Who Gets To Be An Indian | Richie Meyers | TEDxBrookings

Identity is ever-changing. Those who choose who is included and excluded tells as much about a society as the identities themselves. In this challenging talk, Dr. Richie Meyers explores who gets to be an Indian and what that says about our community.
Dr. Meyers is a professionally trained cultural anthropologist with an emphasis in sociolinguistics and cognitive functions of the mind. As a cultural anthropologist he explores human identity and the ways people’s identities manifest within language and the articulations in that context.
Currently Dr. Meyers is the Tribal Relations Director & Program Coordinator in American Indian Studies at SDSU. He served as an editor/writer for the Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs in Washington D.C. Metro Area. He earned his Ph.D. at Arizona State University (2008). Dr. Meyers is also an enrolled Oglala Sioux tribal member with ties to Wanblee, SD.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@marydenley-mcelliott7256]

It seems people try to say your everything else but a Native American. My grandmother was full-blooded Dakota when she passed away, the government said we are not NA. So what am I? Both my parents are Native Americans from different tribes. Thank you for sharing Richie Meyers

[@stormy-le6pb]

You have some genealogy work to do.

[@ToneB]

2016stormy So do you.

[@ToneB]

Lee Francis Then explain how so called slaves were able to buy white men, women and children as slaves for 300 yrs in the American republic before the Gullah/Seminole war against the American Republic?

[@stormy-le6pb]

@@ToneB Why don't you tell the story first, so we can understand the lie you'r telling. Then maybe it can be explained.

[@twinkletoes22221]

You Native Indian, Native American, human being, and beautiful inside and out. Someone in the two legs will always find 'something' to discredit you. All warriors must learn not to care in the least what others think. We MUST follow the good red road and adhere to two laws ONLY: All things are born of women, and NOTHING be done to harm the children.(all children of Monolah/Mother Earth) what is simple is always huge... Hai Hai

[@juliaburdin5716]

Most of my family is dead from drugs alcohol or murder. My Grandfather who was my only link to my Blackfoot heritage died when I was young. My father is a recovering addict and only talks about his days abusing peyote. I have no tribe elders or teachers to learn my heritage. Because I am pale and inherited most of my mothers looks I am looked at like an outsider encroaching on something forbidden. I have no songs, no dances, no stories, or even skills passed down. When I hear the songs of the many tribes I feel electricity through my body and then a hollow spot in my heart. I feel like I lost what I never had.

[@artisbeauty0822]

That's kinda how I feel my only link between my Native American heritage is dead also. My father who is a quarter Cherokee and chocotaw, I don't talk to because he has been in and out of jail for years. My grandfather his dad, was half indian and I think Irish, but he as the story goes: "drank himself to death on a beach in hawaii" or so my mom says. My great grandma, who my mom met and spoke to was full blooded Native American, she even wore native clothing and everything, She died before I was born, but held my brother. My brother and sister both look more Native than I do I have blonde hair, and hazel green eyes. I get most of my looks from my mom, but my hair is very long my mom has always said that it must be from my native routes because her hair doesn't grow that long. My mom always told me to stay away from alcohol, {dark alcohol especially} because its like "fire water" to Natives. She's always let me know that I am Native and she likes to tell stories about how when I my brother and I were younger, and we were out in the sun, that instead of us burning in the sun, we'd tan and get "darker" because of our native side. She's scottish, and Irish, heritage. She also said that my great grandmother, was a very sweet lady. I wish I would have met her and talked with her. I've always said that it's not really what you look like that makes you native, it's who you came from. I know who I came from, and that's why I say I'm native, it's not to play first in oppression, or anything like that, it's to honor my great grandma, and her ancestors whoever they are.

[@calliew311]

​@@artisbeauty0822 you should apply for tribal enrollment since you prob at least know their names. and I know the two tribes you mentioned have descendancy enrollment rather than blood quantum.

[@calliew311]

if you know your grandfather's name you could prob figure out his blood quantum then yours, then you may have enough blood to enroll. you don't have to be an outsider.

[@weirdo_with_a_paintbrush]

I understand! I've been there too! I am pale skinned and am viewed as an outsider. I have no links and my family is very hush hush about being Native. You feel torn between 2 worlds and yet belong to none. I too have felt the same electricity when hearing the old songs! I cried my heart out when in choir we sang čhanté wašté ĥokšíla. It felt like being reunited with a culture I was denied my whole life. It's a hard thing to navigate, but I wish you the best in finding yourself, as well as any of us here who probably struggle with the same thing

[@dodidanidagr8197]

Stop the cap

[@Abbot3663]

I kinda wish I grew up with a more native centered family, but it is what it is

[@flamingflower3584]

Same.

[@lucag4769]

Same

[@werewolfapocalypse]

Its not what u think. Ur own tribe can disown u for personal greed or prejudice against ur family

[@dadedon305]

it’s not what it is - keep applying pressure and seeking for the 💎 u are

[@gordiandres]

You can still try to Reconnect bro that’s what I’m doing I mean I guess it’s different I’m South American indigenous and Im assuming you’re northern but either way if you can reconnect you should and don’t let that part of you go out

[@ericgideon9237]

Imagine being a mixed multitude of people who judge others who also mixed...

[@fragolegirl2002]

Latin America 😁

[@MercyAlwyz23]

😂😂😂😂 we are a peculiar people 😅 The aliens won’t stop by to pick us up, but earth is ghetto!

[@inconnu4961]

@@MercyAlwyz23 You aint joking! its like a group of crazy people laughing at others for being crazy!

[@inconnu4961]

Its an US vs Them mindset, and we ALL like to do it. We all want to insulate ourselves into our little tribes. Its human nature.

[@raine4439]

The part about saying Natives are the only group of people in the US having to carry around blood quantum speaks numbers to me. I'm half Indigenous Mexican and half Northern European and anytime I talk about my mother's side (the native side) the point of contention always comes up about my percentage and attempting to get me to identify as mestizo despite having

[@karlos_infamous]

The reason American Indians/Alaska Natives carry the blood quantum cards is because their tribes have legal treaties with the United States Federal government. The US Federal government did a lot of atrocities towards their communities by taking their lands and removing them from their homelands. Because of those, the US government and the tribes established treaties, where the US government have legal responsibilities towards federally recognized tribes. Each tribe has their own criteria of membership and blood quantum is one of those requirements. Examples: Cherokee Nation doesn't require a particular BQ, they only need the applicant to prove via that they have a Cherokee ancestor from the Rolls list. Navajo Nation requires at least 1/4 BQ; if the applicant is 1/8, they are no longer eligible.

