation, in NC as most likely. I still have not had time to scrutinize the Dawes rolls or even know what names I should be looking for other than my mother’s mother. I don’t have anything but that and my deceased cousin Morning Star.

        Oy! This is so complicated! Oy, I say as my Native grandmother married a Jewish man (that everyone loved) ….making me TRI-RACIAL!!! (Jews are from the Semitic race and how we get the word “anti-Semitism.”)

        I really like the ring of that and the stunned looks on people’s faces when I tell them I’m TRI-RACIAL!!! (this seems to stun black people (friends) when I tell them that, LOL! No ONE is expecting a Tri-racial person… what does that even mean? is the look on their faces.

        Guess I better terminate this message … and just wish you the best in your search for your own ancestry.

        MaryStarshine Matlock
        St. Pete, FL

      • Avatar for MaryStarshine Matlock

        Thank you, Eleanor. I should be able to do that.

        MaryStarshine (hopefully civilized 🙂

  • Avatar for Sandyjeanie

    Sandyjeanie

    says:

    I found out that I am 1/16 Iroquois (Mohawk). My grandfather came from Canada and settled in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts..near the Mohawk Trail. But..I guess sadly..that 1/16 doesn’t mean anything to that particular tribe. 🙁 🙁 And..here’s a strange note to this: One of my great grandfathers in Canada..was killed by the Iroquois Indians..shot with an arrow..over some fur trading deal gone wrong. 🙁 🙁

    • Avatar for Gavin Claiborne

      Gavin Claiborne

      says:

      It is a very painful path to be chosen by the creator to be 1/16th American. Especially when you remember your grandfather , I asked him why he wasn’t white when I was ten and he told me he’s 1/4 th Cherokee , I’m not accepted as Native American yet I’ve been strangled by a policeman till I passed out on the side walked and kicked in the back to re wake then reassured a week later for looking one drop
      I’ve cried so hard and been hi on lsd till I talk to my great grandmother who guides me and is my hero and light
      Who I think saved my life
      Now I’m on meds which I don’t believe in
      I’m very very sick now even though I was well as a child
      It took me 43 years to see that it’s a life of pain to be 1/16 th Native American and the rest Caucasian
      I dream of meeting a woman who’s also 1/16th but also for real ( really actually for real like me )
      To talk all about it but I never met anyone like that very rarely
      Anyways I know it’s also like being an albino in some African cultures that I also have powers and strengths and I will never give up the fight till my Cherokee great grandmother who commit sucide by burning herself and all her things in a barn is honored and it says on my if that I’m one drop that flows still
      and I want off meds And I want to repair triathlon and to be understood
      I will never give up nor kill myself for shame but will always seek to have my voice heard then and only then will justice be served
      I seek an apology for what happened to me and permanent housing free of meds
      I think shame on those who pretend to be 1/16th but also that it’s a real shame because I know I have something native American inside that nobody else in the world has so it’s a real shame that people can’t come together under a Native American president like Nelson Mandela
      It can hurt till there’s no cure
      But I have faith that one day I will be free from this before I die
      Nothing much else just to express how much it hurts to be rejected on both sides
      And no allowed to express myself or be undertood and mistaken as a racist wanna be
      With being told that I’m French or Italian to avoid confusion
      Just that it hurts so bad i resort to writing this and that I’ve met very few peoples also 1/16 native and that’s also devastating
      That I seek before I die for a native cure to the pain I feel and the mental illness I have or supposedly have and that my whole life is devastated and ruined by being 1/16th Native American and yet I’ve realized it’s also a super gift and very very very hard path to walk
      Thanks for letting me share

      -Gavin Robert Claiborne

      • Avatar for MaryStarshine Matlock

        My heart goes out to you, Gavin. I’m not 100% sure whether my heart is Cherokee or Creek, smile. My mother used to often ponder this and say at least once a year when she would bring out a photo of her mother and her grandmother together and show it to me, and say “I think we’re part Cherokee.” If that were true, then by Cherokee law which is matrilineally derived, then I would be 100% Cherokee.

        However, about a week ago my long lost cousin whose mother was sister to my own mom, contacted me via Facebook to answer my question which was: What Tribe did her oldest sister belong to at the end of her life??? And she told me “Creek.”!!!

        I didn’t have a problem with that because our common grandmother’s mother really looked it. In the photo I was repeatedly shown, she did NOT look Cherokee. Cherokee have alot of white blood in the line and the ones I know at my church all pass for Caucasian. (Well so do I but I am half Caucasian on my father’s side.)

        My Native great grandmother, however, would never pass for white. On first glance she looks one of two Native options: Seminole Tribe… or…. Geronimo HIMSELF! … lol both are very dark and in a black and white photo might look Negro until you notice the facial features are NOT Negro. I met a great aunt in N.C., sister to my great grandmother she could only be., when I was 6 or 7 yrs. old and in Hendersonville, our family summer cottage. When my grandma took off with them to ‘visit family’ one evening they were headed for the Cherokee Rez… Only recently I discovered that back at that time, there was also a CREEK Rez just east of that Cherokee Rez.

        So given all the info I have at my disposal this time, I am going with being from the Creek Nation, in NC as most likely. I still have not had time to scrutinize the Dawes rolls or even know what names I should be looking for other than my mother’s mother. I don’t have anything but that and my deceased cousin Morning Star.

        Oy! This is so complicated! Oy, I say as my Native grandmother married a Jewish man (that everyone loved) ….making me TRI-RACIAL!!! (Jews are from the Semitic race and how we get the word “anti-Semitism.”)

        I really like the ring of that and the stunned looks on people’s faces when I tell them I’m TRI-RACIAL!!! (this seems to stun black people (friends) when I tell them that, LOL! No ONE is expecting a Tri-racial person… what does that even mean? is the look on their faces.

        Guess I better terminate this message … and just wish you the best in your search for your own ancestry.

        MaryStarshine Matlock
        St. Pete, FL

      • Avatar for MaryStarshine Matlock

        Hi Gavin,
        It’s Starshine again. I see you’ve had a number of responses here in your quest. Really there are alot of us out here.

        My mother knew her mother/grandmother were Native, but that was all since my grandma was born in Tampa and not raised on a reservation. For my mom, it was a relief because her father was Jewish… and here in the “South” she faced signs on alot of shop windows that said “No Dogs or Jews Allowed” and that hurt her deeply. So she was damn proud to be a Native!!!

        Most of my childhood she had her nose in Native American books, like “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee”, “Trail of Tears”, etc.

        I thought she was delusional and just didn’t want people to think she was Jewish! Boy did I read her the Riot Act about it one day and told her to Stand Up and Be a Proud Jew!!! Which she actually did after that talk… She started reading everything she could get her hands on about or by Jewish authors.

        I’ve always been a real Native, but I didn’t realize it as I was fighting to be proud of my Jewish heritage most of my life. After joining a synagogue and being baptized and given a Jewish name and making many new friends, everything was going well until some of my closest friends there started dying off. And I got more involved in metaphysics, studying astrology to see if it was REAL…btw, it is and I have a diploma to prove my knowledge, skills and I now teach courses at metaphysical churches and such places.

        After that and much later, about a year or so ago, I ventured into a new Shaman Shop in our area as I had read much on Amazon about Shamanic healing, etc. The man running the shop was giving workshops on Shamanism and I went for it. AND HERE IS WHAT I LEARNED; I am SEROUSLY -a- NATIVE !!!! Many of my Native Ancestors showed up in my visions as well as the top, The Great Spirit in disguise… as what? Ask another native, preferably a Lakota!

