Why Research Your Native American Heritage
Regardless of whether you are already a Native American enrolled with either a Federal or State Recognized Tribe, this is a wonderful assignment. There is always new history and information to find out about your Family, Band, Clan, Tribe, and Nation. Also, never rely on just the work already done by others, not even your own Nation as there could be much more behind that “individual” Tribal Card that has a world of information to questions for you and generations to come.
Related Info – What tribe am I from?
Never do this for money, fame, revenge or any other hidden agenda, negative or material purposes. There are too many people that want to prove they are American Indian only to be enrolled with a Tribe to obtain certain benefits. These benefits may range from government assistance in education, food, health, housing, insurance and more to certain rights involving fishing, hunting, and possession of protected animal parts. While all of this is good and beneficial for honest cultural reasons and future generations if any of the previous is your sole agenda stop now and do not continue with these motives only.
It is hoped that when one takes on this work, they are doing it as a love of heart, mind, and soul.
CHALLENGE
Interest in this subject is far from new as it has been a subject of writings as far back as the 17th Century for those seeking family heritage from the earliest of movement of Native American Nations at the onset of White Contact and beyond.
It is a great undertaking and requires a substantial amount of energy, time and unfortunately even money. One must be very patient and seek out possible facts from anyone, anything, and everything. Always accept any suitable advice and wisdom from your family, friends, acquaintances and yes even enemies and then investigate each and every clue.
Be of great courage if you are one to accept this challenge. Do not falter even for the worse of road blocks. What you find may be shocking skeletons in the closet to extreme historical wonders.
The author is often asked to speak on searching one's Native American ancestry to many groups across the country. This includes both Native and non-Native historical and genealogical societies and groups from as far south as Florida to as far west as Washington. The one thing that is stressed to each and every group and individual that ask about Native American Genealogy is that of patience and even more patience.
When exploring any genealogy be prepared for many blocks that can hinder your search. Whatever that may be, the best advice is to not lose confidence and to continue your quest for information.
Contrary to anything that you heard in the past, genealogy is a massive mystery and Native American Genealogy is a real and true mystery novel. This is due to the enormous amount of oral history and oral data one must rely on as evidence.
There is a time when the searching may come to a bitter halt. One such case that occurs quite often and can be quite heartbreaking and frustrating is when all the research leads directly to showing and even proving what one is searching for only to be turned away on what may be called a technicality of time and place. For various reasons (political, historical, cultural, economic and more) just about every Native American Tribe has a cut-off or fine line for establishing an ancestral line and the requirements for enrollment can be even more demanding.
If one is only searching to know of the Native Heritage in their hearts and minds, this is not an issue. But for those determined to try and get enrolled in a Native American Tribe, this can be very frustrating.
WHERE TO START
Contrary to what seems the most logical place to begin do not go straight to the Tribe that you think you may be related to. One must remember that Tribes are bombarded by calls, e-mails, letters, and visits from thousands that want to explore their possible Native American Roots. Research communication to some 100 Tribes from the Atlantic to the Pacific over a 6 month period from August 2011 to January 2012 clearly resulted in statistics that showed the bulk of all communication to Tribes was about enrollment and or genealogy. For some Tribes, the amount of communication per day is truly overwhelming. It is sad but many Tribes just do not have the ability to handle the massive amounts of requests from those doing genealogy searches.
DNA
For the longest time DNA was not an option for the general layperson doing their genealogy. The method was way too complicated and very expensive. Even the idea of DNA testing via the mail was a dream of science fiction as the only approach was a blood test at a reputable lab. Blood work was needed and the cost was very high as this lab technique work was not covered by any insurance for testing human pedigree. But in the 1990s, DNA testing in lineage became easier and less expensive. The dreaded blood donation became a simple cheek swap or hair follicle donation and by the year 2000, the costs were even less than $200.00 for many labs that accepted submissions by U.S. Mail.
What most people fail to think is that while DNA testing may show certain Native American Markers, it could also show other racial markers. Even what was thought to be “Full Blooded American Indians” had DNA markers of other races. If one remembers their Biology 101, it makes simple scientific sense as DNA is the common trait and the building block of all races, creeds, and colors of mankind. But even if one dismisses the concepts of science, they may realize that any belief in one Creator would also show we as humans are all related to one aspect or another.
But as great as DNA testing may be, it may not be of very much use with regards to trying to become an enrolled member of a Native American Tribe. One must also remember that very few if any Native American Nations use DNA testing for any heritage verification.
