A. There are biological/genetic connections, yes, and also different cultural configurations including adoption/ intentional family-making, friendship, political camaraderie, who are a community and in Indigenous/ Native belonging. The simplest answer is that a Tribe claims you—you do not claim a Tribe in terms of “enrollment” and belonging. Each Nation has the sovereign right to make their own determination as to the status of who belongs on their rolls. Oftentimes, people without tribal enrollment status will identify as a descendant, a relative, or other forms of belonging. All valid. We suggest you build community as a first step in your journey home.

A. It is relationships. There is Indigenous knowledge of "making kin" including a shared identity and interactions between living and dead, nature, and human. The kin, or relatives, include all the natural elements of an ecosystem. Indigenous people are affected by and, in turn, affect the life around them. Without human recognition of our role in the complexities of life in a place, the life suffers and loses its sustainability. Indigenous cultural models of nature include humans as one aspect of the complexity of life. Native Americans are diverse peoples with many different languages, cultures, forms of governance, and spiritual traditions and yet, all share this knowledge of kin. Learning and knowing how to be in relationship is important, as well as how to be a good relative, and how to acknowledge your kinship to a Tribal Nation and to the land.

A. Despite extensive diversity, there are societal assumptions that Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples are a monolithic group with significant commonalities in their features. Just look at the stereotypical “Indian mascots” or the other racist imagery. Unfortunately, these stereotypes lead to the expectation that Native Americans/ Indigenous Peoples share certain commonalities related to their appearance; in particular skin color, hair texture, and phenotypical features. In reality, Native people are extraordinarily diverse in how they appear. It is important to not judge a person’s identity or belonging based on their skin color or physical appearance.

A. Tribal Nations are sovereign entities that control their own citizenship and establish their own requirements for enrollment, citizenship, and/or membership. For instance, the Navajo Nation requires members to possess a minimum of one-half Navajo blood, while the Cherokee Nation does not have a blood quantum requirement but necessitates direct lineage from the Dawes Rolls. These tribes issue tribal enrollment cards that function similarly to passports, serving as official identification and affirming the holder’s rights within the tribe.

The "Indian Card" or "Status Card" commonly refers to the Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood (CDIB) issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). This card verifies an individual's lineage as belonging to a federally recognized tribe, but it is important to clarify that the CDIB itself does not grant citizenship within a tribe. Tribal Nations have their own sovereign authority to determine membership and enrollment criteria, and they issue separate tribal enrollment cards to their members.

It's also essential to note that the CDIB card is not a universal form of identification nor does it grant dual citizenship. Instead, it is used primarily to certify an individual's degree of Indian blood and can be problematic to sovereigns.

A: The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 marked a significant point when blood quantum began to be used in federal Indian law to define Indian identity officially. This colonized system measures an individual's Native American ancestry by specifying a certain percentage of "Indian blood" needed for tribal membership.

Blood quantum was never a part of Native American traditions. Prior to these colonial laws, tribes determined membership based on factors like kinship, residence, and cultural involvement. The introduction of blood quantum was aimed at assimilating Native Americans into so-called "American society," controlling tribal enrollment, and managing treaty obligations, often diminishing tribal populations and threatening tribal sovereignty and cultural continuity.

The concept of being "full blooded" involves having a blood quantum of 100%, but this is a complex and often controversial designation. It does not necessarily reflect one’s cultural connection, enrollment, or ancestry in tribal traditions. Over time, the relevance of blood quantum has been questioned, with some tribes choosing to define membership based on lineage, cultural engagement, or community acceptance instead of blood percentage.

If you're exploring your own blood quantum or its implications for tribal enrollment and recognition, it is advisable to directly contact your specific tribe. Each tribe has distinct membership criteria and their own definitions of what constitutes being "full-blooded." This direct approach ensures you receive the most accurate and relevant information for your circumstances.

Reconnecting with your tribal heritage is a significant and enriching journey that not only involves learning about your ancestors and cultural history but also engaging with the community and contributing to its future. Here are the first steps you can take, viewed through a social justice lens that respects and uplifts Indigenous sovereignty and identity:

1. Research Your Ancestry: Start by gathering information from family members, exploring family records, or using online databases to trace your lineage. Understanding where you come from is the first step in knowing which tribe(s) you may be connected to.

2. Contact Tribal Offices: Once you have an idea of your tribal affiliation, reach out to the tribal enrollment office of the respective tribe. They can provide specific information about enrollment criteria, which often includes proving ancestry and, in some cases, blood quantum. Engage respectfully, recognizing that tribes are sovereign nations with their own laws and enrollment requirements.

3. Learn About the Tribe's History and Culture: Educate yourself about the tribe’s history, culture, language, and current issues. This can involve reading books, attending cultural events and workshops, and visiting tribal websites or cultural centers. Understanding the past and present struggles and achievements of the tribe is crucial.

4. Engage with the Community: Building relationships with community members is essential. Participation in community events, ceremonies, and other social activities can help strengthen your connection to the tribe. This is also an opportunity to listen and learn from elders and other community members.