[@arizaliit]

are you sure you are

[@mikehuff9793]

@@karlos_infamous know these cards were used to enforce the dual citizenship role on our people (in 1945 we were allowed to become American Citizens) and many states used this to keep us on the rez. Those cards were used against us just as much as for us. I had to prove 1/4 direct myself..my kids will not receive benefits. My brother and I are the last of our line due to our choices not to marry within the tribe. It’s kinda sad

[@karlos_infamous]

@@mikehuff9793 well for me, the fact the tribes still agree to that kind of arrangement says that they are ok with that kind of system. Many people have different decisions. Some choose to marry for blood while some choose to marry for love and people are entitled to their decisions.

[@gordonlewis4280]

Your our brother from the yavapai apache nation

[@ginakelley749]

Awesome, I get it. I live in Colorado and love the people of the shining mountains!

[@celestekimimilaterry6456]

I love this Richie! So proud of you big brother.

[@haruki456]

This hits hard.

[@laureanctilpte823]

thank you for sharing

[@nabaneetsharma451]

As an Indian from India, it was an interesting talk.

[@morindahoelzle559]

My father is Nawat and Maya but I didn't grow up with him due to the addiction and generational abuse that occurs in Salvadoran Indigenous communities. So my mother (Irish/German) raised me. She really tried to integrate Indigenous knowledge into my world but only knew of pan-indian cultures, not Nawat or Maya specifically. So now I'm a first generation Salvadoran-American mujer who was raised on Navajo, Mayan, and Iroquois culture but is trying to learn my native nawat language and culture 🥴 And I'm light skinned so people question my Indigeneity, like always. People don't realize just how much Native people have had to flee their homelands and, because of that, our stories have become so complex but I find peace in knowing that there are other Indigenous people who understand. I've basically just come to accept that many people will belittle or invalidate my experiences and identity but that doesn't make them right.

[@leij4247]

God Bless you for your knowledge and respect for your culture and your eagerness to accept, learn, and love your history. No one can minimize your bloodline or experience based on their unsolicited opinions. The last sentence you wrote is important and I agree 💪🙏💯

[@adamarenas6260]

You are mestiza before you are white or native

[@melissahernandezm379]

People who try to deny your native identity have major issues. I have the same issue as well! I am Yaqui and people seem to be confused like what’s that and no you can’t be that…you’re too light. Sorry to break it to everyone but I am a Hernandez from Sonora! And you can kiss it!

[@CiscoandPancho]

WalkINBeauty 🎉

[@inconnu4961]

@@melissahernandezm379 No we dont, you people have an inferiority complex and narcissism! LOL Most people want to connect! When people pronounce themselves of some 'special group' the first thing other people assume is: this person does NOT want to connect, thats why they told me they are part of a special group! its basic psychology, and you people (people who want to pronounce that they are part of a special group) need to get over yourselves a bit! stop pretending everyone is trying to oppress you! Honestly, you do it to yourself! be a human first, a citizen of whatever your political nation is BEFORE you pronounce whatever obscure minority you 'think' you belong to! Share your heritage like you are sharing a precious gem or a bag of gold! its special and not for everyone, only those who wish to appreciate it!

[@chrissierodrigues9302]

I’m Native American and I grew up mostly with my moms side and I speak German! And I look Brazilian! I’m 31 and I never got to learn about my father’s Native American side!

[@christinajebali9201]

It's never too late to learn

[@imjustamerican]

Technically, we are all Native Americans if you're born here in America.

[@AnAdorableWombat1]

@@imjustamerican wrong! Native american is a nationality not a race. You aren’t Native American

[@imjustamerican]

@@AnAdorableWombat1 You might as well forget about this identity you're holding on to. You must not have been paying attention to the news lately. A growing number of people who previously identified as white are now claiming to be Native American. I'm not trying to start no debate or argument. I'm just saying what I know is going on. I personally just I identify as American, my history is to clouded to play this race game with the rest of the people that believe we are a different race divided within the human race. It's too much headache and mental gymnastic to say I'm one monolith at this point. I know at the end of the day, I'm mixed with African, Caucasian, and Indigenous roots.

[@inconnu4961]

@@AnAdorableWombat1 WRONG! you dont get to decide for other people how they choose to identify! LOL This game plays both ways, Missy Gun! if we want to identify as native Americans because our white ancestors have been here for 400 yrs, while Latinos have been here less than 100, this is our privilege!

[@FrankTheDoomriderJohansen]

Seems to me like that treaty is treating the Natives poorly. The fact that they have to prove their blood% makes me think that the USA is just waiting for a day they can say... there are no Natives left, just look at the blood test, you have no more right to your lands! That should not be able to happen!!!!! Just the thought makes me RAGE!!! The Natives should be able to have families without having to resort to inbreeding just to stay alive and keep their culture and land.

[@callmeEris.]

It is exactly what they wanted. Biological genocide. As native americans produce offspring with non natives the less percentage of native american blood the offspring will have. Over time the blood and dna test will say less than 1% native american. Which goes back to the saying save the man kill the indian. They meant it.

[@popeyelean]

@Renzo Alarcón w fee 1wes

[@lieutenantbl4ck]

@Renzo Alarcón people arent dogs

[@Siouxthenation]

@Morganlefay technically someone can be 100% Native/indigenous but have there mixing of different tribes by definition not be Native American by the government standard.

[@tboned70]

I believe the Treaty was Broken hence the Mistreatment from the Assailants,.....!

[@jokerquinn104]

RICHIE. BRO..VERY PROUD OF YOU , I TOO AM FBLOOD YOUR A COMBINATION OF SMART , ARTICULATE , EDUCATED...IVE BEEN WAITING A LONG TIME TO SEE THIS...THANK YOU , WOPELA...! AH'O..!

[@ellanina801]

I hope to see more talks from Richie. 💖

[@siiiriously3226]

i highly recommend to listen to the podcast "all my relations" hosted by Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip) and Adrienne Keene (Cherokee Nation) they "explore our relationships- relationships to land, to our creatural relatives, and to one another."

[@blueowlca]

good point!

[@johndusak8147]

My grade 2 teacher called me a savage and so did the children in the class after she said it well God witnessed this a said you are a rooster that will never die.

[@jandunn169]

I am a mixture of many nationalities, with some American Indian admixture. All I know is that the Native American values I have learned from Native Ojibwe, Lakota and Dine friends make more sense to me that the commercialism and lack of respect for the earth in mainstream society. I grew up reading John Trudel's wise words. I am interested in learning what you have to say and support Indigenous causes....

[@patriciaoffer9585]

I'm a white female who lived with Shona people in Zimbabwe. About "Every Rez has that One White...." ("Grumble grumble" from my side....)