        The Northern European man/Shaman shop owner was much distressed as he believed he was teaching “authentic” Northern European Shamanism. ha ha ha… My ancestors didn’t like that!!!

        I could go on with other “stories”, (Natives like to tell them, y’know!) But I’ll stop here for now

        I’ll NEVER DOUBT MY HERITAGE AGAIN. Nor the Spirit Animal who has been following me since I was about 7. When he first arrived and woke me up, I told my mom who “thought” she was Native American. But she just shrugged her shoulders. Must’ve skipped a generation perhaps.

        You have a choice here:

        You can QUIT beating yourself up for maybe “looking” like a Native and just be Proud of It and find others or a clan or tribe and get involved… try the metaphysical venues, they will welcome you and lead you to others like yourself..
        OR
        You can fold and take the downward path into drugs and despair and the belief that no one else supports your Ancestry… but that’s just not true.
        The best place to feel welcome is at a POW WOW!!!

        I discovered the PowWow circuit when I was in college. Someone posted a notice by the Deans office door. When I made plans to attend my first one, I was incredibly surprised when my mom showed up with a number of her sisters (my aunts) and my cousins… But still I was so dulled that it took me years to realize that they were there because they KNEW AND DIDN’T DOUBT IT…that they were NATIVE AMERICAN!!!

        Don’t sit there in despair….Join the PowWow circuit, make new friends and look forward to the day when we can all join up again between the trees in the meadow for a real PowWow and REAL FRIENDS AND COUSINS! I’ve never been to a Pow Wow that wasn’t fun and the people were friendly no matter what percentage your blood… Just try the Fry bread!

        Aho,
        MaryStarstine

    • Avatar for Caleb

      Caleb

      says:

      I am nearly a quarter mohawk

      • Avatar for Marie

        Marie

        says:

        Does anyone know anything about Akwasasne marriage and tribal benefits? I am non native. If I marry a native (Mohawk) would I be entitled to any benefits (or widow’s benefits in old age)? Would I be allowed to live on the reserve? As a dual US/Canadian citizen, would I be entitled to health care? (and from which country?) Thanks for any answers.

    • Avatar for Buddy

      Buddy

      says:

      I did my family genealogy and discovered my 7th great grandparents were Wolf Clan Cherokee, so that makes me Casper white. But being indigenous native is not just a matter of blood, it’s a way of life. Indigenous natives love their planet and take only what they need from it, no more, mother Earth most heal. Oh and though I have had the indigenous native bred out of me, my 7th great grandfather was ‘Kanagatoga ( Cherokee Wolf Clan) Moytoy and his wife ‘Su gi of Tellico’, from what I’ve researched of him, he was a great Cherokee, so I may not have native blood in me, I have the pride that I’m a descendent of a great Cherokee..

      • Avatar for MaryStarshine Matlock

        My research of the Cherokee lineage said that one is considered FULL BLOOD CHEROKEE for 8 generations. Don’t remember where I read that, but you might try online at a Cherokee website or 3 or 4… Best of Luck

        MaryStarshine

    • Avatar for Terri

      Terri

      says:

      How do you find out your percentage I know I have Blackfoot n Cherokee not sure how much

  • Avatar for Gloria V. Krenek

    Gloria V. Krenek

    says:

    Hello my name is Gloria Vasquez Krenek, I send my DNA and discovered I am 61 % native American m mother always talked to me that her father and grandfather were Indians, but she never mention what type, How can I find out what type? Also what benefits would I have here in Texas? Please assist me. Thanks
    Gloria V. Krenek

    • Avatar for Teena Vasquez -Latture

      Teena Vasquez -Latture

      says:

      Gloria, please contact me I may have some info for you.

      • Avatar for Brittany Roark

        Brittany Roark

        says:

        I am needing help through this process in texas. If someone could help? Where do i begin

      • Avatar for Richard Sanchez

        Richard Sanchez

        says:

        Hi Teena since you got my mom name, Vasquez, I am trying to see what tribe I came from
        I don’t get a callback I have my birth certification and my mom’s and the request for a certificate of degree of Indian form. please give the step you did or who can I contact.

        Thank you
        Rick Sanchez

        • Avatar for Alisha Thacker

          Alisha Thacker

          says:

          My grandmother was born to am indian princess. I only knew my great grandmother as grandma Loonsfoot. From what I’ve been told her father was a chief. I know that we are Chippewa from either WI or MN. How can I find more information? I have always been drawn to nature and feel I belong elsewhere.

          • Avatar for Eleanor

            Eleanor

            says:

            There are no such things as Indian Princesses. That’s a non-Native thing. Being the daughter of a Chief doesn’t make you a princess.

          • Avatar for MaryStarshine Matlock

            MaryStarshine Matlock

            says:

            Alisha, you can start with the internet or a library, if one is open in your area. I don’t know how old you are but I am ancient, 🙂 surely in comparison. I am a retired public school teacher. You were supposed to learn how to do “RESEARCH” in school before you graduated. Someone in a library can help you with that. Online here, too, there may be a few with that knowledge, but from what I’ve seen with many of these messages is that many do know know the first thing about RESEARCHING, so see if your library is open and learn a few simple tricks that will help you help yourself. The organizer is a retired educator, too… and if you can catch up with him, you might ask or suggest he write a short segment on researching.

            And browse this site more thoroughly and you may find more answers, as well.

            Education is a great thing and handy to have.

            MaryStarshine

            And to Eleanor whoever, who left the brisk comment. Yes, you are right. But…which is better: 1. Being Right or 2. Being Kind
            I like to think that as Natives, we are the BETTER people… we love the land, the animals and nature and we don’t Worship The Money God.
            Here is an ancient message:
            TALK and WALK SOFTLY ON THE EARTH (but carry a big stick BEHIND your back….(not leading with) ….Aho

      • Avatar for Marshall Jerome Jordan

        Marshall Jerome Jordan

        says:

        23 and me says I am 12. 5 percent Native American and East Asian . What does that really mean My family is from Western Louisiana

      • Avatar for Sara Super

        Sara Super

        says:

        Hi Teena my name is Sara i have the same questions as Gloria. I found out im 31 percent native American if you could please contact me please.

      • Avatar for Hyla Thomas

        Hyla Thomas

        says:

        My grandmother was Cherokee. I’m not sure what if any percentage I have but would love to know and what benefits come along with that but most of all I wanna know my heritage. If you can help please contact me. Thank you.

      • Avatar for Teresa Anita-Elizabeth Ames

        Teresa Anita-Elizabeth Ames

        says:

        I had my DNA done as well and wasn’t surprised to see I was part indigenous, I was always told I was part Apache. My grandfather was very dark skin. But how do you qualify that?

      • Avatar for Angelita Alonso

        Angelita Alonso

        says:

        Hi my name is Angelita I’m 70% Navajo. How can I register.