5. Contribute to the Tribe's Future: Consider how you can contribute positively to the tribe. This might involve volunteering, participating in community planning meetings, or supporting tribal businesses and programs. As you seek to reconnect, think about what you can bring to the community in terms of skills, knowledge, and advocacy.

6. Reflect on Your Connection: Understand that reconnection can be a complex process, emotionally and socially. Be patient with yourself and the process, and be open to learning and sometimes unlearning. It's also important to approach this journey with humility and respect for the fact that tribal identity involves communal relationships and responsibilities, not just individual rights.

7. Advocate for Indigenous Rights: As you reconnect, you might become more aware of the social and political issues facing many Indigenous communities. Use your voice and platform to support tribal sovereignty, advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples, and respect tribal lands and treaties.

A. Afro-Indigenous and Black Native Indigenous Peoples face a myriad of colonizer issues including erasure of their identities, colorism, anti-Blackness in Indigenous communities, and a complex web of historical, cultural, social, and political influences. Many Tribal Nations here in Ohio and especially along the East Coast have members and kin of African ancestry. There have been entire tribes disenfranchised due to perceived African ancestry. Today, the ancestry industry will celebrate diversity and multiculturalism along the white spectrum, but at the same time, upholds the idea of purity and authenticity of Native blood or African blood. This idea of not belonging is painful—UNC honors and respects those with Afro-Indigenous/ Black-Indigenous identities as whole, intact, and undivided from this land.

A. Ideally, using a person’s preferred terminology and tribal affiliation is always best. 

A: Embracing your Afro-Indigenous identity involves both personal exploration and active community engagement. Start by educating yourself about the histories and cultures of the tribes and African ancestries you are descended from.

At the Urban Native Collective, we actively create spaces that acknowledge and respect the intersection of Blackness and Indigeneity. We offer outlets to participate in community discussions and events that focus on Afro-Indigenous experiences and contributions. These interactions can deepen your understanding while combating the long-standing effects of anti-Blackness within Indigenous communities. We have a lot of work to do.

Additionally, consider contributing to or volunteering with organizations that work towards racial equity and support Afro-Indigenous and Black Native rights. By actively participating in these spaces, you not only connect, but also help foster a community that honors the full spectrum of identities. Remember, your journey is both a personal and collective experience that contributes to the healing and strengthening of communal ties.

A. PROBLEMATIC AT BEST.
'Pan-Indian' and 'Pan-Indigenous' movements seek to unite Indigenous peoples across different regions. However, the Urban Native Collective views these approaches with caution. By promoting a unified narrative, these movements risk reducing the diverse, complex identities of individual Tribes to a single, simplified narrative. This can obscure specific histories, cultures, and rights, perpetuating a colonialist view of Indigenous peoples as a homogeneous group rather than as distinct communities with their own unique attributes and sovereignties.

The issue of 'Pretendians'—those who falsely claim Indigenous identity and profit from that claim—is multifaceted. While such claims can indeed siphon resources away from legitimate Indigenous needs and undermine the voices of genuine Indigenous communities, we should also recognizes the complexities involved. Some individuals may explore newfound connections to their heritage, yet this exploration must be approached with integrity, not merely for personal gain. Simultaneously, we caution against adopting 'papers please' tactics reminiscent of colonial legacies. These methods can lead to lateral violence within our communities and echo painful histories of imposed identity verification. Our stance is to foster an environment of accountability and respect, ensuring that claims of Indigenous and Tribal Nation-affiliated identity are treated with both seriousness and sensitivity to historical contexts.

When individuals newly discover their Native American heritage and create platforms to speak for all Native Americans, several concerns arise. Firstly, without deep connections to their communities and a comprehensive understanding of the diverse experiences and histories, their representations may lack depth and authenticity. This can lead to oversimplifications or inaccuracies that do not reflect the true complexities of Native American experiences. Additionally, these actions can overshadow the voices of community members who have been actively involved and knowledgeable about their cultures for their entire lives. Ensuring that those who speak on behalf of Native Americans have a legitimate, recognized connection to their communities and a thorough understanding of what they represent is crucial to maintain the integrity and accuracy of Indigenous advocacy.

Our recommendation is to advocate within your community and wait until you are called upon to speak.

Let's unpack this.

A. Addressing internal conflicts and biases in Indigenous communities calls for a profound engagement and a deep commitment to mutual respect and understanding. In the words of our board president, Dawn Knickerbocker, "We are meant to know our songs, our languages, our plants, our medicines, our traditions, and our kin. We are meant to be in relationship with this land." This connection underscores the importance of coming together to address and heal internal divisions, ensuring that we not only survive but thrive.

Educational initiatives that delve into our shared histories and cultural practices can illuminate the common values that bind us, fostering a sense of unity. By promoting dialogue that is rooted in empathy and inclusiveness, we respect the diverse experiences within our communities while building on the shared connection to our land and ancestors.

This collective effort ensures that we honor our ancestors and create a nurturing environment for future generations, living up to the vision that we are all meant to be together, as voiced by our leaders and elders.