<p>One of my teachers asked me this past year what my cultural background was. I listed off some of the weird places my family comes from, like my great great grandparents were defectees from Czechleslovakia, but for some reason without thinking about it I mentioned I'm an 1/8 Native American 1/16 for one and 1/16 for another. He got excited quickly because he's aware I'll ahve issues funding for college and said that because of that I could scholarships for it. I don't belong to any tribes. No one in my family has for awhile. The closest person to me that could be a maybe would be my great grandma. Is he correct or does he just have his sources mixed up. I've been searching online for this but haven't found a straight answer yet.</p>
<p>Do they ever ask for proof of ethnicity anyways?</p>
<p>This is true. I have heard the same. Some very good programs if you qualify.</p>
<p>What does it take to qualify for this program. I'm not really wanting to use this as an option, but if it helps pay off coledge I might was well go for it.</p>
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I've been searching online for this but haven't found a straight answer yet.
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<p>There is more than one kind of scholarship. There are tons of scholarships just for specific groups--students in northern California, students who are black, students who are Native American, students who are of Italian descent and are Catholic.</p>
<p>Use fastweb.com to find them, or some other scholarship database (there are many out there).</p>
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Do they ever ask for proof of ethnicity anyways?
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<p>They usually do ask for your tribe enrollment number, I believe.</p>
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I'm not really wanting to use this as an option, but if it helps pay off coledge I might was well go for it.
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<p>As has been said many times in the past, only put an ethnicity that you have always considered yourself to be, not one that you are "technically" just a fraction of.</p>
<p>One good criteria for determining whether you should put NA is this: a) you are officially enrolled in a tribe, or b) you have some community attachment. If neither of these is true, don't put NA. It's dishonest, and they'd probably sense that you don't fit the NA category when you aren't able to show that you have no way to prove it (enrollment number or some community involvement).</p>
<p>D is part native american, but you only qualify for specific native american scholarships if you have proof, which means any of your parents, grandparents, relatives enrolled in a federally recognized tribe that can be traced to the student appying for the scholarship.
BTW, on your college applications you do have the option to report your varied ethnicity, eg. Native American, it counts toward statistics and might help with any URM status.</p>
<p>ive heard if you can get into dartmouth and show you're 1/8th native american then you're guaranteed a full ride, but i almost think this is just a myth at this point -- can anyone confirm?</p>
<p>Ya. Not registered to a tribe. I didn't think it would work without that, but my teacher was so convinced I had to see what others knew.</p>
<p>it's a big tipping point for cornell (personal experience with someone I knew)</p>
<p>Im around 25% Cherokee but I dont have a tribe number nor do I believe I am registered with a tribe, is there anything I can do (unless knowing im cherokee means im registered with a tribe)?</p>
<p>very clueless on the whole subject</p>
<p>wow if i had that, i would be registering to be a tribe member asap</p>
<p>With all due respect, I think that if you are "clueless on the whole subject" that is in itself a clue that it's not a categorical definition that really applies to someone. Registered for a tribe means something specific. And the intent is, I believe, to reach out to those with a connection to their NA identity, not to cater to someone who is looking for an angle (or being told they should do so by their teacher.)</p>
<p>You cannot just "register" for a tribe. You need actual proof that you belong there. A tribe is a nation unto itself. You are a citizen of the nation. You just don't show up asking for citizenship.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, if your ancestors did not register back when there was a price to pay (like the Trail of Tears), you aren't entitled to any breaks now. Mine didn't register, but family legend plus my DNA show me to be about 3/16. Enjoy your heritage even if you don't get anything goodies and remember your heritage when you encounter medical anomalies.</p>
<p>It sounds like a good time to check into your heritage more, maybe take an interest and learn something. Do some research, it might be possible to register with a tribe. Some countries have liberal citizenship laws for descendants of citizens; my mother was born in Ireland, and her children and grandchildren are entitled to Irish citizenship. My nephew is using his Irish passport to work in an EU country.</p>
<p>I have a step niece who is half Hopi and half Navajo. She was able to attend the school of her choice for free. She attended Colorado College and after a few years working she is now applying to law school which will also be free ride.</p>
<p>If one of your parents is 1/16 native american, and the other is also 1/16 native american, you are still 1/16 native american not 1/8... maybe i misread</p>
<p>If the 1/16 is directed to me. My great grandma is 100% Native American. So in other words, ermy grandpa is 1/2, my dad is 1/4 and I'm 1/16. My great-grandma was 1/2 of one tribes and 1/2 of another.</p>
<p>So you're not even 1/8th...</p>
<p>really? do they (cornell/other schools) want you to show proof of this? i.e. tribal membership?
i know what tribe i am but an not a member and dont have official proof</p>