Native American Ancestry & DNA Testing

[Ginny Morgan]

My question to you who are interested in this sort of thing..would you want to be DNA tested and if not...why not?

By testing and thoroughly studying Native American DNA, scientists can trace genetics, family histories, where people have traveled, and how the tribes eventually came to split up into different groups. This information is absolutely invaluable in the discovery of how the Native American people formed languages, cultures, and families. By studying Native American DNA, genetic family trees and various types of people can be traced. Their history, time line, and population can all be studied. Scientists can also find out how long ago varying tribes began, where they came from, and where they finally ended up. This breakthrough of science is unbelievably valuable for anthropologists, historians, and genetics scientists. In addition, many controversial theories are put to the test with the use of Native American DNA.

Today’s modern world can also benefit strongly from the use of testing Native American DNA. For those who feel they have Native American heritage, or come from a long line of tribal families, DNA testing can help to determine their genetic background in relation to the Native American genes. In addition, many Native Americans have the right to set up casinos on local tribe grounds, and may also be eligible to receive benefits from the government.

In order to avoid the possibility of fraudulent activity among American citizens, the use of testing for Native American DNA has been put into place. This testing can help people determine whether or not they are actually from a real Native American heritage or not. Although this testing can help people learn more about their lineage, the modern tribes of today usually require that people have at least one grandparent or great-grandparent who was Native American. If people cannot prove this, regardless of DNA testing, many tribes will reject them nonetheless. Not everyone who participates in Native American DNA testing wants to begin a casino or live on a reservation, however.

Many people are simply just truly interested in their family’s heritage and background, and may also want to know for health related reasons. Some people are interested in the benefits that are available from the government and in being able to become part of a tribe recognized by the government. Other people just want to know about their past and where they came from, along with their family histories and traditions.

Most DNA testing facilities can help people to trace their possibly Native American heritage, although this comes with a fee, usually of around $200-$400. For many this is worth every penny because it opens doors to their past and their family’s history so they can get a clearer understanding of where they came from.

If you think that there is any chance that you may have some native American ancestry in your family it may be worth your while to check it out and find out the truth about your ancestry. There are ways that you can find out if you came from Native American ancestry. There are a variety of places that specialize in genetic tracing and they can be hired to help you prove that you are of Native American decent. Many of these places actually use the world’s biggest library for genealogy called the Family History Library, which is located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Native American ancestry can qualify you to become a member of a tribe that is recognized by the federal government. There are Tribal benefits and Bureau of Indian Affairs benefits that you can look into receiving. Such benefits include assistance for education, loans at low interest, and being declared a minority. Minority status can help you when finding a job or going to college. Not only will you have the opportunity to gain benefits if you are of Native American ancestry, but you will also be able to know about your family and a heritage that you can be proud of.

[Eric James]

The James Preservation Trust initiated the James family dna Study starting in 2002. All known claimants lines were invited to particiapte, including those of Native-American ancestry. Not too susprisingly, none elected to participate. Maintaining family lore and family claims appears to be more comforting than confronting the veritable truth of science.

Since the study was started, there have appeared other claimants who are more private than public in their claims. Again there was the same result. No identical dna.

A common thread found among the claimants was either fuzzy genealogy, manufactured genealogy, or no genealogy at all.

One family who made no claims appeared with a fuzzy genealogy that they requested be explored. The probabilities of a relationship were fairly strong, based on what genealogy they had. The dna test was suggested. They agreed. Lo and behold, they had a matching dna. Now work has commenced to perfect their genealogy and to explore their family history. Already, the reason why they became unknown to their own family has become evident. Historically, they were slave traders, who operated in the deep South.

One Choctaw line, who formerly made a claim of relationship, remains to be tested. The Trust has lost contact with that known family from that line. In this case, the claim originated with the James family, and not with the Choctaw. Hopefully, in time this possible relationship can be resolved.

The Trust also had held out the possibility of connections with those of African-American ancestry. To date, no claims have come forward. No tests have been conducted. And no relationships established.

[Ginny Morgan]

hmm, very interesting....Personally, I would like to have the test even though my geneology is very strong and well documented...

[Ginny Morgan]

What's a Ward Churchill?

[Eric James]

The y-chromsome test has come down about 20% in cost in recent years. Runs about $70-$90. The Y-chromsome traces the male ancestral line. Maternal line tests are a bit of short change. The maternal line does go back in a direct line. So maternal tests will only confirm on3e's mother, where the paternal y-chromosome test will identify the direct paternal line reaching back into the dark ages.

[Ginny Morgan]

Wow. That is amazing, Eric...

[JOHNNY RAMIREZ]

I am glad to read that you all are interested in the DNA method of your ancental history, as it seems more and more this is the method that everyone wants for proof of someones identy.

[JOHNNY RAMIREZ]

Ginny,

Good job!