[@patriciaoffer9585]

@Jaime Alonzo It doesn't sound, anyway, that the question's being asked out of friendliness... While I'm happy to answer at least one question, at least in my perhaps biased opinion, I respect Natives.

[@ginakelley749]

Great publication of the utes. I see a lot of similarities with ancient Christian beliefs. We are all brothers

[@purplesage7939]

@5:55 had to chuckle “that one white kid that grew up on the rez” Vs kid who wants enrollment

[@courtneylarreinaga1645]

What do other Natives think about us still using BIA numbers? Or that we can only enroll in one tribe when you’re both? (Losing Indian Blood According To The Government)

[@stormy-le6pb]

If you're 1/4 one tribe & 1/4 another tribe, you can enroll as a half Indian, but can only enroll in one tribe.

[@PEANUTBONE]

@@stormy-le6pb it doesn't work like that

[@stormy-le6pb]

@@PEANUTBONE How does it work then?

[@noconaroubideaux9423]

@@PEANUTBONE It actually does work in some tribes but its more common to be enrolled in only one Nation.

[@gerorgejetson4135]

Genocide by paper work they love their writen word of laws so long as they can define them by how they interpret the words am 1/4 u.s. native of one tribe 1/16 of another u.s. tribe and 1/4 1st nation Canadian tribe and can be enrolled in only one tribe and only count as 1/4 Indian blood quantity according to my paperwork of approved laws set forth under the Bureau of Indain affairs witch is under the department of interior branch of government formerly the department of war

[@AZ-kr6ff]

What was his point?

[@godschildyes]

Probably about how being Indian has evolved South to absolutely ridiculous heights! He wasn't real clear, but I certainly got his anger in this presentation.

[@madilee1254]

my mom is 1/2 and my dad is fully native, to the government i’m only 1/4 and barely made the cut to be enrolled (my mom and dad are ojibwe, my moms from white earth and my dad is from LCO)

[@heidyalvarado6017]

take a dna test. that will help clear things up

[@mikinaakwe9473]

Smh

[@schoolingdiana9086]

@@heidyalvarado6017 DNA tests aren’t accepted for enrollment. It’s all based on genealogical documents.

[@schoolingdiana9086]

Most tribal nations have discontinued blood quantum requirements now. Cree Agency is the only one who still does, off the top of my head.

[@gordonlewis4280]

I think you might want to look more into this the whole idea of percentage was never a native thing it's all the outside Yavapai apache

[@reflectingtrees6173]

Kia Kaha Kia Mana my brothers and sisters from Aotearoa

[@SrikanthIyerTheMariner]

I am 'Indian-American' and accidentally came upon this video -- After watching it I realized that it wasnt an accident - There are forces greater than myself that guided me to it. Dear Original PEOPLE of America - I feel a great connection to you all - Something deep within my bones that I can barely describe. FIRST OF ALL - What do you all call this Land we know as North America( In your respective languages) ? --- USA/Canada etc is an artificial construct imposed by EUROPEAN settlers. You must have had a name --- I just need to know the phonetics Is it possible to construct a New Name with contribution from all the Native American Language? This Asian Indian and other Asian Indians I know would dearly love to help. The struggle you are going through mirrors a struggle we are going through in India as well -- Defining each of our identities in a way that EACH of us is respected as a SOVERIEGN . .

[@inconnu4961]

Perhaps you should concern yourself with Pakistan & China? China poses an existential threat to your country. Would you care to tell me which state in India you come from? i would love to have the other Indian states that oppose you! certainly the west should return to meddle in India's affairs, shouldnt we?

[@Happy_HIbiscus]

🌺

[@jacobmitchell2477]

I love taniga

[@TrickyWoo315]

LOL! "IHS employees be like..." You're DC came out in your talk. LOL. Right on Brotha Dr.! So proud. You look good. Love a cultural man. ; ) You were definitely you. Love it!

[@bobcampbell5151]

to bad he did not leave pictures a lot longer before switching while talking

[@godschildyes]

@@bobcampbell5151 He was on limited time! You have to be quick on TED. Haven't you watched before. TED Talk is very brief and concise.

[@jasonbush259]

Have you ever seen the Emblem of America drawings? Who are those two children at the bottom of the drawing wearing the feathers with a feathered crown? Can someone answer that ?

[@copperwolf3446]

They don't want the truth

[@supremeeddy7779]

They don't wanna hear the truth they will skate around the truth all day long

[@MegaAli213]

😂 "Dream Catcher Made in China 😂 "

[@courtneylarreinaga1645]

We make them in school we have culture class in Native American schools.

[@SabinaCesar2024]

yup, my chinese neighbor has a dream catcher and a rosary hanging at the dashboard of her car.

[@galactic904]

Communist China will soon hit the Wall, just watch the news about the coronavirus. Hong Kong fought a great battle in 2019 protest in support of a Western-style nation. Why the indigenous are not embracing Western cultures 100%? Their Chiefs sucks and holding back their own children from a much better life.

[@godschildyes]

The Chinese make any and everything that can turn a coin without hesitation! 😂 I live the Chinese though! ❤

[@allisonchains113]

My great grandmother, Josephine Waggoner, has written three books on our Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux heritage. She was born 1871 from Charles H McCarthy and his wife Itatiwan. She came from the tribe of Sitting Bull. I am 12% Hunkpapa via DNA testing. I will always keep my Hunkpapa from Standing Rock. And hate the fact that we get forgotten when racial discord is discussed. Mt Rushmore founding fathers? Oh Please. Land taken back from the Lakota Sioux, with a big slap to the faces of every Lakota Sioux chief.

[@ravenillusion2596]

Im Mexican and Apache mixed. We call it menudo lol good for hangovers.

[@hatfieldmccoy0311]

My grandfather was Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma full blood mom was half so that made me a quarter all enrolled. But because of my looks , and even though I grew up hearing broken Shawnee spoken around me, my grandfather taught me Shawnee spirituality, I learned our history better then most full blood, but I dont fit in anywhere because of my looks, and even with my blood quantum I get told I am not Indian enough and I am treated like an outsider so I feel Shawnee, was raised Shawnee, but I am not allowed to be Shawnee because I have blue eyes and can grow a beard. Hard walking through life not allowed to be what you are inside

[@benrtinez36]

Those registered with the state

[@karlos_infamous]

I am pro-blood quantum. Politics aside, I believe that if a person is less than 1/2 or 1/4 of the ancestry, these people tend to identify more with their dominant culture. Because their blood quantum is low, they don't feel the need to connect with the culture, learn the language and practices. I support Native American tribal members who are preserving their bloodline by marrying other tribal members and are considering the blood quantum of their children. For those wanting mixed-race relationships, it's your choice. Your mixed-race descendants will no longer identify with Native American culture and your community will be fragmented.

