Can test results be used to apply for American Indian tribal enrollment or to obtain official Indian status?
No. However, DNA match results can provide genetic clues as to the regions and living tribal populations where a person’s DNA is most common. Because of the strong genetic differences observed between American Indian populations, test results can provide evidence to assist in the documentary and genealogical research necessary to establish historical ties to particular American Indian tribal nations. Approximately 1/4 American Indian ancestry is generally necessary to identify a regional or tribal genetic affiliation. The most informative results can be obtained by testing the available relative (of either gender) who is most closely related to American Indian ancestors. Although DNA matches cannot prove tribal ancestry for official purposes, testing can provide genetic clues to your origins to help locate documentation of descent from an enrolled ancestor (required for membership by most tribal organizations). After testing is complete, we can also identify the fractions of American I
Related Questions
- How will the results of the NIES be used to further explore education and policy issues related to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) education?
- Can test results be used to apply for American Indian tribal enrollment or to obtain official Indian status?
- How does American Indian tribal sovereignty affect the states relationships with the tribes?