SEARCHING
Most people know to start any genealogy work with the family. That is the wisest and the best place to begin. Know that some of the stories from the family will be well-placed fiction while the other is miss-placed facts. What is left are the small parts that are real and the most intriguing. The task of weeding through the chaff and putting together the puzzle pieces left will be some of the hardest work undertaken. Value this time with family and that especially of any occasion with Elders. Do not belittle even the simplest of information or stories as this is the knowledge that is well worth its weight in gold.
After the initial probing of all in the family so to speak, the next move will be the world of records.
RECORDS
One thing that is well forgotten but well documented is that practically every municipality from the smallest village to the largest city in every county in all 50 states have suffered some kind of disaster that has affected record keeping. This can be both man created and naturally created from fires to storms and more. From the local courthouse to the local hospital records all over have been lost to earth, wind, fire, water and so much more. While this may seem a huge obstruction, the joy is that much of Native American history is oral and can be found with some patience and persistence and may lead to hard copies of proof.
When the author speaks on many of the records to search when doing one's genealogy the response is very surprising. Many seem shocked about certain records that are mentioned. Actually, the list below is very small as one needs to check anything that may have required the signature or mark of an ancestor. One would be very fascinated as to what documents were required to list race before the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In addition, many would be interested in learning about the many government agencies, states and other institutions that kept records of a race for an identity after the Civil Rights Act and still do to this day. Use this information wisely as the simplest document may be the one that shows Native American Heritage of an ancestor. It is possible that this could be used to prompt more searching and maybe even be accepted by a Tribe to show decent for possible enrollment. Note: key word there is “possible.” Here is just one real example: Many years ago an acquaintance of the author went on this genealogy search. After many years a simple utility bill that listed race of an ancestor leads to a real estate transaction that also showed race that leads to finding that ancestor on the Dawes Rolls for the Cherokee Nation.
Birth Certificates
This includes birth certificate, certificate of live birth, certificate of Indian Blood, family Bible and other family records accepted as facts by the Tribal Government, State Government, and Federal Government.
Taxes
In many ways, this may be the real first place to start. This is very true if one does not have much family, or many of the family have passed. This is also a good place to start if family relations are strained. Taxes go back pretty far and yes Native Americans pay and have paid taxes of all kinds.
Other Records
Education (Boarding, Elementary, Secondary and Post-Secondary), Adoption, Cemetery, Census, Death, Divorce, Funeral, Insurance, Law, Marriage, Medical, Military, Social Security, Work Programs
Professional Licenses
Driving (Personal, Business, Commercial, Other), Chemical, Contractor/Construction, Education, Farming, Fishing, Hunting, Law Enforcement, Livestock, Machinery, Medical, Pilot, Teaching, Weapons
Bills
Credit, Electric, Farm, Food, Gas, General Store, Insurance, IOUs, Medical, Mercantile, Mortgage, Real Estate, Taxes, Telegram, Telegraph, Telephone, Trading Post, Water
The above lists are just a start. They may lead to absolutely nothing, but they may lead to a great deal of information at the sometime. One must take the chance and do the research. Once again the author must stress that the rewards can be very fulfilling.
NATIVE CONCERNS
Language
There are many concerns here and one that is always overlooked is linguistics. That is the study of language and how it greatly changes. The largest issue here is the names and spellings of the Native American Nations. Each of the European Powers and later America all had various names, pronunciations, and spellings of Native American groups that have created an unlimited amount of confusion and controversy. What a Nation calls itself and what the European and later American Powers call them can be very different.
Here are a few examples:
Cherokee, Tsalagi, and Aniyunwiya are all the same people. Cherokee is the accepted English name, Tsalagi is from the neighbors of that Nation and Aniyunwiya is what they call themselves.
Ottawa and Ottawa are the same people, one is the French word for the people the other is the name of the Nation itself.
Iroquois and Haudenosaunee are the same people. The first is the French word for the people and the 2nd is what the people call themselves.
Navajo and Dine are the same people. One is of Spanish origin and the latter is the name of the People in their own language.
Some Nations today hold on to the given name by the various powers they have encountered while other Nations are working hard to establish with both the state and federal government the name they are to be known as in their own language.
