<p>I'm 1/4 Native American and I was wondering if this would allow me to include this as part of my race. My grandfather was part of the Sioux tribe I'm pretty sure and was then orphaned and adopted by farmers. So I'm not currently nor have I ever been in relation to the tribe and I feel terrible trying to claim the heritage only when it aids me. I have a feeling that I can't, but do you think I could include that or is it not a close enough relation to the tribe? I'm pretty clueless on the topic so any help would be useful. </p>
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<p>This sounds kinda iffy. You say that you’re part NA, but that relationship via your GF you are only ‘pretty sure’ about.</p>
<p>NAs are the one URM group that colleges ask for legal proof of tribal affiliation. So, for either admissions or scholarships, it doesn’t sound like you will qualify.</p>
<p>Sorry I meant I’m not positive he was part of the Sioux tribe but he was undoubtedly 100% Native American. I agree though, I’m not sure I’d be able to find legal proof of tribal affiliation. Thank you for the help! </p>
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<p>Just to clarify, the tribal affiliation that you need to show is for you, not your GF.</p>
<p>Unless you’re registered with a tribe, probably not. </p>
<p>Native Americans were historically stripped of their heritage through relocation, deculturization, and shame— Of course so many are no longer affiliated with a tribe. Simply being raised within a White culture does not make one White. IMO, requiring legal proof of tribal affiliation is a protectionist and racist practice, and not necessarily on the part of the majority culture. </p>
<p>Policies can vary. For example, the American Indian Tuition Waiver at the University of Minnesota - Morris allows “a direct descendant of a parent or grandparent who is an enrolled member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe, Alaskan Native Village, or Canadian First Nation” to be eligible.</p>
<p><a href=“https://www.morris.umn.edu/financialaid/scholarshipswaivers/americanindiantuition/”>https://www.morris.umn.edu/financialaid/scholarshipswaivers/americanindiantuition/</a></p>
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Nice sentiment but the fed gov’t in this case is taking its lead from the tribes. If the tribes don’t see fit to recognize the individual as a NA why would the gov’t do so?</p>
<p>“Sioux tribe” would not quite be accurate either. There are many tribes that are referred to as Sioux. You definitely need to have registered. </p>
<p>There are two questions–first, finding out the full history of your family’s Native American past and second, whether that would help you financially with a scholarship.</p>
<p>No one can predict whether you will be able to successfully establish legal proof of your Native American roots. But you (and your family) may find the journey fascinating and worth doing even if it does not result in a scholarship. There are genealogy forums and local nonprofit groups that you might want to turn to if you decide to go forward with it. </p>
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<p>If you really feel that terrible, don’t do it… :-)</p>
<p>You waited until now to try to claim your Native American roots lol</p>