<p>So, I'm a white person who's 1/16 Native American. I don't want to give out the tribe or too much information, sorry, because I'm a private person. I'm currently unregistered, because I've always felt it unethical to claim to have ties as 1/16 one heritage when I'm 15/16 white.However, I'm considering becoming registered because I've always felt strong ties to my heritage. Ever since I was three years old, I was fascinated by Native American culture and researched it, studied my heritage, and because of it considered archaeology as a career. I gave up archaeology a few years back in lieu of Middle Eastern studies/Arabic, but I definitely am only considering it because of my interest in my heritage. Anyway, my main question is, is it unethical to register as Native American being only 1/16? I'm an extremely white, blonde-hair green-eyes female (the rest of my family is darker save my older brother. We don't know how we turned out so white, but hey, genetics. But that's another reason why I've never registered or participated, because I've felt fake and not "good enough" compared to the rest of my family). And if I do, would mentioning Native American/white on my common app also be unethical? I DON'T want to do this just because of money and all that crap, but because of the impact my heritage has had on my life.
Yep. Thanks if you actually read all that.</p>
<p>I say GO FOR IT. It did wonders for Elizabeth Warren. </p>
<p>But that’s the thing…I don’t want to do it just so it’ll “do wonders for me.” I want to do it to better connect with my heritage, and I don’t want to put it on common app if it seems to just be for the money and connections…</p>
<p>If it’s genuinely just pride in your 1/16 heritage, and u don’t want special consideration, then u just enjoy it and don’t check the Native American box on your college app.</p>
<p>Blood quantum laws vary by tribe. 1/16th won’t cut it for Navaho Nation, but may for another tribe. If it’s enough for your tribe, by all means, register. If you don’t qualify, revel in your heritage, but don’t check the Native American box.</p>
<p>Blood quantum has been or is being reconsidered by many tribes; there is question about the efficacy of the tests and etc. Instead, many want the proven descent from someone on the Dawes Rolls. If you have this, you have it. But the actual enrollment process can take time.</p>
<p>The colleges most concerned with a reg number are in areas with the highest populations of Native Americans, to be fair. Generally, that’s parts of the midwest, though, depending on the college, also the southwest and south east. The Common App asks for the number, but things can be looser in the northeast. Many do not have a number and do consider themselves NA, have been part of the culture and influences.</p>
<p>If your real connection is your own interest and research, that’s still a connection. If you have pursued this beyond academic or web research, that’s good. Consider marking the box. it’s a personal choice.</p>
<p>@lookingforward I really appreciate your answer! See, I’m thinking about writing my essay about how my heritage has shaped my interest in other cultures and everything, in which case it makes sense to check the box? But I also may not end up with that essay. I just don’t want to come off as another white person with a possible great-great-great-great-great grandfather who was half Cherokee…</p>
<p>There are many people who would trade on a distant (and really meaningless) note in their bloodline. I think where your case changes is that you have had the interest and pursued it- and can tie it to your present life. Depending on where the college is, they may have applicants or students with a closer connection, even life on or near a reservation or distinct roles in the cultural life today. (Or certainly the common SES challenges.) But one reason the colleges ask is the inherent (even if slight) differences in perspective some kids can offer. If you feel you can offer this, that in any ways it shapes your awareness, etc, it is ok. The college will then decide how to view it. Best wishes.</p>