For genealogy, this creates some controversy among the people themselves as sometimes they argue their own name. The author has seen this among the Anishinaabe across the Great Lakes many times. Not only are there differences in the names of the various Tribes of the Anishinaabe, there are numerous pronunciations and spellings of the same people. For one researching their ancestry among the Anishinaabe, getting past the correct name may be a hurdle in itself.
But not to fear, with the advent of the internet all state and federally recognized tribes can be found via federal and state government websites. Also, many Native American Nations have their own official website that contains a treasure of resources and information. Some even include materials on genealogy.
Names
If the above paragraph on language can be confusing, it is nothing compared to the confusion from the various names of individuals and the various spellings of those names one will come across in genealogy research. One must remember that most Native American Nations practiced the fine art of name giving and of one having more than one name.
It was not uncommon for one to be known by several names from birth to death. The individual may also be known by several names given to them by other Nations as well as by the White Man. The name for one listed on one document could be different on another document and so on for the same person. A name on the official rolls may be a formal name but the person is known by a nickname or slang name in another dialect or even another language.
Not to be undone but one must not forget that many Native Americans did not write and thus any signature was only a mark. The basic mark was, of course, the X but many marks were pictorial that was common use among the English, French, Spanish, Dutch and Native American Nations long before the concept of Genealogical Rolls.
Culture
Now comes the section that most people are interested in and the one that has the most debate. This is because there are two main factions of thought here: Those that believe genealogy and its research is valuable and needed and those that believe it is a waste of time to adhere to rolls created by the White Man as just another way to have control over another race of people.
Depending on who one speaks to, it can have an effect on searching for one’s Native American ancestry. For example, there are over 200 groups in the contiguous 48 states that use the name Cherokee and claim to be Cherokee Tribes. Among the three federally recognized Nations of Cherokee, these groups are often seen as a considerable “thorn” in their side and they often refuse to help anyone claiming Cherokee from one of these groups. This argument also involves the debate of state-recognized tribes and any claim those tribes may have to actually be Native American. It creates a very interesting point for the layperson to see the arguments and debates over who is and who is not Native American especially since some rules and regulations on who is and who is not Native American was created by the White Man.
CONCLUSION
Searching for one’s ancestry is a most notable thing and probing into one's possible Native American Heritage is a most admirable task. It is hoped that one does this for pure knowledge and wisdom as well as to answer any questions that ponder the mind about “Who Am I” and “Who Are My People?” As mentioned before please do not seek this for any monetary payment or fringe benefits.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
The author had communication with the following Federal and State Native American Nations over a span of 9 months:
Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of OK
Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of TX
Arapahoe Tribe of WY
Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians of ME
Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes of MT
Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians of WI
Bay Mills Indian Community of the Sault Ste. Marie Band of Chippewa Indians of MI
Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians of CA
Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation of MT
Burns Paiute Tribe of OR
Catawba Indian Nation of SC
Catawba Indian Nation of SC
Cayuga Nation of NY
Cher-O-Creek Intra Tribal Indians of AL
Cherokee Nation of OK
Cherokee Nation of OK
Cherokees of Southeast AL
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of SD
Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of OK
Chickahominy Tribe of VA
Chickasaw Nation of OK
Chinook Indian Tribe of WA
Chippewa-Cree Indians of MT
Chitimacha Tribe of LA
Choctaw Nation of OK
Coeur D’Alene Tribe of ID
Coharie Tribe of NC
Comanche Nation of OK
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of MT
Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation of WA
Confederated Tribes of NV & UT
Confederated Tribes of NV & UT
Confederated Tribes of OR
Confederated Tribes of OR
Confederated Tribes of OR
Confederated Tribes of the Colville of WA
Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians of OR
Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of OR
Coquille Tribe of OR
Coushatta Tribe of LA
Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians of OR
