Hey there! Im one of your followers and I love your blog <3 I have a few questions of my own! Ever since I was a child, I was told that I was Native American (mainly Lenape and Wyandot). However, I have always filled out things like applications as Black and Native American. Recently, within the past few years, I have learned that in order to check off the Native American box, you have to actually be part of your tribe. So now I wonder if it was wrong of me to even identify as a Native American.
Asked by Anonymous
There are a few times when you have to be able to prove being a part of a tribe(s) but those are usually tribal issues. Native Americans are the only people in America who have to prove their heritage and I think that is oppressive and racist. I understand that some tribes require absolute proof and that there are some good reasons for that; but I think you should identify as both Native American and Black. Black NDNs are some of the most unrepresented people here; and oddly I notice a lot of people are more willing to accept white passing Natives before Black NDNs. I hope prejudices won’t persuade you to not to identify as native. Wishing you the best. <3