Anyone researching Native American ancestry will probably be interested in a new online video from the Smithsonian. The video examines the question of "Who is an Indian?"
Unlike other ethnic minorities in the United States, American Indians are defined not solely by self-designation but by federal, state, and tribal laws. Blood quantum—originating from archaic notions of biological race and still codified in contemporary policy—remains one of the most important factors in determining tribal citizenship, access to services, and community recognition. This concept, however, is not without debate and contestation.
You can watch the video at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/17314991
My thanks to newsletter reader Art Dembinski for telling me about this video.
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