Native American Identity Essay

For many people within the United States, identity is a crucial factor throughout their entire lives. One of the most controversial identities among the population consists of Native Americans. Although being here longer than anyone else, Native Americans now face conflict when having to prove their identities in the eyes of the Federal Government. The Federal Government recognizes certain tribes depending on a variety of criteria, but as far as individuals go, the criteria used becomes muddier and arbitrary. If you are recognized as a Native American in the United States, you are issued a C.D.I.B (Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood) card in order to prove yourself as a Native. You must be part of a tribe to acquire this card and the tribe …show more content…
Assuming that culture is not determined by biology, we must look for a better standard for federally recognized Indians. I propose a mixture of geneology and tribal membership as a solution for the Federal Goverment. I believe to be considered a Native American, you must descend from a Native American. I do not believe fractions and numbers should be involved to determine how Indian you are, but you must know that somewhere along the line, you came from a Native American. This can be achieved by having your DNA tested or having your Native relative still be alive. Along with descent, you should also be a current tribal member to be considered an Indian by the government. If a federally recognized tribe has accepted you, there should be no question whether or not you should be considered a Native. In my own personal case, one of my great-great Grandparents was a full-blooded Choctaw princess and another was a full-blooded Chickasaw Indian, however, my family has somewhat lost touch with this side of my family, making it extremely difficult for me to be actively involved with either