[@chestersabajo5527]

You are 1000 % right mister Karlos

[@CMarieas]

Tribal members that marry other tribal members their children can also turn up to be not enrolled if they are two different Tribes. Also most natives from one Tribe are related to mainly everyone from their own Tribe so it's impossible for many to marry within their own Tribe. Blood quantum was a colonizers way of destroying the first nation's with over time knowing that not all children will be able to be enrolled in their own Tribe. Also think about all the Tribes that did not get federally recognized. Those Tribes are still Native. What if a tribal member who is federally recognized marrys another native whose Tribe is not federally recognized? What then has blood quantum have to do with if you are or aren't indigenous. It's your culture, language, heritage you choose to integrate yourself into even if you are 1/4 or 1/2. I believe Amy native person many learn and understand any other Tribes language, culture etc. Back before Columbus many Tribes knew many different languages and customs of other Tribes. Some not so far as a few generations ago knew at least 7 first language nations. If someone who is 1/4 who came to know their ancestors languages would they not be native? Blood quantum is a genocide belief. Just like when these big shots labeled people as Hispanics, Mexican, etc. Mostly all of the Latino population are decendants of first nations. They too would be native and can identify as indigenous. Connection to land is what it's about and those ancestors that came before. Many Tribes adopted other people as well. This has been going on for centuries. Slaves that were brought over some where adopted and learned direct tribal customs and languages. I'd consider them first nation's as well. Africa is made up of many tribal people. Mostly all people of color are indigenous, first nation's, aboriginals, native americans, Indians, tribals.

[@CMarieas]

I ain't marrying my cousin

[@jenniferbourgeau49]

Well my son's father is from Iran and my brother's wife is from Mexico or is of Mexican descent and a large majority of Mexico are indigenous people who were conquered by the Spaniards so even though most of the people in Mexico identify with being Latino or Spaniard rather than their indigenous blood is also a a forced ideology upon the natives of Mexico. But my son grows up around other natives so whether other natives like it or not my son is growing up native. My son currently lives with my brother and his wife.

[@karlos_infamous]

@@CMarieas you don’t have to marry your cousin. You can marry a Native American tribal member from another tribe who will share your cultural heritage so that your children will easily fit in among the Native American community and continue the culture and traditions.

[@golennironns8548]

1:29 are thoughs star fighters from starwars

[@pastelsinss670]

when you find a cute native boy but find out he's your cousin- lmao native problemsss

[@glennquagmire6153]

Better find a native boy from central or south america 😂😂

[@officialVozie100]

@Renzo Alarcón 100 million actually is we are undercounted haha 💯% native american

[@Jerichozornes]

Hey. Might not be your cousin 😏

[@PD-ss6qb]

🤢

[@danielheartfire614]

In my German side of my family that would not be a problem. Alot of them were cousins before they got married hahahaha!!!!!

[@bamboozlebamboozle6820]

Put Eric Dubay

[@jizzle5757]

The one white kid on the Rez is like the one white kid in the Hood. In the way they grow into our cultures.

[@cfarlow5830]

That’s really sad. Don’t ever made fun of an Indian who ‘looks’ white. Since the early 1800’s to present day, Indian girls have been preyed upon. MMIW

[@aaron4wilkins]

Hey, Was that the Worlds Shortest TED Talk?

[@frankmartinez9501]

Why do some of y'all downing this man? At less he is representing native ,so go and do the same .camancheD.

[@davidortega357]

My grandmother was a full blooded native American from Mexico Jalisco our family has native blood I'm half blood native along with some Spanish I look more native American than most Latino mestizos I think most of native American people are mestizos in United States we all look alike speaking of the mestizos or mixed blood white euro and native American people I've been on native reservations in Calif and Arizona I've been in contact with Sioux and miwok cahuilla people

[@NativeBratElaine]

Oh, I'm a Native American Meyers also! HEEEEY COUSIN!!!

[@gpl992]

Lots of Lumbee Meyers to

[@MaQuGo119]

People from India.

[@redblanket647]

I am what I was born to be. Free My grandfathers knew their written words giving everyone the exact same name was not for us . Aho grand pa

[@MrCicerosfinest]

Ignored Darker native

[@nancybeveridgetaylor3256]

My family were the Potowatomi who worked the railroads, my great grandfather and great uncles, Potowatomi folks, who were NOT forced to Oklahoma, on the horrific "Trail of Tears" they worked on the Railroads in the northern railroads in America and still live in southern Canada.

[@RastaDivaxoxo]

My great great grandfather worked on the railroads in Bluefield West Virginia

[@jonathandeleon5588]

You’re not native

[@TedH71]

I know Kansas has a Potowatomi reservation or tribe.

[@sircsolerom764]

I don't need to tell anyone I'm native because I look Native. People always ask me this question. My ancestry said my father is full and my mom is half. I don't practice old traditions too because I was told they were for a different time.

[@creaturecaldwell9858]

Not all

[@creaturecaldwell9858]

From a different time

[@scottfergusson8411]

I recently found out that I am a descendant of Robert M Jones. The Choctaw and Creek tribes elected Jones president of the "United Nations of the Indian Territory," in the 1800’s . He was a mix blood white father/ Choctaw mother. He was a very wealthy Choctaw leader and always fought for his people. He was my 7th great grandfather. Not one word of this was passed down !!! I am very proud of the connection!

[@cielonehellofaservicedog4648]

It may be cause the 5 civilized tribes have some dark past, but in context it makes sense for survival or how they viewed he world. Choctaws owned many slaves and had leaders like Chief Doublehead who was a cannibal (but mind you he and his men ate the flesh of his/their enemies) ... Being Choctaw may have been silenced out cause of their reputation for how they dealt with enemies, how they fought, and their ruthlessness in war. They were the warriors the Cherokee often called upon to fight and defend together.

[@javierperalta7648]

The problema is that there are lots of dudes who claim to be Natives but are whiter than the snow

[@angelharper2176]

So, if you're mixed and don't look like the stereotypical Native.... then you aren't?

[@javierperalta7648]

@@angelharper2176 If you are mixed you are not Native. You are mixed

[@aaa587]

Did you watch the video? Specifically starting around the joke @3:15 ? He went on to say about having relations of all different phenotypes / skin colours. But it's not about colour, you're either enrolled in a tribe or you aren't

[@cfarlow5830]

so the saying is correct....if you know you know and obviously you confused people simple don’t know..