    • Avatar for Bronco Ralph Mull 3rd

      My great grandmother was Mea Bow Man a Cherokee Indian from Oklahoma dont know much about her other than she was about 5ft 2in tall dark completion small petite woman with quite the temper born in late 1800s. She became a Mull when she married . My family never really said much about it because of how they were looked down on and treated. Most of my relatives who know have passed.. but looking at pictures you could see the Indian in us grandpa died at a ripe age of 88 with a full head of jet black thick hair . My aunt the same look as well as my father. I only have some trates. As my mother was full blooded German and would like to know more about my fathers side with no one to ask can you help please…

    • Avatar for Trina Cummings

      Hello, I’m not sure what to do, I was adopted and I did the Ancestry DNA two years ago and it came back that I’m 32% Native American, from Arizona, Texas and Utah, but I have no idea what my tribe I am…i was raised by my adopted family and they kept telling I was Caucasian and everyone said no, I look Native American….plz help me!

      • Avatar for MaryStarshine Matlock

        MaryStarshine Matlock

        says:

        Trina,
        This is Amazing! Ancestry.com keeps telling me that they DO NOT HAVE NATIVE AMERICAN DNA TESTING AT ALL!!!

        I wouldn’t doubt that you are Native esp. if you look it. But Ancestry is lacking in ability to test for it that I know of. Perhaps you or they can do further testing below our borders is what I’ve read, in Mexico and Central America, etc. Contact Ancestry again and see if they have more information for you than I do.

        Good luck

        • Avatar for Angela garcia

          Angela garcia

          says:

          Absolutely, I also really I did mine and I’ll say this ..it changed 2 times. 1st time said Maya which I didn’t quite understand my family is from south America. 2nd said Andean which is Inca so that made more sense as my family in in Paraguay are Guarani and speak it as well. Last one now says Amazonian which is Brasil abc that’s not accurate to me. 23andme however told me exactly where my indigenous American DNA was from and tip of the list is Asuncion Paraguay and that’s the land where my grandfather and many generations before him are from

    • Avatar for MaryStarshine Matlock

      MaryStarshine Matlock

      says:

      Alisha, you can start with the internet or a library, if one is open in your area. I don’t know how old you are but I am ancient, 🙂 surely in comparison. I am a retired public school teacher. You were supposed to learn how to do “RESEARCH” in school before you graduated. Someone in a library can help you with that. Online here, too, there may be a few with that knowledge, but from what I’ve seen with many of these messages is that many do know know the first thing about RESEARCHING, so see if your library is open and learn a few simple tricks that will help you help yourself. The organizer is a retired educator, too… and if you can catch up with him, you might ask or suggest he write a short segment on researching.

      ALSO GLORIA, may I ask WHERE you found a DNA testing company that can give you the information on Native American DNA??? and what the company name is???
      I have not found a single company in the US that can do THIS !!!
      Thank you for their phone number and/or email address!!!
      MaryStarshine
      [email protected]
      PLEASE CONTACT ME !!! Thanks!

      And browse this site more thoroughly and you may find more answers, as well.

      Education is a great thing and handy to have.

      MaryStarshine

      And to Eleanor whoever, who left the brisk comment. Yes, you are right. But…which is better: 1. Being Right or 2. Being Kind
      I like to think that as Natives, we are the BETTER people… we love the land, the animals and nature and we don’t Worship The Money God.
      Here is an ancient message:
      TALK and WALK SOFTLY ON THE EARTH (but carry a big stick BEHIND your back….(not leading with) ….Aho

  • Avatar for Perla V. Sanford

    Perla V. Sanford

    says:

    Hello, after much research, I found out I am 5th generation Pawnee (from Oklahoma) and my husband is 5th generation Mississippi Choctaw. Unfortunately, his grandma misplaced her card and well, my family never had one. How can we find out more information on our Native histories? Does this mean our daughter’s DNA is stronger with Native blood? We don’t want any benefits, we just want it on record and to accurately record in the family bible. Thank you

    • Avatar for Mrs. Pamela Marie Carr

      Mrs. Pamela Marie Carr

      says:

      Y’all trip me out with this “my great great great grandma was such and such Indian…”

      This is Indian Decent…although only just more than 1/8th degree: my great great great grandparents were full blood Spokane tribe, their child was also. Their child grew up, married a white man, and became my great great grand parents after delivering a 1/2 Spokane baby who eventually grew up, and married within the tribe. They had babies, becoming my grand parents when they had my father in 1949. My Native American ancestry traces back 5+ generations, all being registered tribe members.

  • Avatar for Paula Hernandez

    Paula Hernandez

    says:

    I found out from DNA results that I’m 67% Native American, but all my grandparents are deceased. So how do I find out from what tribe I’m from? My aunt says Navajo/ Cherokee, that both my grandparents were Native American. Can you please help?

  • Avatar for Elle Austin

    Elle Austin

    says:

    On my mom’s side, my 4x great grandfather was half Cherokee and half Irish; his wife was Choctaw from the Tubbee/Tubby line in Neshoba, MS. I’ve been trying to connect with people from either tribe, but no luck in Ohio.

    • Avatar for Louise McDonald

      Louise McDonald

      says:

      My GGGrandParents were both full Blood Mi’kmaq Indians from Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, Canada. I had a DNA Test done through GeneTree DNA Testing Center it came back 84% European, 10% East Asian and 6% Native American Indian. My GGrandFather was full Blood Mi’kmaq Indian and his wife my GGrandMother was 1/2 Mi’kmaq Indian and 1/2 Irish,they had a son together my GrandFather I thank he would be 3/4 Mi’kmaq Indian, he had a son my Father what ever he is I’m 1/2 of his Mi’kmaq Indian. My Family from Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, there names were changed from GooGoo! to Chaumable, changed to Martin. Please let me know one way or another if I can be come a Member of my tribe in Nova Scotia. Thank you, hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful day.

  • Avatar for Jamie Nading

    Jamie Nading

    says:

    My grandmother was half Cherokee her maiden name was kriechbaum I believe from down around Chetopa Kansas if anybody knows anything about kriechbaum please contact me

    • Avatar for Candie Humphries

      Candie Humphries

      says:

      My grand mother was half Cherokee her last name was Dixon.

      • Avatar for ReGina Pearson

        ReGina Pearson

        says:

        Im looking into my geneology from my grandmothers side. I am told I am 1/16 Native American from the tribe WEA, although some family memebers tell me its from the tribe RedPath. Can anyone give me any information on these tribes? Are they from within the same tribe? Some family members said my grandmother came from along the Wabash River in Indiana. Any information would help. Thank You!

  • Avatar for Stephen Staines

    Stephen Staines

    says:

    My Grandfather Earl Bowers, was a Northern Cheyenne / Chinese half breed, born in a circus, later raised by a German Preacher, he was stationed in the northwest of England Burtonwood/Warrington during WW2 and served as a multilingual aircraft radio operator, wounded in Germay, sent back to the US, but could never return to England due to having no birth certificate to apply for a passport. He later work for Ford in Dearborn/Michigan on the Mustang.
    How do I prove my Cheyenne roots.

    • Avatar for Ann-kristin Normann

      Ann-kristin Normann

      says:

      Hi.
      Can yo get intouch with me?
      I have a story lik eyours to. My grandfather was in a circus.. and i have N.A blood to.
      I live i Norway.
      my adress is: [email protected]

    • Avatar for Stella Walker

      Stella Walker

      says:

      Hi, your Grandfather’s story would make a great novel/screenplay. I’m sure you know that already!

  • Avatar for Mary Roberts

    Mary Roberts

    says:

    I just found out I am 6% Native American Andean and 6%Native American North, Central and South…am I able to receive any benefits? I live in Milwaukee Wisconsin..if so how do I go about it?

