Has anyone gone through the process of verifying Native American heritage?

LT Brad McInnis — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 15:02:18 -0500

I have an in-law that wants to find out how to make sure she is part of the Cheyenne Sioux tribe. Her mother told that she was, but wants to make sure. Anyone been through the process and have any tips? Thanks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2020 3:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 15:21:42 -0500

That would be interesting, my uncle on my mom's side claimed we had native american ancestors from two different lines, but I have traced all 4 of my grand parents lines back 7 to 8 generations and found no trace on my moms side, did find a very distant 8 X grandmother on my fathers side.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2020 3:47 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 15:47:52 -0500

birth records. having Native American blood is not enough, IIRC you have to apply for tribal affiliation as well. One of my aunts is big on geneology and she did research 6-7 generations back. not only did she find Native American, turns out that one of my great great grandmothers on my father's side was a slave born on a plantation in Louisianna in the 1850s. I'm 1/16th black and never knew it until about 15 years ago.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2020 3:53 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 15:53:41 -0500

Other then searching your genealogy not sure how you can find out. Maybe trying DNA testing to get an idea if your DNA shows any Native American heritage.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 18 at 2020 4:00 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:00:24 -0500

There wasn't too much paperwork to it. My birth certificate says Florida, which is in the US, therefore I am native to America. Native American with no lengthy paperwork required ;o)

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Nov 18 at 2020 4:47 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:47:07 -0500

You could try DNA testing. 23&Me or ancestry. I did the one that was on sale during Amazon Prime days a year ago or so. It verified what I knew - 100% European...but my youngest brother who is biologically my half brother did his. He had the slightest bit of Native American ancestry come up. That has to come from his sperm donor's side because my mom has none. I have done ancestry on both my sides (and my ex's side) for my daughter. (I wanted to do some kind of book for her someday of her ancestry but it's been sidelined). I know what's on my mom and dad's side. Scottish, Irish, a little German. No Native American. So him having a little bit, that's gotta be from that guy somewhere in his lineage.

Granted he never verified anything but I was surprised to see that come up when he showed me his DNA test because I didn't even suspect that guy had any Native American ancestry.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Nov 18 at 2020 4:52 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:52:32 -0500

https://www.theroot.com/how-do-i-legally-prove-native-american-ancestry [login to see] #:~:text=The%20first%20step%20to%20confirming,Tree%20DNA%20and%20Ancestry.com.

"Many people have family lore that suggests they have Native American ancestry. The first step to confirming or denying these claims is to take an autosomal DNA test, which will tell you definitively whether you have any Native American ancestry. These tests are available through companies such as 23andMe, Family Tree DNA and Ancestry.com.

It is important to note that genetics will not legally establish your Native ancestry, since most Native communities do not accept DNA tests for enrollment in the tribe. Testing can help determine the possibility of a connection so that you’ll know whether legal recognition is worth pursuing. If your DNA results reveal that you do not have Native American ancestry, you can save yourself the time and energy of trying to locate a Native American ancestor who does not exist."

Kinja

The Blacker the Content the Sweeter the Truth

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Nov 18 at 2020 4:53 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:53:00 -0500

Or this might help: https://www.doi.gov/tribes/trace-ancestry

Trace Indian Ancestry

To determine if you are eligible for membership in a federally recognized tribe, contact the tribe, or tribes, you claim ancestry from.