Our adopted daughter is 1/8th Indian. Does she qualify for college and other Indian funding?

Question

When we adopted our daughter we had to get clearancein the form af a signature from a tribal official, from one of the Indian tribes, Cherokee I think, for her to be adopted by someone outside the tribe. Does this qualify as proof that she has Indian ancestory and to qualify her for the many benefits available to those of American Indian ancestry?

Answer 1

Yes, she is still Indian anyway you see it. You can't take that from her. Its legally and profoundly her heritage. Yes, I would definitely get her some scholorships that adheres to her being of Indian descent. I wouldn't deny your daughter of what she is. If you're mix you can't say you're only Black or White. You're both. ITs the same thing with your baby girl. Take heed and know that she is a gorgeous Indian!!!

Answer 2

Yes and no, she might be adopted but is still entitled to the benefits other NA's recieve. The no part is someone's still funding for that benefit. She won't get that much benefits unless she's at a reservation. Even so it's not that much unless she's adopted to a known tribe that has a big fancy casino.

Answer 3

I have Cherokee ancestory so the question that you asked was interesting.  I wasn't interested in government funding but was more interested in relationship to being a tribal member.  The following information I found so I copied it for accuracy from the link below.  It isn't real helpful but should give you a place to start.

Who Is an American Indian or Alaska Native?

As a general principle an Indian is a person who is of some degree Indian blood and is recognized as an Indian by a tribe and/or the United States. No single federal or tribal criterion establishes a person's identity as an Indian. Government agencies use differing criteria to determine eligibility for programs and services. Tribes also have varying eligibility criteria for membership.

It is important to understand the difference between the ethnological term "Indian" and the political/legal term "Indian." The protections and services provided by the United States for tribal members flow not from an individual's status as an American Indian in an ethnological sense, but because the person is a member of a tribe recognized by the United States, and with which the United States has a special trust relationship. This special trust relationship entails certain legally enforceable obligations and responsibilities.