Cowlitz Indian Tribe of WA
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe of SD
Crow Tribe of MT
Delaware Nation of OK
Duckwater Shoshone Tribe of NV
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of NC
Eastern Pequot of CT
Eastern Shawnee Tribe of OK
Echota Cherokees of AL
Elnu Abenaki Tribe of VT
Ely Shoshone Tribe of NV
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe of SD
Forest County Potawatomi of WI
Fort Belknap Indian Community of MT
Fort Bidwell Indian Community of CA
Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribes of NV & OR
Fort Mojave Indian Tribe of AZ, CA & NV
Four Winds Tribe Louisiana Cherokee Confederacy of LA
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians of MI
Haliwa-Saponi Tribe of NC
Hannahville Indian Community of MI
Havasupai Tribe of AZ
Ho-Chunk Nation of WI
Hoopa Valley Tribe of CA
Hopi Tribe of AZ
Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians of ME
Huron Potawatomi of MI
Ione Band of Miwok Indians of CA
Iowa Tribe of KS & NE
Iowa Tribe of NE
Iowa Tribe of OK
Jena Band of Choctaw Indians of LA
Jicarilla Apache Nation of NM
Juaneno Band of Mission Indians of CA
Karuk Tribe of CA
Kaw Nation of OK
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community of MI
Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of TX
Kickapoo Tribe of KS
Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma of OK
Kiowa Indian Tribe of OK
Klamath Tribes of OR
Koosharem Band of Paiutes, Indian Peaks Band of Paiutes, and Shivwits Band of Paiutes of UT
Kootenai Tribe of ID
Lac du Flambeau Band of WI
Lenape Indian Tribe of DE
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians of MI
Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of MT
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of MI
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of SD
Lower Sioux Indian Community of MN
Lumbee Tribe of NC
Lummi Tribe of WA
Ma-Chis Lower Alabama Creek Tribe
Makah Indian Tribe of WA
Mashantucket Pequot Tribe of CT
Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Tribe of MA
Mdewakanton Sioux Indians of MN
Mdewakanton Sioux Indians of MN
Meherrin Tribe of NC
Menominee Indian Tribe of WI
Mescalero Apache Tribe of NM
Miami Tribe of Oklahoma of OK
Miccosukee Tribe FL
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe of MN (Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, White Earth)
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
Moapa Band of Paiute Indians of NV
Mohegan Indian Tribe of CT
Monacan Nation of VA
Mowa Band of Choctaws of AL
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe of WA
Muscogee (Creek) Nation of OK
Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape of NJ
Narragansett Indian Tribe of RI
Navajo Nation of AZ
Navajo Nation of AZ, NM & UT
Nez Perce Tribe of ID
Northern Cheyenne Tribe of MT
Northwestern Band of Shoshoni Nation of UT
Nottoway Indian Tribe of VA
Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation of VT
Oglala Sioux Tribe of SD
Omaha Tribe of NE
Oneida Nation of NY
Oneida Tribe of Indians of WI
Onondaga Nation of NY
Osage Tribe of OK
Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians of OK
Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma of OK
Paiute Indian Tribe of UT
Paiute-Shoshone Tribe of NV
Pascua Yaqui Tribe of AZ
Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians of CA
Passamaquoddy Tribe of ME
Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma of OK
Penobscot Tribe of ME
Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma of OK
Piqua Shawnee Tribe of AL
Piscataway Conoy Tribe of MD
Piscataway Indian Nation of MD
Poarch Band of Creek of AL
Pointe-Au-Chien Indian Tribe of LA
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of MI & IN
Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma of OK
Ponca Tribe of NE
Port Gamble Indian Community of WA
Powhatan Renape Nation of NJ
Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation of KS
Prairie Island Indian Community of MN
Pueblo of Acoma of NM
Pueblo of Jemez of NM
Pueblo of San Felipe of NM
Pueblo of Santa Ana of NM
Pueblo of Santa Clara of NM
Pueblo of Santo Domingo of NM
Pueblo of Taos of NM
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe of NV
Quapaw Tribe of Indians of OK
Quechan Tribe of CA
Ramapough Lunaape Nation of NJ
Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of WI
Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians of MN
Rosebud Sioux Tribe of SD
Sac & Fox Nation of OK
Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi of IA
Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri of KS & NE
Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri of KS & NE
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of MI
Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe of NY
Salt River Pima-Maricopa of AZ
Samish Indian Tribe of WA
San Carlos Apache Tribe of AZ
Santee Sioux Nation of NE
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of MI
Schaghticoke Indian Tribe of CT
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma of OK
Seminole Tribe of FL
Seneca Nation of NY
Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma of OK
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of MN