    • Avatar for Angela garcia

      Angela garcia

      says:

      I have similar DNA results, I’d definitely like to know as well

  • Avatar for Rickey Allen

    My grandfather was full Cherokee Indian from Tulsa Oklahoma my father was half Indian Cherokee Indian

    • Avatar for Rodney

      Rodney

      says:

      I took DNA test and found out I’m 46% indigenous American mainly Central South Texas- Mexico region. What type of Indian can descent from?

  • Avatar for Lea Rae Sanchez

    Lea Rae Sanchez

    says:

    I’m 39% Native American my mother’s mother was from New Mexico, USA. I don’t know where from is.
    How do so find out how Native American I am from North America ?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Look here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

      • Avatar for Rose escandon

        Rose escandon

        says:

        MY GRANDFATHER WAS NATIVE AMERICAN. I HAVE APACHI & YAUCHI IN ME. I AM JUST CURIOUS TO KNOW MY ANCESTORS BACKGROUND.
        THANK YOU…ROSE ESCANDON

        • Avatar for dorothy romero

          dorothy romero

          says:

          I found out my great grandmother is Navajofrom shipRock N.M.she was full blooded Navajo my great grandfather not sure if he was full blooded not sure if my grandfather had a card how do I try getting enrolled

    • Avatar for Nora

      Nora

      says:

      I am 1/16 blood Quantum. My mama did the research on her great-grandmother. My grandfather carried so many characteristics of his bloodline. We were raised with great admiration for our ancestors. When I reached back out to the Eastern band of Cherokee I was treated as though I was absolutely worthless because my blood Quantum was only 1/ 16. When my mom passed she made it clear that it was her tremendous desire that our family would reconnect with our Native American ancestry. she did a tremendous amount of research and even considered moving to the reservation. When she died she gave me the bulk of her research so that I could go forward. I find the rejection as pretty painful.

  • Avatar for Yvonne Cardona Pena

    Yvonne Cardona Pena

    says:

    I am 51% Native American, family rumor is that we are Papago and Hopi how can i find out what Tribe i am. I am also related to Geronimo Yes he is my cousin from my mother side of the family. how can i do DNA to prove i an the descended of Geronimo. I also have his jewelry that has been passe down from many generations, my mother gave it to me it was my grandmothers and it came from her mother and her mothers mother and so on. I am registered in the ancestry. com, but if there is a DNA kit for native american i would love to do it to find out what tribe/ tribes i belong to.

  • Avatar for Toni Steliga

    My mother’s DNA results came back she is 30% Native Indian. How does she find out what tribe in New Mexico?

    • Avatar for Chi

      Chi

      says:

      In New Mexico, it is probably the Mayan who settle on the New Mexico Peninsula or the Aztec. who built the City of Tenochtitlan on what is now New Mexico City.

  • Avatar for Judson N Brown

    Judson N Brown

    says:

    My grandmother was 1/2 Indian from the Blackfoot tribe that is not listed among the tribes what shall I do to get more info?

    • Avatar for Elizabeth

      Elizabeth

      says:

      I was told that my fathers mother came off of the reservation, that she was Apache/Pueblo.she lived in north west New Mexico. And my great, great great grandmother on my mother’s side was full Cherokee.
      That she was on the trail of tears, But was given to a white family so she would survive.
      It’s just so hard to trace native ancestry.
      But I am very proud of my Native American roots.

    • Avatar for Karen Nowakowski

      Karen Nowakowski

      says:

      If she was from the Montana Blackfeet tribe you can contact the tribal enrollment office located in Browning, MT: blackfeetnation.com/tribal directory/ (tribal offices are closed until at least May 31, 2020 due to Covid19)
      You’ll need to provide whatever ancestry information you have regarding birth names, dates, etc.
      If she was from Canada, contact the Blackfoot Confederacy: http://blackfootconfederacy.ca/
      Either way, it may take some time so don’t get discouraged.

  • Avatar for Vickie

    Vickie

    says:

    My grand dad of 3 generation was a Cherokee Indian CHIEF
    What can I do to prove this?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Start here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

    • Avatar for Alaiana Hays

      Alaiana Hays

      says:

      If this is my sister vikie Hays I love you . Alaiana Hays

  • Avatar for Eva

    Eva

    says:

    My father Stephen Lady was registered with the Cherokee Tribe not long ago. He says I have 1/4 American Indian blood I wouldlike some information on this we had adopted an infant Cherokee baby during the Cherokee trail of tears which could not go with the parents would of died so later on the Cherokee girl married a Lady and thats how we became part Cherokee Indian

  • Avatar for Nancy Dycus Candelaria

    Nancy Dycus Candelaria

    says:

    My father was adopted by a white family when he was a baby. He was full blood Choctaw. We have no way to prove this. He was issued a tribal card by the Navajo Nation but it was lost. He has passed and there is no way to obtain any documentation at this point. What can we do?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Look here newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

  • Avatar for Rachel bolander

    Rachel bolander

    says:

    I found out I’m Indian 28.6% based in mexico can I still apply for money???

    • Avatar for Charmaine Boulette

      I recently discovered through the ancestry site 23 And Me, that I am 0.2% Native American. What is considered a qualifying percentage for benefits?

      Thank you.

  • Avatar for Don Sweet

    Don Sweet

    says:

    Could you please help me identify where the Athabascan / Dene Nation would fall under?
    Thank you.

    • Avatar for Sia

      Sia

      says:

      Dine is Navajo. Their reservation spans the 4 corners region of the southwest. With that information you can navigate your research

  • Avatar for Guadalupe Revilla

    Guadalupe Revilla

    says:

    I am 49 % native American what does that mean ?

  • Avatar for Dolores Maynard

    Dolores Maynard

    says:

    I am 36% Native American. From what I was told is that I am Iroquoi Indian . Where can I go to get blood test don’t to confirm this.

  • Avatar for Jeannette Clarke

    Where can I get the blood drawn and send the blood work to so I can find out my Indian percentage? Where would I send my blood work to get my answer and knowledge of what type of indian I am like Cherokee , Choctaw and so on . You made reach me by email
    [email protected]

  • Avatar for Mary Ann Meehan

    Mary Ann Meehan

    says:

    I took a DNA test through ancestry and it shows i’m Native American – Andean 1percent and Native American – North, Central, and South America 6%

  • Avatar for Qulon Cooper

    Hello my name is Qulon Andrew cooper I would like to find out more information about my tribe,and to take a dna test for apache Indian where do I start looking at Oct 18.1972 my birth day.my cell phone number is 352-875-3655. I live in ocala fla thank you so much

    • Avatar for ESTEVAN QUINTANA

      ESTEVAN QUINTANA

      says:

      On my DNA test on ancestry I’m 46 % native American and I check out my family and we are jicarilla apache and pueblos Indians and what does that mean for me

      • Avatar for Paul G

        Paul G

        says:

        Start here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

      • Avatar for A. Cariddi

        A. Cariddi

        says:

        ESTEVAN, My wife’s grandmother was a QUINTANA from Trinidad CO. She was 90% native american and we always suspected Jicarilla or Pueblo roots. Unfortunately records of her are scarce but we believed her family name was Trujillo. If you ever have a moment drop me an email. Tony. [email protected]

    • Avatar for Tiffany hawk

      Tiffany hawk

      says:

      Inquiring how to get tested to find out my bloodline heritage percentage of the Cherokee tribe

    • Avatar for Carol Ann Clark

      Carol Ann Clark

      says:

      My name is Carol Ann Clark and My Biological Mother is Connie Lou Cook my mother is 50% Cherokee Indian how do I find out more information about the tribe, and how to register the both of us and register my grand children. Do we all have to have DNA testing and do both parents have to be involved, this is based solely off my mom. My birth date 03/08/1971.

