| Definition and origins of Native Americans:
Definition. As described in DoD Directive 1350.2 a Native-American or Alaskan Native is a person having origins in the original peoples of North America, AND who maintains cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition. (emphasis mine)
There is no one contemporary majority definition that establishes a person’s identity as a Native-American. The Bureau of Census states that “anybody who claims to be a Native-American” is a Native-American. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), which is the organization responsible for monitoring Indian affairs and issues, general definition to be a Native-American, you must:
Be 1/4-1/2 Native-American blood at a minimum.
Live on or near trust lands/reservations.
Be on a tribal roll recognized by the federal government.
Trace ancestry back three generations.
Be approved by BIA officials. |