When I did the Native American course for Ancestry, I truthfully stated that there were 566 federally recognized tribes in the United States. A few others are recognized by states and many are trying to obtain federal recognition. It’s a long process that requires extensive research. Some of the Bureau of Indian Affairs guidelines have changed. You can read a June 29th press release on that by clicking here.
There are now 567 federally recognized tribes. The Pamunkey Indian Tribe is the state of Virginia’s first federally recognized tribe.
Read articles on the Pamunkey recognition here and here.
So when you take or retake my Native American research course, you will know that 566 number needs to have one more added!
Not yet acquainted with the Ancestry Academy courses? That’s easy to remedy by visiting www.ancestry.com/academy
© 2015, Paula Stuart-Warren. All rights reserved.
Paula,
My husband had always been told that his two grandmothers were part Native American, but his DNA results showed ZERO Native American. We were shocked because his mother, father, and two sisters all have a strong Native American look.
I’m sure you’ve heard similar stories from others. In your experience, have you learned what other ethnicities resemble Native Americans? My husband is 55% Great Britain, 12% Scandinavia, 10% Iberian Peninsula, 10% Ireland/Scotland/Wales, and 8% Europe West. Would any of these areas account for a strong N.A. look?
Thank you!
Hi Becky,
You should read http://www.rootsandrecombinantdna.com/2015/03/native-american-dna-is-just-not-that.html to help understand this.
A “strong Native American look” is a judgemental call and may not mean anything. Thorough research into many records is necessary, even when you take DNA tests.
Paula