      Thank You
      Carol Ann Clark

  • Avatar for Katy Johnson

    Katy Johnson

    says:

    According to Ancestry. Com, I am 46% native american. What does this mean for me?

    • Avatar for Alejandra Munoz

      Alejandra Munoz

      says:

      I took the DNA test and I came to be 76% Native American. What does this mean?

      • Avatar for Darlena Camp

        Darlena Camp

        says:

        I am Ponca 15/64 % (above was not clear) would my daughter be eligible to register..??
        Thank you,
        Darlena Camp

        • Avatar for Paul G

          Paul G

          says:

          I don’t know, you’ll need to contact the tribe.

          • Avatar for Sheryl Brown

            Sheryl Brown

            says:

            Hello, I have gotten results back from my Ancestry DNA kit and it confirmed what we had always been told by my grandmother who was descended from the Creek Tribe in Alabama. The Native American ancestors were Sehoy I, her daughter Sehoy II , and her daughter Sehoy III. (Mother of Chief Red Eagle or Chief Redstick) as also called .
            We do have a family tree that proves the fact. It turned out I was only 1% Native American .
            I thought it would be more but thankful to have any of their DNA.
            Does this mean anything in terms of being eligible to be in one of the Creek Tribe? Just very curious at this point
            Thank you so much.

      • Avatar for Deidre Holladay-Hughes

        Deidre Holladay-Hughes

        says:

        You left out Curyung Tribe

    • Avatar for Cleo Aguila

      Cleo Aguila

      says:

      I did the DNA test through ancestry they say I’m 59% Native American my mom’s Dad is Navajo and my grandfather from my dad’s side is Apache my question is how do I register

  • Avatar for Teresa Owens

    Teresa Owens

    says:

    If both my maternal great grandmothers and one of my maternal great grandfather were a 100% Cherokee Indian and my maternal grandfather was 100% and my maternal grandmother was 50% Cherokee Indian would that make my mother 50% cherokee from her father and 25% cherokee from her mother what % would I get from my mother and if my great paternal grandmother was 100% Cherokee Indian and my paternal grandmother 50% Cherokee would that make my father 25% Cherokee Indian and what % would I get from my father?

  • Avatar for Lisa Batista

    Lisa Batista

    says:

    I would like to find out exactly how much Indian blood I have my great grandparents were Indian. Please contact me I would like a DNA kit sent to me….

  • Avatar for Kim

    Kim

    says:

    How do you find out your Indian heritage if you dont know who the Indian parent is? Is there a blood test that distinguishes the type of Indian? I am 17% native american according to ancestry dna.

  • Avatar for StarGarcia

    StarGarcia

    says:

    My 8X grandfather is Chief Wind Muscogee from the Muscogee Creek Nation . Does that mean my kids and I have Native American in us or is that to distant?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      They probably have some. A DNA test will tell you the % they have.

    • Avatar for Angela garcia

      Angela garcia

      says:

      Yes you definitely would, possibly 1/16 depending how the genes jumped

  • Avatar for Anthony Clark

    Anthony Clark

    says:

    Is 2.5% enough

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Depends on the tribe.

  • Avatar for Anilu Cortez

    Anilu Cortez

    says:

    I did my ancestry DNA it came back I’m 69% Native American. How do I go about finding out what do I do next. Is there somewhere I can go or call? This is all new to me. I’m just curious to know more information.

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Go here newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

  • Avatar for Denisse

    Denisse

    says:

    My mother’s mother was 100% Mayan from the Mexican peninsula of Yucatan and even spoke some Mayan to me. My great grandmother spoke only Mayan. My mother’s father was Spanish, my Dad’s mother was Italian, and his father is English. I was born in I grew up all my life on the Navajo reservation, since I was 6 months old, until I graduated high school and went to college. I have dual citizenship, however, I consider myself to be a citizen of the world. My father has taught high school on the Navajo reservation (also close to the Hopi reservation) for over 45 years. I know you must be 1/4 Navajo and full-blooded Hopi. Although I am not Native American, the wonderful culture is, and will always be, a part of me. I feel somewhat connected through my Spanish roots, as they had encountered and exchanged many experiences in history. I can introduce myself in Navajo, can understand some of the Navajo discussion, know my clan, (bilagaana and nockidine), grew up making Navajo arts and crafts such as moccasins, fry bread, seeing the baby’s first laugh get-together, have been invited to participate in butchering a sheep, have danced in a pow wow as a little girl dressed as a Navajo girl, it goes on. Much respect! My first boyfriend I dated in high school was full-blooded Navajo. God Bless Native peoples. A very beautiful people and Nation. Healthy culture of pride, discipline, respect, humbleness, sense of humor, and grace. I get it. I walk with them and hopefully, can once again dance with them. I think it’s what’s in your heart and what your heart speaks to you. I do miss hearing the drum from my childhood, and want my children to hear it, so I play the songs for them from You Tube to be connected, and they love to dance to it – feeling free. It makes my spirit dance. Brings tears to my eyes, and heals my thoughts, grounding me. Such beautiful singing with heart. I appreciate the Native ways. If we all followed them, this world would be a much better place. No other music like it. No opera singer could compare with their notes they hit, the passion in their voices, the unity the drum brings to young men of today who need a sense of belonging to heal. My middle school I taught at had a drum club for young men – great opportunity! No ballet could compare to the grace of the fancy shawl dancers on their tips of their toes, which is very hard to do. So beautiful and sacred. Now that I love off the reservation, I still visit. Now that I am a teacher, I always look out for and support my Native American students. I do have some that, although they have no Native blood, they consider themselves as such, as they had been raised by a stepfather who was. My Navajo friends told me I should have been born a Navajo. I had the best childhood ever, and would not change a thing. Thank you for allowing me to express my gratitude and admiration and sending love to all!

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Look here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

    • Avatar for Sandra Garcia

      What a beautiful testament. My heart hears your words as if they were lyrics to a song.

  • Avatar for Francisca Kelley

    Francisca Kelley

    says:

    You probably get many emails like this. I am simply trying to find out my family line. I had my DNA test done and I was marked 55.9 percent Native American. I am of Mexican descent born in Texas, would I be able to speak with someone to help guide me on what to do next. any suggestions would mean alot.

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Start here- newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

      • Avatar for Misti Matlock

        Misti Matlock

        says:

        My grandfather was half Apache , his parents died very early in life an he was moved around a lot! He never got or new his number , that should make me a 16 th an my brother . How do we an where would we be able to get the blood testing done?

  • Avatar for Mike Castillo

    Mike Castillo

    says:

    Hello!! My name is Mike Castillo Jr. DNA came back today showing 21 percent Native America. Like go forward with this and how. Thank you.

  • Avatar for S.Gonzales

    S.Gonzales

    says:

    Where do I enroll as a Native American Indian my grandparents were Navajo and Cherokee Indians.