Shawnee Tribe of OK
Shinnecock Indian Nation of NY
Shoalwater Bay Tribe of WA
Shoshone Tribe of WY
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of ID
Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of SD
Skull Valley Band of Goshute Indians of UT
Sokaogon Chippewa of WI
Southern Ute Indian Tribe of CO
Spirit Lake Tribe of ND
St. Croix Chippewa Indians of WI
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of ND & SD
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of ND & SD
Stockbridge Munsee of WI
Summit Lake Paiute Tribe of NV
Three Affiliated Tribes of ND
Tohono O’odham Nation of AZ
Tonawanda Band of Seneca Indians of NY
Tonto Apache Tribe of AZ
Tulalip Tribes of WA
Tule River Indian Tribe of CA
Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe of LA
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of ND
Tuscarora Nation of NY
United Cherokee Ani-Yun-Wiya Nation of AL
United Houma Nation of LA
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians of OK
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians of OK
Unkechaug Nation of NY
Upper Mattaponi Tribe of VA
Upper Sioux Community of MN
Ute Indian Tribe of the Southern Ute Reservation of CO, MM & UT
Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray of UT
Ute Mountain Tribe of CO, NM & UT
Waccamaw Siouan Tribe of NC
Walker River Paiute Tribe of NV
Wampanoag Tribe of MA
Washoe Tribe of CA
Washoe Tribe of CA & NV
White Mountain Apache Tribe of AZ
White Mountain Apache Tribe of AZ
Winnebago Tribe of NE
Wyandotte Nation of OK
Yankton Sioux Tribe of SD of SD
Yavapai-Prescott Tribe of AZ
Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo of TX
Yurok Tribe of CA
Zuni Tribe of NM
Last Updated on July 29, 2024 by Paul G
Tom Ditri
says:This is a wonderful article. My DNA results indicate markers for indigenous people from the southern Sangre de Cristo mountains of New Mexico. I was adopted as an infant from Oklahoma City in 1959. Not sure where to turn now as the adoption records are closed. I was told that my biological mother was “Spanish” but the name on the birth certificate is Howard Ellis but I don’t know who gave me this name. Bio parents? I’d like to do more research but not sure how to go about it.
Adam
says:A lot of NeoMexicanos have Aboriginal blood that aren’t at all associated with American Indian tribes. DNA tests can tell you that you have the blood, but they cannot tell you you belong to the culture
GeneT woods
says:Im trying to get help with the name woods and what tribe or native American Indian tribes they where part of and how to get a card from the tribe’s .if you can be of some help I’d appreciate it.thank you
Crystal rackemann
says:I got my results back from dna consultants and my results show a check mark on native american 1 and native american 2. Does this mean I have native american in me or is it a ancestor from way back??
Crystal rackemann
says:I got my results back from dna consultants and it shows I have a marker on native american 1 and native american 2 can you explain what this means
Lynda Kendrick
says:I am 72 years old and have lived with my family history of being told I am related to Jim Thorpe. How can I either confirm of lay to rest the information I have grown up with. The history I do know is on my mother’s side.
She was born a Thorpe of Kansas City Mo. My great Uncle was Red Thorpe who was suppose to be Jim Thorpe’s dad. All my relatives are from Kansas – or around Osage, Kansas and Kansas City Mo.
Any information on this I would deeply appreciate.
secina toole
says:I’m not sure what tribe my family was from. We were always told my grandfather was indian who died as a tree logger in newberry,sc. my mother was probably 4 or 5 years old. my grandmother raised the 9 children by sharecropping. the family name was praylow being spelt by sound. I later learned it was spelled prilo by my grandmother. And we still don’t know if this is correct. would love to know my family tribe, and more about my grandfather.
Alyssa Harford
says:What I find the most interesting about this article is how well researched it is. The extensive list of contacts related to the article proves the amount of legwork necessary just to provide accurate information on How To Begin the search, let alone the implications of the tediousness of actually researching one’s individual genealogy. Thanks!
Quinn O'Connor
says:Great article. I liked how it linked to Ancestry.com so people can actually begin researching their heritage. So many people pass along stories that don’t make any sense. I should have people read this website more.
Alyssandra Schwind
says:I found this paper to be really interesting and informative. My favorite part of the paper/ what I found to be most interesting was learning that they can list races on bills and on certain licenses and certificates.
Molly LaBadie
says:Seeing that Native Americans paid taxes as well is intriguing but not unexpected. It is interesting to see that they listed race on bills and that some places still list race on certain licenses and certificates.
Nancy Minegar
says:When is the 2016 Pow Wow in Sault Saint Marie, MI?
Why is it not connected to the 4th of July weekend, etc.like it used to be? It is easier to travel at that time.