[@teresaguerrrasalazar4964]

Absolutely all of my paternal side are from Tehuantepec Oaxaca, Mexico the cradle of the Zapotec Nation( the people who came from the clouds) and the cradle of Mexican food. On my Mother's side, they are all absolutely from Nazas Durango in Northern Mexico one of the many indigenous tribes that flourished alongside the Majestic River Father Nazas (Nasa's meaning baskets in the local Indigenous tongue) used baskets for fishing, and the bow and arrow for hunting, they were hunter-gatherers. My Mother was of a tough rich chocolate-skinned tone consistent with the phenotype of the people of Arid-America( the dessert) My maternal 3rd set of Grandparents and all ancestors before were born in 1846 and 1848 in Nazas Durango Mexico during the Mexican /American war and before a border was created. My maternal DNA haplogroup B2b places me among the indigenous women inhabitants of northern Mexico, the present US Southwest as far east as Florida and as far north as Oklahoma. I'm blessed to know my true origins and to know that I have worked and have a profession to rely on that has allowed me to retire wealthy and never wanted to ask for a handout.

[@ifyourespondyourmad.2409]

Please keep your genes pure . Marry a full native person. Native american genes have sadly became rare. Mixed people sre just not the same.

[@heidyalvarado6017]

In north america white people get to be native. They can be white as snow have very little native blood but it they are born to the right person they will be considered native. ALl they need is to have an ancestor a few generations back and they are in. DNA teste help. I know people dont like them but there is a reason for that.

[@rustydogrustydog9191]

Absolutely not.

[@heidyalvarado6017]

YEs sadly it is true, you can even visit tribal band websites where it talks about this. SOme tribes accept people with as little 1/16 native ancestry. @@rustydogrustydog9191

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

Oy ! The perils of bureaucracy !

[@jasmineknight7215]

it seems any admixture that we have erases our native identity altogether. there's been centuries of admixture, so we come with many different phenotypes. what is more important is how we were raised. my maternal great grandfather was mixed with Irish, however he was an elder and council member for the pala band of luisenos here in California. I have native ancestry on both sides, my biological father being predominantly Choctaw. however i also get scotts-irish blood from both sides too, and i came out very white presenting. because of this, i always have to prove my identity. i was raised native, so i am native. even if i am part whatever else, i wasn't raised that way so why would i identify with it?

[@godschildyes]

That's a good word you presented!

[@jasmineknight7215]

@Renzo Alarcón with all due respect, I’m not pretending to be anything I’m not. I am part native, not full blooded so that’s why I have a lighter complexion and such but I have strong ties to my culture on both my mothers and fathers side. It’s how I was raised, I grew up being taught the culture and traditions therefore it’s just what I identify as. It’s not like I have no genetic ties to indigenous peoples at all and just decided to identify with them. I just don’t identify as strongly to the Irish side because I know little to nothing about it, I just know I’m part Irish as well. What I do know is my indigenous culture, that’s why I identify very strongly with it. Regardless of my blood quantum or how I look, I carry the traditions and have pride in my ancestry.

[@calliew311]

​@Renzo Alarcón you seem snobbish. do you want the native tribes and cultures to die out someday because people weren't raised on reservations because one parent was white and they split up? I'm over 80% indigenous, and I'm hella white passing, but I don't even know who wasn't native in my ancestry. I grew up on and around and a part of the 3 tribes I was once a part of until they made us choose one local tribe. I just think, what keeps us native? our family and culture. I'm not going to say anything about my cousins only being 1/4 or something. I want my tribes to continue on into the future and continue our culture even if not everyone's blood quantum is up to a certain standard. we are literally wiping each other out by having arbitrary restrictions.

[@legomaster123x]

I have a hard time understanding the US system since I’m First Nations of Canada and they just give us indian status cards

[@carolinaquanonne597]

It. Is

[@80sbabyforlife]

I am 100% Dine 💜

[@twinkletoes22221]

Many tribes in Canada do NOT use the blood count and as a result the majority who have status cards have no blood. My Haida mother who was the Raven Clan mother of her nation said if we have one drop of Haida blood we are full Haida. This is the same to the Cherokee. The blood count is as important to many tribes and within them as the politics of the government. All in all .. it is time for huge change. Please vote for Mark Charles.. Navajo/Dutch. He is what we have ALL been praying for.

[@freakyflow]

I Am "Metis" with a linage to Moose Cree of Northern Ontario Even a cross family connection with Louis Riel However I don't feel the need to run out and get a Metis card so i can hunt and fish any time i want I'm proud to have Native blood .0001% or 100% Would i take advantage of being 100% pure and get some tax breaks ..Dam right i would ...I think Metis should be able to class how the government should use the tax money they pay ..Mine would be for Better health care for natives Or native med school funding

[@CrystalMouse1]

He's got my vote!

[@twinkletoes22221]

Yes indeed. The Metis have been just as abused and genocided as all tribes. First the crown land must be given back to the aboriginal peoples including the Metis.. and the crimes against the people by church and state be disclosed and tried and held accountable .. then all holdings by church and state illegally/or 'lawfully' stolen given back... it's that simple. Many whiteface and other nations immigrants will be pissed off at first but ALL will adjust and so will the attitudes of what's yours is mine.

[@thenativebeauty6135]

I’m from muskowekwan First Nation rez and I’m George Gordon’s First Nation rez from my fathers side and turns out I’m only 49.9 % native and my mother is Métis but also has treaty rights from her great great grandma almost all of my Métis mom family has treaty rights and status cards

[@sherryshurishhenderson6351]

Ma’am you are white woman you are not indigenous to anywhere except the caucus mountains please stop 🛑 this is why indigenous people of the north are scared to share the their DNA out of fear of Europeans coming out of the wood work claiming to be indigenous

[@hunternevin6021]

Last time I checked, I'm Ojibwe, not "Indian".

[@weirdo_with_a_paintbrush]

Ayyyyy, same here!

[@inconnu4961]

You are an Ojibwe Indian! LOL Can you speak Ojibwe at all?

[@hunternevin6021]

@@inconnu4961 ~Kaawiin, I'm just zhugaanaash who's claiming to be aniishnabewen.~ Shtataha ,binojiinh.

[@phillyslim6104]

I’m Cherokee from Murfreesboro Tennessee! Family was changed to mulatto we’re still on same land for over 400 years

[@jenniferbourgeau49]

many africans were just adopted into our tribes and have no indian blood in them.

