- Joined
- Jan 19, 2006
- Posts
- 494
- Media
- 10
- Likes
- 57
- Points
- 273
- Location
- North Carolina
- Verification
- View
- Sexuality
- No Response
- Gender
- Male
It sounds like blood line is important but culture is more important. You can be accepted by a tribe if you have some proof of ancestry but there are other lifestyle requirements. I guess a good question for those claiming NA blood is whether they are part of the NA culture. Do such people claim their allegiance to NA one day and then the claim their allegiance to a different ancestry on another day (such as Irish on St. Patrick's Day). The NA culture is contrary to many other cultures, it doesn't seem appropriate to align oneself with contrasting cultures.
Very interesting point, musclebare. While there is a hybrid of interracial ethnicities amongst many people, you are right in asserting that most people who identify as American Indian as a primary ethnic designation only claim that identity.
I am very rooted in my ancestry and culture. I attend cultural events, i.e., pow wows, council meetings, tribal socials, etc. and visit "home" often. I only can speak for myself. I only know American Indian rituals and customs. That is how I was taught; that is how I live; that is who I am.
Oh... seperate topic. I have received a couple of messages from individuals questioning my identity because I do not look "authentic." Don't allow media and institutional stereotypes and mythology to cloud your perception of 'what an Indian looks like.' My hair is brown (I have BLONDE highlights!); just in case any others have questions.