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Start here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

  • Avatar for S.Gonzales

    S.Gonzales

    says:

    My Mother’s Parents were Navajo and Cherokee How can I find out how to be recognized as Native American Indian and where do I apply ?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Look here newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

  • Avatar for April Norton

    April Norton

    says:

    Catalog please

  • Avatar for Odessa Walker

    Odessa Walker

    says:

    O. Walker
    January 26, 2019
    I am part Choctaw and Cherokee and I want to find out much of the bloodline that I have to be to be a Native American.

  • Avatar for Odessa Walker

    Odessa Walker

    says:

    O.Walker
    January 26, 2019
    I am part Choctaw and Cherokee how do I find out my percentage to be a Native American.

  • Avatar for mk

    mk

    says:

    Keep in mind that these”DNA” results are not accurate. These DNA companies get most of their “results” from genealogy that is recorded.

    • Avatar for Angela garcia

      Angela garcia

      says:

      Yes you definitely would, possibly 1/16 depending how the genes jumpedthsts very enlightening. My dad’s side has an extensive family tree showing the Inca and Spaniard from a hundreds years back. I don’t have string native features well my skin is porcelainish but I know my grandfather had to be around 50% based on the tree but my DNA came up lower than I expected. Now hearing they go based on genealogy recorded. Could they have shown my DNA to be less indigenous because they’re basing it on my appearance. Regardless of my features , my native blood runs strong my heart is native and my ways always show it. My intuitions and spiritual connection with ancestors amazes me so I guess the percentage is somewhat irrelevant to is who know who we are

  • Avatar for Marie C.Garcia

    Marie C.Garcia

    says:

    I tested 49% native American.How can I find out what tribe I’m from? My grandfather was born in Arizona, And I’ve always heard, we were Apache. My mothers side.

  • Avatar for D. Deer

    D. Deer

    says:

    How about all of the newly federalized tribes from Virginia? I have seen DNA results from some of those family lines. I’d say a huge portion of those individuals are White people with about 15-20% AFRICAN ancestry rather than Native. To be quite honest, I’d bet most traditional Natives don’t need to see a DNA result to see that. Those that do have Native DNA are in the very low single digits, except in 1 or 2 cases where individuals intermixed with Mexicans or Central Americans. In NC it’s even worse. The Haliwa and Lumbee are clearly born out of the Free Mulatto populations of Colonial Va. and the Carolinas. Walter Plecker has been demonized for decades, but could he have been right?

  • Avatar for Margaret

    Margaret

    says:

    I do not see any mention of MicMacs. Why are they not part of this?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      We just included a few on this list. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list.

  • Avatar for Rycci Laulau

    Rycci Laulau

    says:

    Quick question. My children are
    1/8 Laguna
    1/16 Zuni
    1/16 Navajo

    Do they qualify to be registered anywhere? I would like them to be ‘on the books’ if possible. If it’s not even worth it, then so be it. But if I can register them somewhere, is there anyone out there that can tell me WHERE please?
    My mother in law has her Native card that proves all of this.

    cheers!

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Check with each tribe to find out their requirements.

  • Avatar for Theodore Warren

    Theodore Warren

    says:

    My great grandmother was full blooded Cheeroke Indian wat percentage do that make me

    • Avatar for D. Deer

      D. Deer

      says:

      Theodore Warren? No relation to ELIZABETH Warren I hope.lol

  • Avatar for Theodore Warren

    Theodore Warren

    says:

    My great grandmother was full blooded Cheeroke Indian

  • Avatar for Theodore Warren

    Theodore Warren

    says:

    I Theodore Warren want to find out how to go about finding out about the process of filing n doing a DNA testing. Paper work on filing for Government Native American compensation.

  • Avatar for Mohammad Nikfarman

    Mohammad Nikfarman

    says:

    Hi,
    I’m interested to know what being 0.1 percent being Native American signifies?
    Thanks,

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Means you do have someone in your family tree that was Native American, but it is very far back.

  • Avatar for C.P. Morris

    C.P. Morris

    says:

    Hi I’m Cynthia,
    Reading some of the comments regarding DNA percentage left me a bit confused. Some were saying their DNA listed at 1/4% and wanted help to identify which Native tribe they belong to and others had higher percentage and said they didn’t qualify.
    I recently received my DNA results stating I have 2% Native American DNA. This left me to wonder. ” Does my 2% count”?

  • Avatar for Dianne Davidson

    Dianne Davidson

    says:

    Hi just reading over the comments and the percentages that everybody has after taking their DNA it’s very interesting that everyone wants to be long to the indigenous tribes and most people do have a percentage in their DNA to me that is enough I was told growing up that my great-grandmother was Cherokee on my mom’s side and my grandmother was Creek on my dad’s I see a lot of people have a lot of information and I really don’t know how they manage to get all of that unless they were on the reservation because according to information a great deal of material was lost I think that once you go searching and you find that you are apart of the Native American tribes even though you may never know conclusively what tribe you belong to you know that the stories that your parents told was true even if your DNA presents a 1% to 3% results so just be thankful for that don’t try to get benefits and that sort of thing

    • Avatar for Jerry minialoff

      Jerry minialoff

      says:

      I know or at least pretty sure I have no native blood , because both my parents came from Europe but call me what ever you want I know what I feel and it’s perhaps the native spirits of this great land that draw me to your culture ,I feel it in my bones ,when there’s chanting in prayer of song it resonates thru me your spiritual belief system which is thru the 4 legged the crawlers the swimmers the winged ones ,this is a natural calling on my being and I feel at times like an orphaned child outcast from his family ,so having said all of this I feel I know how those children being held in residential schools felt

  • Avatar for Debra G

    Debra G

    says:

    Dear Flametree,
    Thank you thank you 🙏🏽, for your knowledge.

  • Avatar for YVONNE C JACKSON

    YVONNE C JACKSON

    says:

    Just want to say thank you for everything

  • Avatar for YVONNE C JACKSON

    YVONNE C JACKSON

    says:

    I just found out that I’m 5.3 percent Native American, I know that isn’t enough to claim anything but I would love to learn much more about being Native American.

  • Avatar for Debra Becerra

    Debra Becerra

    says:

    Hi my name is Debra I recently did a DNA test and found out I am 54% Native American . I don’t care about benefits or anything like that I’m just trying to figure out who I am my mom just passed away recently my father’s been passed for 15 years . I looked up what tribe I would be from and I found Yaqui.. from Sonora and Southern Arizona . Do you have any suggestions on where I go from here to learn more. Thank you

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Look here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

  • Avatar for Sherika Brown

    Sherika Brown

    says:

    So if I have 3 percent native American in me that means i can’t be a part of a tribe? So your saying your leaving me out because it’s not enough but it’s in me, an Indians don’t leave nobody behind, so how can I be a part of something that’s rightfully mines by blood. Can someone help me out please with a valid answer

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      The list here is not every tribe. This is just a sampling. We don’t know the requirements of every tribe.

      The list of lineal decent tribes don’t require a %. They require you to show your lineage.

  • Avatar for Ida Gonzales

    Ida Gonzales

    says:

    I had DNA checked by Ancestry I’m 46% Native American. I don’t know which tribe I belong to. Can you help?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Look here newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

  • Avatar for Joseph L Clay

    Joseph L Clay

    says:

    Do I find out how do I find out what percentage Native American I am for free what site and what requirements do I need to be able to send to I don’t know who you please help as I am very interested and know that I have Native American ancestry as I have some family that come from New Mexico and have been told I am either Cherokee Sue or Navajo and would like to find out but don’t have the funds please help

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Start here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

  • Avatar for Stormie Reece

    Stormie Reece

    says:

    I’m 15% Native American . How is this calculated? 1/8 ?

