How to Search a Family Tree for Indian Heritage
Many people from predominantly white or African-American families believe they have Native American Indian ancestry, whether recent or distant. Some people are certain of the ancestry but need only to confirm a fact that is well-known within their families. Others are unsure but want to prove or disprove a family rumor.
Whether you are seeking tribal citizenship or just curious about your family's past, it's possible to trace your potential Native American Indian ancestry. Maintain flexibility and an open mind during your search: You may find you descended from a tribe you have never heard of, or you may learn a surprising new fact about your heritage.
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Instructions
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Tracing Indian Ancestry
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Track down your family tree. Talk to your extended family and complete your family tree in as much detail as possible, including the names, birth dates, marriages and counties of your living and recently deceased ancestors.
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Contact the Vital Records department of your ancestral state to retrieve birth certificates of deceased ancestors born after 1890. The race of your ancestor will be recorded on her birth and death certificate.
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Note and maintain the names of all ancestors listed on birth and death certificates. If you do not have any lineal ancestors listed as "Indian" on birth or death certificates, continue pushing further back into your genealogy using census records. Be sure to track both matrilineal and patrilineal ancestry.
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Contact the National Archives in Washington, D.C., to retrieve detailed records, in the form of both standard censuses, and special censuses carried out through the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs). The Native American collection held by the National Archives includes relocation, allotment and school records that may include your ancestors.
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If you are unsuccessful in finding Native American Indian ancestors in your family tree, but feel very certain they are part of your genealogical history, contact a professional genealogical researcher. For a fee, these certified professionals may be able to confirm ancestry that you are not personally able to trace.
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Comments
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Any one know any thing on the waits from east TN drop me a line.
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David, there's a Genealogy Library here in Tulsa with Tulsa Public Library system. Very helpful personnel there. Tulsa Library's have done seminars on that very subject and have resources available. Call them! I've been doing my family genealogy for quite some time. Give me a call sometime, too.
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Anyone who has information on the "Dick" family name who have American Indian blood.
