I’m 1/8 Ojibwa on my father’s side, and I didn’t grow up with him, so I didn’t grow up with that part of my identity, either. I’ve been working to reclaim it over these past few years and to earn more about my heritage. I’m not enrolled in a tribe because my grandfather left behind all the official documentation and such. Since I haven’t been particularly affected by my Native American identity (at least to my understanding) I feel kind of like I shouldn’t be putting it. It is a part of my identity and heritage, but is 1/8 a negligible amount, and would it be offensive or hurtful in any ways for me to identify myself as Ojibwa without any federal tribal affiliation or anything?
No it wouldn’t be hurtful or offensive, but it won’t help in admissions either. To me, with 1/8 you clearly have NA heritage but you really don’t have any background in NA culture.
You can work on getting into the tribe. Even if your grandfather lost the records, the tribe may have them and WANT you to be included. It might be an interesting project and a good essay if you learn things along the way.
Ojibwa tribe has a 1/4 by blood requirement for registration, OP is not eligible.