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Relearning Native American Identities

T • Wed, Jan 18

Hello!

I'm taking a class about the indigenous peoples of North America, and I'm realizing that things are more complicated than I thought regarding Native American Identities. Specifically regarding blood quantum.

Blood quantum is a way of determining how Indian you have to be to be considered Indian in the eyes of the government or a tribe. It's usually expressed in fractions. Ie; some tribes require you to be 1/16 to be in the tribe.

I recognize both pros and cons to this, but I was wondering the general public's thoughts as this can also be referred to as paper genocide since there will be less and less Indians on paper as time goes on due to the growing number of people with mixed ancestory.

I also want to use this space to clear up misconceptions about indigenous peoples!

Here are some leading questions:

What's does "Indian" look like to you?

What challenges are Native American peoples facing today?

What are your thoughts on blood quantum?

I really think that Native American individuals deserve more of a voice. They deserve to be better heard, better seen, and better known for who they are. So hopefully this can work towards that <3

Best,

Tij🖤

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