Blood is the simple answer. There are blood tests including DNA testing that will prove you have Native American markers. For the scientific community, a blood test or DNA test, whichever you prefer, is enough. Unfortunately, for other requirements such as proving your blood line to a tribe you may be required to show more. It is also true that some government entities such as those in charge of Native American funding for reservations, grants, and more tend to require more documentation than just blood.
These entities like the tribes prefer to see a genealogical connection. Depending on the tribe you may have to fill out numerous forms or you may be able to do it with a few forms. Each tribe is different. Furthermore, each tribe has their own beliefs which may determine what the tribe will accept regarding your proof of Native American blood. In certain tribes medical procedures even blood or DNA are not seen as valid. Instead, these tribes prefer to use traditional methods as proof; therefore, a blood test may not be accepted.
If you have a relative that is on the ‘official’ list of Native Americans and proof that you are related such as photos and birth records you may not have an issue in proving your Native American blood line. You may find you are able to sign up for your own number to go on the list. Depending on the tribe you may be listed as full, half, or partial blood. Someone who is full blooded Native American can still be listed as half blood in some tribes as a penalty for the late recording. Usually, those who have to prove blood line with blood tests are diluted of Native American blood thus it is important for you to apply for the tests and bring any proof you have from your family.
These entities like the tribes prefer to see a genealogical connection. Depending on the tribe you may have to fill out numerous forms or you may be able to do it with a few forms. Each tribe is different. Furthermore, each tribe has their own beliefs which may determine what the tribe will accept regarding your proof of Native American blood. In certain tribes medical procedures even blood or DNA are not seen as valid. Instead, these tribes prefer to use traditional methods as proof; therefore, a blood test may not be accepted.
If you have a relative that is on the ‘official’ list of Native Americans and proof that you are related such as photos and birth records you may not have an issue in proving your Native American blood line. You may find you are able to sign up for your own number to go on the list. Depending on the tribe you may be listed as full, half, or partial blood. Someone who is full blooded Native American can still be listed as half blood in some tribes as a penalty for the late recording. Usually, those who have to prove blood line with blood tests are diluted of Native American blood thus it is important for you to apply for the tests and bring any proof you have from your family.