  • Avatar for Evan Owen

    Evan Owen

    says:

    I have native ancestry and was always told, the tribe was the Omaha tribe of Nebraska. I live in the region that was their tribal territory. Out of curiosity, what is their required percentage?

  • Avatar for Sulema Longoria

    I took a DNA test and i found out i’m 51.1%Native i was told my great grandma on my mom’s side was 100% Apache and on my dads side my aunt claims they are Cherokee how do i find out what tribe i belong to ? i’m so intrested thank you and have a blessed day .

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Start here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

  • Avatar for Gladys Fogarty

    Theresa my name is gladys I was just wondering how did you get all your information I have been trying 8 years now everyone on my mom’s side has passed away now thear is one left and it’s my aunt and she has the papers that belongs to my grandparents and won’t let me see. Them what can I do ?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Start here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

  • Avatar for Theresa Nelson

    Hi, my name is Theresa Nelson I went to vocational training in LPN classes, 3 Rivers Indian counsel paid for my tuition, books, uniforms and everything I needed even traveling expenses. My grandmother on my mother’s side was full blood Blackfoot and Cherokee Indian. My great grandfather and grandmother were full Cherokee and the other was Blackfoot how do I go about getting information about enrolling into either tribe? I am sure I have even to be enrolled, because of my assistance while being in school. Any info would be greatly appreciated thank you.

  • Avatar for Nidza Solis

    Nidza Solis

    says:

    Hi everyone I just received my ancestery DNA results and I am 13% Native American Indian how can I find out what tribe I belong to and what do i do to apply

  • Avatar for Antonio Barrientos

    Antonio Barrientos

    says:

    I just found out that I am 34% Native American from all my DNA Native American was my highest so does make Native American? I live in Laredo Texas not many tribes her or any what so ever last name is Barrientos I don’t want any benefits just want to connect we my ancestors and to know were they came from and know were I come from any help would help tahnks.

    • Avatar for Normandie Kent

      Normandie Kent

      says:

      Dont forget if you are Mexican, that Mexicans are mostly Mestizo, that were detribalized early on in history. I doubt you have any USA tribal ancestry. you need to look to church records in Mexico were your family came from.

      • Avatar for melissa

        melissa

        says:

        they debunked that myth we came from the berring straight. they have found a ancient village in canada that proves they migrated from the coast not the berring straight.

  • Avatar for VICKI REINHARDT

    I was told with that amount I am eligible to receive benefits like scholarships, health care, and casino funds. I want to know if that is true. I also want to know if I get results that I am for example Apache will I be able to use those results to get benefits? Will I be welcome on the Apache Reservations?

  • Avatar for VICKI REINHARDT

    I am 1/8 Apache. What does that make me. May I become a member of the Apache Nation?

  • Avatar for Robert D Good

    Robert D Good

    says:

    I’m a 1/8 th blackfoot is that enough to enroll in a tribe

  • Avatar for Whitney Bolden

    How would I go about finding how much percentage of indian I have in order to receive a CDIB?

  • Avatar for Robert H. Picard

    Robert H. Picard

    says:

    I am 1/16 Sioux. What does that make me. Can I be a member of the Sioux Nation?.

  • Avatar for Walter

    Walter

    says:

    Hello I just found out from Ancestry.com that I am 36% Native American, how accurate that is I do not know. I was told with that amount I am eligible to receive benefits like scholarships, health care, and casino funds. I want to know if that is true. Also i did some research and I have to get my Mitochondrial and Y Line DNA test results to be more specific in what exactly Native American DNA I have. I want to make sure if that is right. I also want to know if I get results that I am for example Cherokee will I be able to use those results to get benefits? Please reply thank you… These benefits can help me and my family tremendously.

  • Avatar for Nyoka Barnes(Russell)

    Nyoka Barnes(Russell)

    says:

    I know my dads mother was blackfoot, cherokee and choctaw, she had the black hair , dark skin and high cheek bones. I’m suppose to have an Uncle registered in Paducah ky, I have most of my dad and mothers family wrote down with my grandparents, great grandparents. I got told by a cousin of mine I’m only one forth Cherokee, I’m really enterested in finding out more. I have names and know the deaths of some. How do I find out more?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Start here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

  • Avatar for Cindy Wood

    I just received my DNA results and they said I was 15% Native American, Apache. Would I be able to register?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      You need to check with the tribe.

  • Avatar for Naomi Allison

    Naomi Allison

    says:

    23andme test shows Native ancestry during 1700-1800. I know my great great Grandfathers wife was 100% choctaw. I do not have any clear information. His last name was Robinson. Her name was possibly Martha( do not know her tribal name). Only have a verbal history and grandparents and father are no longer living. They did not know if marriage was real or common law. I suspect the latter as I have found possible relatives ( based on names and birth years)on Dawson roll but all are listed under the mother father being unknown. Is there a database for Native ancestry to plug in dna results to see if I can locate cousins.

  • Avatar for Cynthia Budzyn

    Cynthia Budzyn

    says:

    I’m 38.8% Native American. And feel like I’ve always known it. I also am not sure what tribe I belong to. It’s has been hard to find out. My father’s, father wasn’t who we thought he was. His real father, from what my father found out was supposedly a Sioux Indian. But I can not find out now, because my father past away b4 we could do his DNA back in 2008. Any suggestions?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Start here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

    • Avatar for Carolyn Taylor

      Carolyn Taylor

      says:

      I just received my DNA from Ancestry. It showed I was 1% Indian. I have always been told my grandmother was a full blooded Cherokee Indian. What does 1% really mean. I always looked like an Indian especially as child with the dark skin brown eye high cheek bones and black hair.

      • Avatar for Paul G

        Paul G

        says:

        1% means that a great, great, great grandparent was Native.

  • Avatar for Gloria Argo

    I am 1/4 Native American just received my DNA results from ancestry. So I’m 24% Native American. Chiwawa Durango. What does this mean?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Start here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

    • Avatar for Virginia Garcia

      Virginia Garcia

      says:

      My DNA reviled that I am 40 % Native American, how can I find out what Indian tribe i am related to

      • Avatar for Paul G

        Paul G

        says:

        Start here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

      • Avatar for Lucy

        Lucy

        says:

        Did you ever find out what tribe your from?? If so how do I find out what tribe I’m from????

      • Avatar for Casey Passmore

        Casey Passmore

        says:

        did u have to pay for the test

        • Avatar for Paul G

          Paul G

          says:

          If you do the DNA test, yes there is a charge.

    • Avatar for Normandie Kent

      Normandie Kent

      says:

      If you are a hispanic that means you a mestizo. from a tribe or tribes in Mexico. I think Mexicans forget that they are not Native to the USA, but Mexico.

      • Avatar for J. Flametree

        J. Flametree

        says:

        Aztec Nation migrated from what is now the USA to Mexico. The Yaqui, Apache, Comanche and Kiowa plus many other Tribes traveled from the USA to Mexico and back before the Europeans arrived! Genetically every single Amerindian from Northern Canada to the tip of South America are related by race! So there was no such thing as native from USA or Mexico. Learn your history, true American history,,,Native American history, before the European immigrant infested our land!!! Also FYI, Most Mexicans have a high percentage of Native blood not to mention the 12 million Mexicans that are pure Native, they have more rights to the USA than European descendants!!

