Adoptee tribal enrollment--does it benefit or burden the tribe?

Question

I was adopted by a white family; my biological mother is American Indian. Recently, I've thought about digging up the adoption records in order to enroll in the tribe, to establish some genetic ancestral connection for myself and my kids. But I worry whether this is a selfish desire that would cause a burden on the tribe, or if increased enrollment benefits tribes. And, in general, how do tribal members view adopted-out people looking for connection? I mean, culturally, I'm all white; only my blood is half red.

Any comments, encouragement, suggestions?

Answer 1

Please read this article for encouragement:

http://www.startribune.com/462/story/148...

Answer 2

As long as you meet the tribe's requirement for enrollment/citizenship I'm sure they would be glad to have you.  Being an enrolled tribal member/citizen simply means that you are a citizen of a nation of people that preceeded the USA government.  You would, hence, have 'dual citizenship',' that of your tribe and that of the USA.  The tribe would be able to count you (and your children if they qualify) as one of their own statistically and that helps in increasing per capita funding.  A burden?  I don't think so.   As long as your claims are legitimate you'll not be a burden.

Answer 3

if you can proof it they will welcome you with open arms. take care.

Answer 4

I am not sure what tribe you are from, but this may be of great interest to you. Many children were stolen from indian reservations and their relatives have been long awaiting their return home once they reach of age to get their records.

If you have not recieved your records, you can do so via the indian child welfare act. Google it, and start from there!

Find them, I understand about culturally feeling white, but having different blood, i am the same way, but these are your people, FIND THEM!!

http://www.geocities.com/fnoac/

Answer 5

Well this happened to both my cousin and my sister(half)

Tribes are weird sometimes lol. The other advice is good, and I would say, try to meet them first and see if they are worthy of you lol...

It completely depends on who they are...

Some tribes are really weird and push away people that aren't "full blood" (which really pisses me off by the way)

My sisters dad died before she ever met him, and she hasn't decided if she wants to meet any one else from that family, my cousin had a h**l of a time enrolling in the tribe, but that was mainly because his dad is an (@$$&%*%).

I think you should join. Have you met your family yet though? If there is any way to meet them, that might be the first place to start in feeling that connection grow.

Answer 6

You are not selfish at all!  These are your people and you 'belong' .  I'm sure you will find you are welcomed with open arms

Answer 7

I am not sure of the answer to your question about whether larger enrollment benefits the tribe, but from this article (cited below) it sounds like many tribes are very open to welcoming back their adopted children.

I wouldn't worry about whether it's selfish. (I personally don't think it is.) If you were part of the tribe, I think you *are* part of the tribe. You should contact them.

Answer 8

I am also an adoptee with a bio father from the rez...I have become fully documented but not tribally enrolled...there is a difference...it allows me to say who and what I am without asking for a handout...the other is for a hand up...

I did not have the hardship of my fathers rez to want to claim any headrights or grants or what not...I thank them for what ever in my blood has made the person I am today and I think my father would have been proud had he lived.

Answer 9

It is your right to have that information.  You are Native American.  You are entitled to those records.  Adoption agencies must follow federal guidelines in regards to Native Americans.  You would not be a burden to your tribe.  For many years in American history, Native American children were taken from their tribes.  There are many websites welcoming the children back into the fold of the tribe.