Determining Your Native American Ancestry
There are many people who while not being full blood native Americans do have ancestors that were Indians. If you think that there is any chance that you may have some native American ancestry in your family it may be worth your while to check it out and find out the truth about your ancestry. There are a variety of reasons people begin to look into the past to find out if the do have Native American ancestry. Some people are interested in the benefits that are available from the government and in being able to become part of a tribe recognized by the government. Other people just want to know about their past and where they came from, along with their family histories and traditions.
There are ways that you can find out if you came from Native American ancestry. There are a variety of places that specialize in genealogy and they can be hired to help you prove that you are of Native American decent. Many of these places actually use the world’s biggest library for genealogy called the Family History Library, which is located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
After you figure out that you do come from Native American ancestry there are often many benefits that you are available. Native American ancestry can qualify you to become a member of a tribe that is recognized by the federal government. Once you are a member there are many benefits you may be eligible for. There are Tribal benefits and Bureau of Indian Affairs benefits that you can look into receiving. Such benefits include assistance for education, loans at low interest, and being declared a minority. Minority status can help you when finding a job or going to college. Not only will you have the opportunity to gain benefits if you are of Native American ancestry, but you will also be able to know about your family and a heritage that you can be proud of.
Steps to Your Indian Ancestry.
#1 Identify and Record Your Ancestors
#2 Build Your Own Family Tree
#3 Search Indian and Census Records
#4 Identify Your Tribe and Enrollment Process
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Would have been nice if there had been more info on HOW to find resources for researching.
Well I don't need that to claim minority status, but it would be really nice to know more about both my Mother's and my Father's tribes.
I just want to know where I came from. I don't want to claim anything. How do I find out?
I also don't want to claim anything but to find out who my great grandmother and her people were.
My mother was half Tuscaroan/half English. Her mother was English and her Father, full blooded Tuscaroan lived on the Pekin NY Reservation. He committed suicide upon my mother's birth. My mother was born in 1913. She's no longer with us and she destroyed her adoption papers before she passed. I think my grandfathers "american" name was David Smith. My mother told me he was married to a squaw on the reservation. My grandmother's name was Florence Sutherland. Sutherland was her married name that she took later on. Any idea of what I can do or where to look for any verification ? Please write me at: dgdixon@sbcglobal.net
my grandmother was born in loonlake sak Canada she was put in school by the church and given the name louise patmore she die befor I was born I would like to find out more about her and her faimy