I am of Cherokee descent, which goes back ten generations ago. My family is mostly white, but I still consider myself to be a mixture of Native American and European, Should they consider people, such as me not just European, but also Native American descent like the Mestizos (Spanish and Native Americans descent)?
Anonymous
Favorite Answer
As far as I'm concerned, YES. If anyone has American Indians in their genealogy then they should be considered to be American Indian. I do not like the use of "Native American". Anyone born here is "Native American". Our ancestors were American Indians and were on the North American continent thousands of years prior to the Europeans Invasion and Occupation. I'm of mixed ancestry and the more I learn of my genealogy the more I realize that I have very little white ancestry. So when I'm filling out forms I check American Indian as my race. All of my ancestry is special too me, but it's my American Indian ancestry is he most important too me.
Coolrogue
Just remember this:
It's not the quantity of Native American blood that flows through your veins, but the quality of it. Your pride in being part of a great culture and heritage.
And don't listen to those who say you can't be Native American unless you are part of a recognized tribe. If you have ancestors that were Native American then you can consider yourself Native American. But you cannot legally claim to be Native American unless you are a member of a Federally Recognized Tribe or Nation. So you can't check the Native American, or American Indian box on any applications or other legal documents..
I have to ask though, you claim 10 generations of Cherokee ancestry, if that is so are you trying to gain membership in one of the Cherokee Nations? If you can find your ancestors on one of the rolls IE: The Dawes Roll for the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma or the Baker Roll for the Eastern Band of Cherokee, then you can begin the process of becoming a member of the Nation. The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma no longer requires a blood quantum to qualify for membership, you only have to prove you descend from someone on the Dawes Roll. The Eastern Band still requires 1/8 (I think) blood quantum.
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Yes , They consider You what You considere yourself...
= D You are a white American Girl of European and Native American descent
Anonymous
I think it should really be about what you identify with. I would guess an overwhelming majority of white Americans that have had families here since before the 1900's have at least one Native American ancestor. But...if you ancestor existed 10 generations ago, its not likely you identify much with the Cherokee culture, nor that you carry much of her Cherokee genes. So....no....I do not think white Americans with Native American ancestry should be considered Native by default.
ƝɨѕhҠѡe
“Native American” is a PC term used to replace “American Indian” by the government. American Indian (Native American) is “JUDICIALLY” defined as a “RACE” for “LEGAL” purposes.
There are strict requirements both, tribal and governmental that define who is Native American. Unless you meet those requirements you are not Native American.
If you have no knowledge of the culture, the Native worldview (perspective) or have any involvement in Native American issues and struggles……. what is the point of saying you are Native American?
There is a lot more to being Native American than just casually spoken words.
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EDIT
Coolrogue… What a contradiction…"you can consider yourself Native American. But you cannot legally claim to be Native American".
It’s just like saying to a citizen of another country….. you can consider yourself American. But you cannot legally claim to be American.
That’s just plain crap. Either you are or you are not. PERIOD
I could consider myself Scandinavian but that does not make me Scandinavian.
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