[@phillyslim6104]

@@jenniferbourgeau49 Y’all tribe fake we the real Indians we woke now y’all times are up💯

[@jenniferbourgeau49]

Prove it africa

[@jenniferbourgeau49]

I'd love to see you Africans prove your truth

[@phillyslim6104]

@@jenniferbourgeau49 I’m not here to argue!! I’m from Murfreesboro Tennessee on the same land my great great great grandfather had and we still own 350 acres since 1548 where African all my ancestors had names in all census and all owned land and were classified as mulatto ❤️💯Ok 5 dollar Indian y’all time coming Karen

[@xochitlsouth6409]

I dont know if i can call myself native ;-;

[@IvoryEdits]

How much percent are you? :0 I’m 1/16 and I don’t really call myself Native American, but I think if your 1/8 or more you could be!

[@7919AEM]

If you’re Brown you’re truly Native. It doesn’t matter if are descendants of detribalized Natives, it is not our fault and we’re still Amerindians. Your name is Mexica and it is pronounced (Sho-chee-TL). I just discovered that the state of Tamaulipas in Mexico where I’m from comes literally from the Lipan Apache language (Tam O Lipam) which apparently means “Where the Lipan hunt”. I truly hope that more Mexicans stop pretending to be BROWN Spaniards because there’s so such thing as Brown Spaniard. The Spaniards did an “incredible” job at teaching us to hate our Native American ancestry. It’s quite sad.

[@prateek752]

How can you be Indian if you are not from India ?

[@patriciaoffer9585]

ಪ್ರತೀಕ್ ಕಶ್ಯಪ್ If you want, I or someone will tell you. I'm basically white so maybe someone else can give a better explanation. I assume that the question was rhetorical though😀

[@prateek752]

@@patriciaoffer9585 Yes I was poking fun at how Native Americans have hijacked the Indian word from real Indians from India. 🤣 I believe the more appropriate term for them is Native Americans to avoid confusion from real Indians who are from India

[@patriciaoffer9585]

ಪ್ರತೀಕ್ ಕಶ್ಯಪ್ Well...... partly. You know about the whole Columbus thing....(?) It bugs me, too!😀

[@patriciaoffer9585]

Golden Retriever In the cathedrals of New York and Rome there is a feeling that you should just go home and spend a lifetime finding out just where that is... - "Cathedrals" by Jump Little Children

[@nativearizona1]

We got misidentified by Columbus !

[@benmartinez2554]

I am the antichrist of mix. I can be only part to all your eyes. When the circle is supposed to be together.

[@kenster8270]

We are all the accumulative genetic product of our ancestors. For instance, most people enrolled in the Cherokee Nation today are primarily descended from Scottish, English and Irish people, and they are primarily monolingual Anglophones. But their chosen identity is Cherokee nonetheless. It's a personal choice which ancestors you identify with and which ancestors you ignore. Oklahoma has had numerous politicians, including the current governor, who identify with one remote ancestor who was not British or Irish.

[@7919AEM]

The Cherokee are mostly all White taking advantage of the system. An average Brown Mexican, if from the North has Lakota, Apache, Pueblo, Kickapoo blood etc, but don’t know it because if DETRIBALIZATION. Others from central Mexico are up to 80% to 100% Native. I hope one day Brown Mexicans will stop fooling themselves into thinking we’re all descendants of full bearded, green-eyed “Conquistadors”.

[@jandunn169]

Sometimes the smallest amount of ancestors speak louder, probably because they suffered the most. But even if one is only 5% that is still thousands of ancestors.

[@inconnu4961]

This is such an important statement! We all individually choose who we identify with! whether we can reasonably justify it or not!

[@mercedeslindigenous4219]

Im Indigenous from Utah, My father and most on that side of the family live on the rez and are enrolled members, I will not enroll because I read the treaty and I don't Agree. A piece of paper or some ones opinion of what you look like means nothing in real life, I know who I am and My ancestors, but Im gonna be like the Hopi and Make no treaty with the Gov

[@inconnu4961]

So you will be seen as 100% American and a possession of the American government, like the rest of us! Way to stick it to The Man!

[@yeshuahebrews7999]

I'm Copper Colored with long loc's down my back I found my Great Great Grandfather 1896 Dawes Rolls with Land Allotments and the Card matching the Dawes Rolls Im 7th Generation Cherokee from Wilmington NC originally Williams side The Hall side is from NC too haven't found anything on them yet

[@spiritwarcrystalawakening1915]

WE ARE THE ABORIGINES FAMILY they all cleaned up by removing us from the table KARMA IS ON THE WALLS

[@stormy-le6pb]

There is no Indian tribe called copper colored. It was just a description that was used to describe the color of Natives. In the U.S. you're a Native if you have documents proving that you're a member of a certain tribe of Native Americans, not if you're copper color, there are people around the world that are copper color, & they aren't Native Americans & now because of race mixing, there are Natives that are white, tan, brown & dark brown.

[@terrianwilliams2624]

@@stormy-le6pb Chief Red Hawk said natives were a rich dark brown people and described the women as dark angels. And I've seen natives darker than me

[@stormy-le6pb]

@@terrianwilliams2624 The reason you see Natives darker than you is because full-blood Indians are still here. Not every Indian went out & had babies with the white man, because Whites separated Indians & forced them to live by themselves on reservations, so they only had babies with either other, which means full blood Indians have not vanished like people hoped would happen. DNA studies prove A.A.'s have European DNA which is why many blacks are lighter skinned than full-blood Indians, Blacks are white people not Indians. Indian Nations have different shades of Indians, just like Blacks have different shades of blacks.

@@terrianwilliams2624 still doesn't mean they are african. Native Americans are Native Americans, and your kind comes from Africa.

[@martintekula]

wait what is his point?

[@coleeason6007]

Dont know but it's crazy how they all tend to leave out the original COPPER COLORED PEOPLE of this land amazing how Columbus CORTEZ Desoto and the rest described the people they saw when they arrived here go look it up and then you will get the point of this nonsense propaganda

[@godschildyes]

Kinda leaves you raw. Right? I think the point just might be about stereotypes, but he never clarifies.

[@chesterciervo4330]

By DNA im 50% but ive seen to many places say i have no right to claim im native

[@jenniferbourgeau49]

lol

[@christinajebali9201]

Iv always been fascinated with everything Native American. I was always on their side when I watched old Western movies with my dad. I could see and sympathise with the indigenous people of America. I still think they are treated like second class citizens in their own land. They have been getting a raw deal all through history. I admire them for their strength and for who they are. I have so much respect for them. On my two visits to America I really wanted to visit some reservations but when I made enquiries to do this I was told they don't like intruders, I just wanted to talk to them and see how they live not to be nosey or intrusive, not for TV or any media outlet. Only for my interest in their history, their stories etc and I would have been very respectful of their privacy.. I think they are beautiful people 😍 ❤ I did however manage to get a photo with one Native American man in florida at an alligator boat trip place. 😀

[@winstonpoplin]

That photo you took with a native american explains the whole problem. The fact that you would ask to take a photo with a random man because he happened to seem native american is just wild. Talk about treating him like an artifact. The natives are just trying to hold onto what remains of their ways, that doesnt involve literal millions of people coming to their homes "just to talk about their history and stories". Thats why we have youtube videos and history museums and things like this Ted talk, so the billions of people we have can learn about things without people personally having to go to the natives and talk to them.

