Harlan McKosato: Tribal membership evolves every generation

Monday, January 21, 2013  

"The issue of tribal citizenship is arguably the most equivocal topic in Indian Country today. The whole concept of blood quantum is as ambiguous as it is puzzling. Native American tribes are the only groups in this country that determine our membership by pedigree — or by degree of blood, unless you count certain breeds of dogs and horses.

Once enrolled into a tribe, most of us are issued a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, or CDIB card, certified by our tribal nation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. Interior Department. This is what makes you an official, card-carrying Indian.

This certificate or card is proof that you are a member of a federally recognized tribe and therefore makes you eligible for all kinds of free stuff like free, surplus, government-subsidized, health-impairing food (aka commodities) and free health care (yeah, right).

But on the bright side, you can promote yourself as an authentic Indian artist or you can apply for Indian and minority educational scholarships. And if you’re lucky enough to be a member of one of the few casino tribes that issue per capita payments, better still."

Get the Story:
Harlan McKosato: Intense debate: Who is Indian? (The Santa Fe New Mexican 1/20)