Thank you.
edwardtorres
says:George Salazar my moms uncle filed a motion to have peneteka tribe recognized petition 189 dept Indian affairs yes Commanche can anyone give me more information or know uncle George Salazarlast iI heard he was in Houston thank you
Robin Richardson
says:I have a question, if I may take some of your time. My grandfather on my fathers side said we have Indian blood. Both my father and my grand father were born in Iowa. My grandfather was born in Washta and my father in Sioux City. I have high cheek bones and have had a few people ask what tribe I am in but I have no idea and my aunt said grandpa was pulling my leg. Wonder if there is any way I can find out. Our last name is Robinson which is more Irish/Scottish or English.
Tabetha Kelsey
says:My family name is also Robinson. My grandfather was full blood Seneca.
Alvelia Farmer
says:This was a very lengthy, informative article! I never knew that digging into ones genealogy could get so detailed and be so tedious. Thanks for the various tips and resources, I appreciate it! Maybe one day, I’ll look into my family tree..
Brianna Coulter
says:This is a great article for people who are trying to find their Native American heritage. I would hope that anyone trying to find their heritage is doing it because they want to know about their family history, not because they want any of the benefits that being a part of the tribe offers.
Noah York
says:I had no idea there were so many factors involved. Thanks for your encourage and valuable knowledge and tips.
Mark Chase
says:This posting clearly articulates what it takes to conduct a meaningful search into one’s ancestral past. It is also clear that becoming a legitimate member of a tribe is not an easy thing to do and must be approached with an open mind. Once one considers all of the major factors that determine if one is Native American, the search for genetic relationships will become much more manageable but not less difficult.
Lee Slusher
says:This article gives great insight into how to do the research about finding native American genealogy and would definitely recommend this article to any who wants to learn about there Native American ancestry.
barbara russell
says:Hi. How do I acquire a good DNA test? Then, what do I do? I think my dad was 1/2 mescalero apache, born in 1905.. history and learning about who I am and my family is so healthy for me and fascinating. …thank you
Erin Finucane
says:My Grandmother was a member of Sokaogon Chippewa Tribe in Wisconsin. Her Great Grandmother is Ma-gee has see no-quay. Full Blood Chippewa.
Her Grandmother is Mary Johnson. 1/2 Chippewa.
Her Father is George Getchell. Her Mother is Melvina Rolo.
My Gandmother was Carmen Mary Getchell born in 1900’s died in 1951. She lived on the reservation for several years. I am desperate to find her information. Please help
Chef Erin Finucane Miller
Holly
says:I recently discovered through DNA raw data that I carry the genetic marker for Native American Myopathy, found exclusively among the Lumbee in North Carolina. Does anyone know if the Lumbee will accept enrollment applications based on this DNA evidence? Also, does anyone know where I can get a second DNA test done to confirm the presence of this marker since it is so rare?
Adrian
says:Hi Holly, wondering if you found any answers to your questions. I just uncovered the same thing through my testing. Its interesting because I was only aware of Cherokee blood on my moms side…
Richard W. Brown
says:Hello. By introduction I am Richard W. Brown. I am currently in other projects: PiquaShawnee (Brown/Hoffer) (Chief Blue Jacket Algonquian East Ross DNA project I have several cousins that have their Cherokee cards. (Adams/Hoffer) & was wondering how I
might become part of this project? My grandparent’s (William Oscar Brown & Clara Ann Hoffer Brown) homestead was on Hoffer Hill in Adams County/Ohio on the Scioto/Brush Creek River. I have had several tests done through myFTDNA including the autosomal test
to try to find a link to Chief Black Hawk (Sac/Sauk) on my mother’s side (Kincaid). My mother claimed that her father Richard Vernon Kincaid’s mother was a descendant to Chief Black Hawk. Thank you, Regards
Rebecca Hunt Locklear
says:This is another awesome paper! I learned alot and discovered records even I in Law would have not thought about. I hope many read this first before they go off and bug Tribal Record Offices and say they are the grand-son or grand-daughter or whatever of a Shachem or Chief or worse a Princess!!! Very good Jamie, very good.
Carol Ann
says:Wonderful article with great information, waiting for more!
Tammy Woods
says:Very well written. The article gives excellent ideas of resources to be used in the search. It explains the difficulties that you may encounter in your search and why.
I hope people are researching their ancestry for the right reason and not to just receive benefits from the tribe.
Researching your family history can be fun and you can learn some interesting facts but it is also hard work. In the end, all the hard work is worth it.