[@inconnu4961]

@@winstonpoplin LMAO! Spoken like a true teenager! First of all, how about you speak for yourself! Maybe some Natives dont mind it! let them decide that for themselves. Secondly,, go anywhere in the US or Canada and white peoples heritage is just as likely on display as a commodity as Native is! Go to Plymouth mass, where you can have photos taken with people dressed as pilgrims. Go visit the Amish people! They are White germans, and they are on display! We do this to nearly EVERYONE! So please dont try to play the victim card by suggesting that Natives are unique in this experience. There are Pros & Cons to publicizing ones culture to the wider group. One of the Pros is getting sympathy & support. But one of the Cons is being treated like a tourist attraction by vacation travellers. Its simply how our culture is these days. I did like how you offered suggestions on where people can go to learn more.

[@m.y.a.h.e.x.i.s.t.s]

My mother and father have always told me that I am a mix of African American, Native American, and White. Apparently, someone on my dad's side is full blooded Cherokee and my mom's side has native too. I don't know whether to believe that though because, a lot of people tell that same story. I'd like to get a DNA test, but I don't know if it'll be accurate and unfortunately, I can't afford it at the moment.

[@MauriceGalloway]

You can check the Dawes record for confirmation the natives was recorded by the government before moving to other lands I’m am creek Indian thought I was African descendant but the government lying and hiding fact you have to do the research

[@calliew311]

they aren't accurate especially for native Americans. if the story you were told is something to the effect of, My great great grandfather married a Cherokee princess, then you aren't native, at all. if it's someone your family knows about, then you can look that name up and find your ancestors.

[@m.y.a.h.e.x.i.s.t.s]

@@calliew311 It wasn't anything about her being a princess actually. Just a regular full blooded native apparently. My dad also gave me some of the family members names, so I'm gonna do a little research.

[@m.y.a.h.e.x.i.s.t.s]

@@calliew311 2 months later. I have Native DNA, but it's a super small percentage. It was enough to be traced though. I also found that I'm a little Asian and Arab along with African and European. Interesting.

[@inconnu4961]

@@calliew311 You are funny! For many years, prior to Progressives over taking the culture, it was NOT something to be proud of to have Native American blood line mixed in with European blood (this is not exclusive to POC mixed. Many whites hated OTHER white groups mixed in as well!). So the fact that it would be spoken about lends itself to be more true than not, based on some of the genealogists i follow. But you are correct, we should just claim it outright, we should attempt to confirm it.

[@kurtbogle2973]

Who gets to be a Indian? Only those who care! About this planet About the life on this planet. About their fellow beings including Human I love these abused victimised people! I am not alone! Any people who have endured what they have, and still have their values in tact are Holy, and deserve to be listened to. Not pretend ear service, buy really listened to.

[@MrAtsyhere]

I believe that I have ONE native ancestor that lived some 350 years ago. Now my DNA no longer shows any connection to natives being some 12 generations removed and on the female side of the family. I still feel connected to native people, politics, and culture. I don't feel the need to live in skins but I do feel the need to live in nature. I saw these Ted talks and realized that although I have ONE ancestor that is really ALL I need because she had TWO Parents, Four Grandparents, Eight Great Grandparents as we ALL do. Many thousands of Ancestors were 100% native and they are mine as well. So much for Blood Quantum, Spiritual Quantum means much more.

[@jandunn169]

My CRI test revealed that a Taino ancestor was in the Caribbean when Columbus arrived.

[@mistermagoo8685]

I’m an 1/8 Aztec and Inca but most people consider me white.

[@retiredg7536]

Maybe because you mostly are so I would consider you white

[@arizaliit]

I think Peruvians.

[@micahchristiansen678]

iv allways known my great grandma grew up on the reservation does that make me indian I feel its not fair to tell natives that I am

[@aaa587]

Are you enrolled in a tribe?

[@Tata-iu3fy]

My friend Chad grew up on the rez, that doesn't make him native.

[@primmoore6232]

You want humor? At 4:24 you show the slide about "Real Men eat TANIGA" which the captioning spelled 'tanika.' But when you say it again at 4:44, the closed caption says "HANUKKAH" 😅 Oops! Wrong culture! Unless you're Robbie Robertson, who said he was a Shmohawk.

[@lionelhammonds2337]

Everyone concerned about a ,native" what is so good about it , other than the fact that they want to be originals, and are fighting being colored, all people have a story,

[@aditea03]

Who gets to be an "indian"? INDIANS (from India)... I am Indigenous, I am Native. I am not "indian".

[@tribeup1007]

What's the differences between The Decendants of Indigenous People of the Western Hemisphere vs Native Indians?

[@stormy-le6pb]

DNA don't lie

[@supremeeddy7779]

@jesse caldwell they not mixed slowpoke.

[@godschildyes]

@Jesse Caldwell I am not one of those Afrocentrics or white Indian haters, but I will tell you the truth. Indians did not originate in North America or Canada and South America. Indians migrated to these parts from the Monglian regions before coming to North and South America. That is just simple scientif documented history.

[@hoodiebaby4436]

One is colored and the other is pale

[@sasachiminesh1204]

There are hundreds of documented tribes that don't have recognition, mostly because they lost all their land. The ones who suffered the most genocide are the same ones who don't have recognition. It's BS to say an enrollment # is the standard of being Indigenous. Tell that to cancelled tribes. One of my family tribes has federal recognition. One has no land and no recognition, but their cousins had recognition - then it was taken away a few years later. They are all in basic American history lessons. Then there are tribes who block other legit tribes in their state from getting recognition because of casino competition.

[@jedidamongames1333]

Same problem i have now , my grandfather and mother where both apache Indian ,I feel and look native american , its certainly in my blood a large portion ,. So what am i ? I spoke to another native american who has a number code to "verify" . you know what i got in return ? A rude snoty remark on how i have family stories that mean nonthing. I showed the man my grandfather pictures and mother , its clear as day there apache . my grandfather was even verified , he passed away before helping me be accepted by my own people.. So other native americans yes i know you encounter people who say there part native and some are full of bs , but there are ones like me searching for a path to know there heritage and the poeple , it's where I came from to . All lost , I just look for a path I'm lost on .

