Dogs, Horses and Natives

A Discussion of Blood Quantum

What is a Blood Quantum requirement?

Blood quantum requirements are used to determine the eligibility of individuals for Tribal membership. They have a complicated history.

The concept of blood quantum has its roots in early U.S. government policies, but has evolved over time.

Yet to this day, only dogs, horses and Natives are measured by blood quantum.

Here’s a brief 101 history lesson on blood quantum.

 Colonial Era: During the colonial period, european settlers often used concepts of "blood purity" and ancestry to distinguish between themselves and Natives.

This was part of a broader strategy to marginalize and control Native populations.

Tribes had their own ways of determining membership, which were often based on kinship and cultural practices, but these were not recognized or respected by the colonial powers at be.

 Treaty Era: During the 18th and 19th centuries, the U.S. government negotiated many treaties (which they later broke, for the most part) with various Native Tribes.

These treaties often contained provisions related to Tribal membership and land ownership.

The government sometimes imposed blood quantum requirements in these treaties, but the specific criteria varied from one treaty to another.

 Dawes Act of 1887: The Dawes Act, also known as the General Allotment Act, marked a significant shift in U.S. Indian policy. It sought to break up Tribal landholdings and encourage individual land ownership.

To do this, the Dawes Act required the establishment of Tribal rolls, which often used blood quantum as the criteria for enrollment.

This had the effect of reducing the size of many Tribes and further eroding Native land ownership.

 Indian Reorganization Act of 1934: In contrast to the Dawes Act, the Indian Reorganization Act (also known as the Wheeler-Howard Act) aimed to strengthen Tribal governments and restore some degree of self-determination to Native communities.

Some Tribes adopted blood quantum requirements as a way to determine eligibility for Tribal membership during this period.

However, it's important to note that not all Tribes did so, and the decision to use blood quantum criteria was made at the Tribal level.

 Contemporary Era: Today, many Tribes continue to use blood quantum requirements as criteria for Tribal membership, but there is considerable variation in how these requirements are applied.

Some Tribes have stringent blood quantum requirements, while others may have more flexible or inclusive approaches such as lineal decadency.

The use of blood quantum is a matter of Tribal sovereignty, and each Tribe has the authority to determine its own membership requirements.

Do all Tribes require Blood Quantum?

It's essential to recognize that the concept of blood quantum has been controversial within Native communities.

Critics argue that it is a colonial construct that does not accurately reflect Tribal identity and can lead to the exclusion of individuals with strong cultural ties and contributions to their tribes.

Tribal nations vary in their approach to membership, and some prioritize cultural and community ties over strict blood quantum requirements. Many tribes use lineal descendancy, meaning you have to come through a direct line of family. (dad or mother, grandfather or grandmother)

Ultimately, the use of blood quantum is a complex and evolving issue within Tribal governance and identity.  

Is it good or bad?

Whether you support the use of blood quantum as a requirement for enrollment or not is up to you, I can only write what I see and feel. I feel that it seems to lean towards “the more Native blood you have, the more you favor using blood quantum as criteria.”

I have cousins that are a quarter Native, yet look more “Native” than some that are three quarters or more. (looking Native is not always an accurate measurement)

I feel that we always need to keep an internal measurement of our blood for family and Tribal records, but I’m not in support of people outside the Tribe having access to said blood degree information.

My final thoughts

To me, there’s a huge difference between acknowledgement and identifying. To acknowledge this existinstence of your Native blood is one thing, to identify as a Native person is entirely another.

As far as Natives that are 1/32 and less, if it were me, I would acknowledge that I’m a Native, but not identify as one.

It just wouldn’t feel right to identify as something that I biologically really wasn’t. Why not claim and identify as the other 31/32 of what you truly are? That’s what I would do if it were me.

Although, there are exceptions to this. If you’re born and raised around the culture your entire life and really practice it, then I feel you’ve earned the right to belong. Once again, just my thoughts.

If you don’t know, now you know, a Native. 

Attention all Artists 

If you are around the Ukiah area next weekend, there will be a one of a kind fashion show and concert in Hopland, California.

Artist Booths are still available for a small fee. For more info please send an email to [email protected] 

This will be the inaugural event. Don’t miss out on being a part of history in the making. See you there.

Next up, if you are an artist please visit their website and submit your design by December 17th 2023.

If you know any artists that may be interested feel free in sharing this with them as well. Thank you and good luck.

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Graham Greene - Oneida

I’ve decided to post back to back goats (greatest of all time) for the Kossin of the week section. Last week we had Thorpe and this week, it’s none other than the legendary Graham Greene.

Graham was born on June 22, 1952, on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada. He is a remarkable actor whose career has spanned over four decades. His contributions to film and television, along with his advocacy for Native rights, has solidified his status as a celebrated figure in both the entertainment industry and the Tribal community.

 Growing up on the Six Nations Reserve, he was exposed to the rich cultural heritage of his Oneida ancestors. His upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for his Native roots and a profound understanding of the struggles and triumphs of his people.

 Greene's journey into acting began with humble beginnings in local theater productions. His talent and dedication soon caught the attention of casting directors, leading to his first significant role in the 1983 film "Running Brave." However, it was his unforgettable portrayal of the enigmatic Kicking Bird in Kevin Costner's epic "Dances with Wolves" (1990) that catapulted him into the international spotlight. The film's critical acclaim and box office success brought Greene widespread recognition and acclaim.

 Throughout his career, he has displayed remarkable versatility, seamlessly transitioning between roles in drama, comedy, and even animation. He has appeared in an array of films, including "The Green Mile," "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," "Die Hard with a Vengeance," and my personal favorite "Thunderheart," showcasing his range as an actor.

 Over the years, he has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for his outstanding contributions to the arts. His accolades include an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Dances with Wolves" and a Gemini Award for his work in Canadian television.

 In addition to his work in entertainment, Graham is known for his dedication to Tribal causes. He has used his platform to raise awareness about issues such as land rights, cultural preservation, and the well-being of Native communities.

 His life and career is a testament to the power of talent, cultural pride, and the ability to effect change. He has not only entertained audiences with his remarkable performances but has also opened doors for Native actors and storytellers to share their voices and stories with the world.

 Today, Graham Greene's enduring legacy continues to inspire and educate, reminding us of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry and the ongoing struggle for Native rights and representation.

This section as always is brought to you by the Kossin Brand. The purpose of the Kossin brand is to connect our people through inclusivity and commonalities. Many other brands and companies aim to divide and conquer, however at Kossin they do not. If you enjoy this section and being introduced to a new Native every week please click the “Shop Here” button below and support them by picking up a piece of Kossin Merch.

If you enjoy our memes don’t forget to follow on Twitter now known as X.com, Instagram and Tik Tok for more exclusive content. The profile links are listed below. @LouistheNative on all platforms. 

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