What Makes Someone Native American?: Ep 4 of Crash Course Native American History

Key Concepts

• Native American Identity: Diverse, not monolithic; encompasses modern and traditional aspects.
• Colonization's Impact: Disrupted spirituality, language, tribal membership, and cultural practices.
• Tribal Sovereignty: Each tribe determines its own membership criteria.
• Blood Quantum: Controversial method for determining tribal enrollment based on a fraction of tribal blood.
• Federal Recognition: U.S. government designation that grants certain benefits and legal protections to tribes.
• Perseverance: The defining characteristic of Native identity in the face of historical and ongoing challenges.

Native American Identity: Beyond Stereotypes

The video challenges common misconceptions about Native American identity. It emphasizes that there is no single Native identity or culture. Native Americans are modern people who participate in contemporary society while also maintaining connections to their traditions. Physical appearance is not a reliable indicator of Native identity.

The Impact of Colonization

Spirituality

Before colonization, Native tribes had diverse spiritual practices, often centered on the interconnectedness of all living things (Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ, "all my relations" in Lakota). Colonization introduced Christianity, disrupting traditional beliefs. Figures like Puritan John Eliot attempted to convert Native Americans, forcing converts into "praying towns" where they had to abandon their cultural practices. Today, many Native Americans identify as Christian, some blending it with traditional beliefs. Example: Minnesota's All Saints' Episcopal Indian Mission incorporates Native traditions into Christian worship.

Language

Language is crucial for preserving cultural identity. American Indian boarding schools, starting in the 1870s, forbade Native children from speaking their languages, leading to significant language loss. However, language revitalization efforts are underway.

Case Study: Wôpanâak Language Reclamation

Jessie Little Doe Baird, a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, had dreams that led her to reclaim the Wôpanâak language, which had not been spoken since the late 1800s. She worked with the Mashpee and Aquinnah Tribes, earned a master's in linguistics from MIT, and cross-referenced historical documents, including John Eliot's translated Bible, to reconstruct the language. She created a 10,000-word dictionary and raised her daughter as a native speaker.

Tribal Membership

Before colonization, tribal membership was often based on descent, adoption, or marriage. The U.S. government imposed standards that changed how tribes determine membership.

Tribal Enrollment Criteria

Each tribe determines its own enrollment criteria.

• Dawes Rolls: The Cherokee Nation relies on the Dawes Rolls, lists prepared by the U.S. government in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, these rolls were imperfect and excluded many eligible individuals.
• Blood Quantum: Many tribes require a specific blood quantum, or fraction of tribal blood. The required amount varies between tribes. Example: Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa requires one quarter "Indian" blood, while the Navajo Nation requires one quarter "Navajo blood."

Blood Quantum Controversy

Blood quantum is a controversial method. Some argue it is a colonial invention that treats Native identity like a math problem and could lead to the disappearance of tribes. Others believe it is necessary to preserve lineage and close-knit communities. Some tribes are returning to enrollment based on descendancy. Example: The St. Croix Chippewa Tribe eliminated blood quantum requirements in 2023.

DNA Tests

DNA tests cannot prove tribal membership. They may show a relationship to a tribal member, but there is no tribe-specific genetic marker.

Federal Recognition

The U.S. government recognizes 574 tribes, granting them federal benefits. Certificates of Degree of Indian or Alaskan Native American Blood (CDIB cards) entitle holders to these benefits, such as access to Indian Health Services. Lack of federal recognition can hinder a tribe's ability to preserve its culture and protect sacred sites.

Conclusion

Native American identity is complex and multifaceted, shaped by historical and ongoing colonization. It involves a diverse range of cultural practices, legal statuses, and personal experiences. Despite the challenges, Native Americans have persevered and are actively reclaiming their cultures and identities. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of Native identity and respecting tribal sovereignty.