[@seneca1932]

You’re Native. If they want to let the government decide if they’re Indian enough, that’s on them. I know my heritage (Lakota) I look it, and I don’t need a registration card to tell me who my ancestors are and what my blood tells me. Neither do you. Live free.

[@jedidamongames1333]

@@seneca1932 that was beautifully said , I needed to hear that from another , Thank you ,

[@seneca1932]

@@jedidamongames1333 I’m glad it helped.

[@inconnu4961]

@@seneca1932 Its about government benefits! If your local tribe accepts you without the card, they accept you. But a federal card bestows federal benefits to the card holder. if you are fine NOT having those federal benefits, so be it! Everyone LOVES laws that benefit them and hates laws that dont! Take a number, you arent alone there. but at some point, someone has to draw a line of what is acceptable or not. Its why the government wont allow people to marry dead people (yet)! There has to be a line, or people will abuse the heck out of it.

[@moeshouse575]

are you EVER hold anything still for more than 2 sec?

[@godschildyes]

I so agree! Flashed the pictures so fast thenoved on to the next. Hard to get a concrete understanding of what his talk was about. Probably how being Indian has evolved so much to ridiculous heights.

[@weareindiginous487]

Can we get a story on the five dollar Indians ..as a hole picture

[@sandraatkins2539]

@Jesse Marcel Please do more scholarly research. $5 Indians were White people who paid corrupt employees of the Indian bureaus to give them a certificate claiming to be Indian so they could "steal" land set aside for real Indians by the federal government. I work in an institute where many so-called Indians are confined. They quietly boast about being Indians, yet all their paperwork lists them as White. I believe they are the descendants of $5 Indians. Further, they will swear that to be an Indian, one must be Caucasian. They would swear the gentleman speaking in this video is not an Indian.

[@galactic904]

We all came from indigenous people, Russia, Middle East, Africa Europe, India, China, America (Turtle Island)... but those are days gone by. Billions of people have changed and for the best and a brighter lifestyle. We can quit our day jobs and live our dreams in another career. Indigenous people (i once was), have no choices in careers but to survive the elements, 24/7

[@gpl992]

And Southeast Asia and Oceania is again forgotten..😭

[@AdventuresUnited]

We are all Indians...

[@jenniferbourgeau49]

then why didn't or dont you other indians treat us with respect?

[@inconnu4961]

@@jenniferbourgeau49 Who says you arent? Why dont you think you are being respected? Do us a favor: when you lay out your 'demands' of what respect is, please dont keep moving the goalposts (adding more & newer demands) once we meet or original demands! This is why the majority of America becomes annoyed or indifferent to minorities. Once they achieve a milestone they continue to make the same claims ie 'you dont respect us unless you give us THIS' this never-ending laundry list of demands becomes tiresome, and then the disrespect comes! And this is NOT unique to Natives, but applies to every minority group that plays these games! realize, you guys & gals can be your own worst enemy!

[@kweenme8101]

Just so we are clear....you like being called Indian.?

[@blakes9771]

Honestly depends on the person you’re talking to. Some are more sensitive to it than others

[@kweenme8101]

@@blakes9771 Just to be clear your not from India so you should be offended to be called Indian. Also, I was thinking American would be appropriate because just like other nations, that is the origin.

[@jasonbush259]

I wonder why in the 14, 15, 1600s the drawings have indigenous people with wide noses, thick lips and short curly hair with feathered Crowns and bow and arrow? I need help to understand this.

[@stormy-le6pb]

@Jason Bush...... The reason is becuz Whites put Natives on reservations & kept Natives away from both Whites & blacks, except for the 5 civilized tribes of Okla, & they had slaves & DNA proves that 3% of Native slaves have N.A.DNA, & that's where you get the 1 out of 20 blacks with N.A. DNA. The rest of the millions of blacks are European not Indians. Since Blacks were imported from Africa to America, no African bones are found here. The Tower of Babel is where God scattered all people to their lands. Genesis 11.

[@supremeeddy7779]

@@stormy-le6pb You are working full time being a agent in this matrix aren't you? How much are the Dracos paying you small fry?

[@abmlifeentertainment7300]

I want my card

[@officialVozie100]

Im 100% native american come from many native american tribes mainly apache and aztec tho proud of it WE 100 MILLION STRONG US WE THE MAJORITY IN NEW MEXICO TO PERU NOWADAYS WE 100% NATIVE AMERICAN DONT WORRY ABOUT US WORRY ABOUT YOURSELVES LOL

[@CharlesDaniels-nm5el]

Yeah we got the deed and the News paper The gig is up

[@Siouxthenation]

Any Latino that we see is just as much indigenous as most "Natives" we see nowadays. Especially when they're darker. Then, you can tell easily. Unless they're mixed with se other dark skinned group of people. I look at it this way and see Native Americans everyday all day(North and south).

[@AikoSilver]

I agree! This is a beautiful way of putting it. The reason why most Indigenous and mixed Latinos do not identify as indigenous is because of "Latinidad" brainwashing that caused heavy assimilation.

[@jenniferbourgeau49]

I used to live in the state of oaxaca Mexico and the majority of oaxacans are indigenous people

[@CharlesDaniels-nm5el]

That's right I'm 100 percent native American Indian

[@ActiveVeggieTours]

Don't wait for the rest of the world to save you. It's never going to happen. Gather together. Make plans for your people. Get off government aid and implement said plans. You can do it!

[@jasonbush259]

Who was here before the Native? I would love for the Native to answer that question. When I look at the drawings of the 14, 15, 1600s I don't see the white dude or the Native.

[@godschildyes]

Right. Natives were in the Monglia regions at the time before migrating to the North and South Americas.

[@godschildyes]

@Palpatine McSenateFace You need to learn how to spell and dictate your sentences better...

[@humanandanimalrightsviolat2025]

I see some African blood

[@pattysouza2954]

You don't get anything.

[@pumfeethermodynamics3286]

latinos could have so much more power if we embraced our indigenous heritage instead of trying to supress it.

[@inconnu4961]

Not really! Latinos have power in numbers, in being socioeconomically upwardly mobile, and by de-coupling from the Democrat party. Embrace moving into the mainstream of America! if you embrace your indigenous roots politically, all you will do is self-segregate yourself from other groups! The democrats want this, this is why they play identity politics and teach you to do the same! If you want to embrace your indigenous identity on a personal level, by all means do it. But NOT all Latinos come from the same tribe; so by showing preference for YOUR tribe, other Latinos will cling to THEIR tribe, further subdividing yourselves.

[@papakili1614]

Natives American are Polynesians. Truth will come.

[@papakili1614]

Maybe it was time for the native Indians to come back home. Home, home is Pacifica. Cheeeehoooooo