        • Avatar for Alejandro Perez

          Alejandro Perez

          says:

          Love your answer brother. Your 100% right.

        • Avatar for Rose

          Rose

          says:

          Actually, there were bodies found in a bog in Florida dating back over 12,000 years. They were well preserved and their DNA tested and it showed that they were European. In fact, initially, people coming here from Europe in the 1500’s ,spoke of white Indians on the East Coast, many of these people were killed off by the new arrivals, mostly from new diseases. There is a theory based on this information, that Europeans first came here during the Ice Age because the ice sheeth covered so much of Europe and North America that Spain and Portugal extended farther out than it does now due to the lower Ocean levels. Those people who came, came by following along the ice catching fish and ended up in areas like Florida. Being much warmer than their own land, they stayed. If you compare the physical looks of the Eastern tribes to the South Western tribes, you see a very different physical appearance. The Western tribes would have come from Asia and also some of the Pacific Islands, the latter more so in South America. I doubt that all native Americans ( North and South) have the same genetic connection. In fact, there are people in Great Britain who have Native American ancestry ,(DNA check), because during colonial times, Native Americans went to Great Britain with the colonials to meet the king and ended up staying in Great Britain and marrying British citizens and became part of Great Britain.

          • Avatar for Sean

            Sean

            says:

            C’mon Rose, stop playing!?!?! True European History of existence, began around 4000-6000 BC (not the 100,000’s of years as European historical books and plagiarised anthropology denotes). It’s “Euro”peans not “Native American” peans! So you are saying Caucasians been in Turtle Island since 10,000 BC? Chris Columbus and the Stealing fathers (not the founding fathers) will be rolling in their graves, plus, more genecide actions would have took place due to the racial pride of oppressors claiming to be Native of Ancient America/Turtle Island. Unfortunately, Cherokee, Natchez/Natch-ay bloodline for me yet conspirators, aka, enumerators deemed my Natchez side as “Mulattos” while Caucasian invadera swindled their way into the native census. Not knocking your reply but proof is eminent for your statement would have already been well known before, during and after 1492! Much love to u though (not knocking your Nativity for we have vast ancestral lineages yet i question the “12,000” years of settlement?????)

          • Avatar for melissa

            melissa

            says:

            they debunked that myth we came from the berring straight. they have found a ancient village in canada that proves they migrated from the coast not the berring straight.

        • Avatar for Yvette Robbins

          Yvette Robbins

          says:

          AMEN!!!!!! Thank you for educating someone unsure. I love it when we know our Native Roots!!

        • Avatar for Angela garcia

          Angela garcia

          says:

          Yes you definitely would, possibly 1/16 depending how the genes jumpedthsts very enlightening. My dad’s side has an extensive family tree showing the Inca and Spaniard from a hundreds years back. I don’t have string native features well my skin is porcelainish but I know my grandfather had to be around 50% based on the tree but my DNA came up lower than I expected. Now hearing they go based on genealogy recorded. Could they have shown my DNA to be less indigenous because they’re basing it on my appearance. Regardless of my features , my native blood runs strong my heart is native and my ways always show it. My intuitions and spiritual connection with ancestors amazes me so I guess the percentage is somewhat irrelevant to is who know who we are

      • Avatar for Lucy

        Lucy

        says:

        Any mix of first nation people and Hispanics (not just Mexicans) are Mestizo/a.

      • Avatar for Ruth

        Ruth

        says:

        So let me get this right, my grandfather whose family escaped the 1890, wounded knee massacre and fled to Mexico are no longer considered USA natives?
        So we are now comsidered mestizo and in no way part of the blackfeet tribes is that correct?.

        • Avatar for Gladys Fogarty

          Gladys Fogarty

          says:

          Hi my name is gladys I was also told I am part Blackfoot my great grandfather was a chif from the Blackfoot family all of my family on my mom’s side has passed now I have just one aunt left and she has all of my grandparents naivete papers and won’t let me look at tham I don’t know what to do now can you help please

          • Avatar for Gabrielle

            Gabrielle

            says:

            There’s a similar problem for me. My father’s side is where Blackfoot ancestry comes from, but I don’t even have him or any father listed on my birth certificate. He did not want to be on it. So I don’t know where to even start.

      • Avatar for Ruth

        Ruth

        says:

        My family is not interested in any benefits of any kind we work for what we need, but after reading that mexicans are considered mestizos then just want to make sure, because my mother speaks, reads and writes in the native blackfeet language our grandfather taught her before he died. Have a blessed day..

        • Avatar for Rose

          Rose

          says:

          Hi Ruth,
          I do not know about how someone would be mestizo, but I am sure that your DNA would show that you are part of the Blackfoot Nation. Since your mother speaks the Blackfoot language, I hope that she taught you as well. That is probably a dying language that needs to be maintained.

      • Avatar for Dianne

        Dianne

        says:

        Being hispanic means that you speak Spanish, a Romance language, as your mother tongue or as a heritage language and it does not have anything to do with race or genes. Therefore, you could find white , black, asian, native indian, etc. hispanics who have lived and intermixed or not among these races in Latin America. In the US most people refer to hispanic as someone coming from a Latin American country such as Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Argentina, etc. Each of these countries have or had a native indian population too. For example, you could find mulattos, from black and white as Obama or Halle Berry, which by the way are referred to as black or African American in the US but it is considered offensive. I don’t know why is considered offensive. Mestizo is a Spanish term to define a person of Spanish and Native American descend regardless of where the person was born. Native Americans settled in territories from the Bering Strait to the Patagonia including the Caribbean as one huge nation. Europeans are quite mixed as well. So let’s face it! Defining oneself as member of one particular race is not that easy without disconnecting it from other races and historical facts and labels were created. There are Latinos, Chicanos, New York Ricans, African American, etc… Let’s not separate but unite the human race.

    • Avatar for Christina

      Christina

      says:

      HI Gloria, I Ann also from the same tribe, but I am only 18%. I’m not sure if you’ve received any information, not do I know where to look. If you receive information, could you please share it with me?

    • Avatar for Indian council

      Indian council

      says:

      That means you are pure white and should not contact us. Go back to eating Bologna sandwiches.

      • Avatar for RNW

        RNW

        says:

        No! That means she is 18%. WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE MEAN TO SOMONE?

      • Avatar for Gabrielle

        Gabrielle

        says:

        Indian Council that is a really shitty thing for you to say.

  • Avatar for Celine

    Celine

    says:

    Y3ars ago i was told i was Col william Johsons 7th generations grand daughter and did read that he took on an indian maid to helpout as a midwife then married her
    I would like to know more

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Start here – newpowwows.www.powwows.com/am-i-native

  • Avatar for Helen

    Helen

    says:

    Hello I’m 46% Apache but not sure if I belong to White Mtn or Fort Sill? All I know right now is that we are related to Geronimo. Can you help me find out more?

    • Avatar for Mary Triplett

      Mary Triplett

      says:

      Geronimo, as he was known by, was neither White Mountain or Fort Sill. He was Chiricahua Apache. Though he was imprisoned at Fort Sill, he was also imprisoned in Florida, the Mount Vernon Barracks in Alabama and on the San Carlos rez.

  • Avatar for Vanessa Soliz

    Vanessa Soliz

    says:

    Where can I find out my blood percentage??? I recently found out I’m lipan apache Indian from the Texas tribe.

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