Blood percentage

[swift horse running]

I wanted to start this thread and get everyones feelings on blood percentage. Here's why:
I am 1/4 Cheyenne from my grandfather which makes my boy's ony 1/8. I have been treated badly at some pow wows because of my complexion (because I look mostly white). However my grandfather spent a great amount of time and energy throughout my young years teaching me about my native heritage and teaching me to be proud of it. I know there are a lot of people out there who don't like or want mixed breeds around. I try to live a good productive life and teach my kids right in being proud of their native heritage, so I am just curious as to how everyone else feels. I wish I was fullblood but am not and cannot change that, but am still proud and try to support the native causes. I donate items each year to the rez and support many causes. Having mixed blood am I less of a person?

[kgirl7]

Having mixed blood am I less of a person?

Only if you think so...

[chazziff]

yea only if you think soo ...

just keep on doin what you're doing - keepin up traditions!! teach your children what your grandfather taught you ..

i know alot of so-called full-bloods that probably don't know a quarter of your grandfather thought you - cuz nobody taught them or they just didn't WANT to listen to the teachings.

i must admit in the past that i have had some issues with ppl who were half - but i've matured (well, i think so anyways .. lol). i think it was just ignorance on my part. and i am teaching my children to accept EVERYONE - i'm always sayin to them "you saying that gives the right to someone else to call you a no-good drunk indian or a wagon burner or whatever." guess it did come from my peers, parents, friends etc. but i am trying to do my part to bring an end to it ...

[jumbonative]

I wanted to start this thread and get everyones feelings on blood percentage. Here's why:
I am 1/4 Cheyenne from my grandfather which makes my boy's ony 1/8. I have been treated badly at some pow wows because of my complexion (because I look mostly white). However my grandfather spent a great amount of time and energy throughout my young years teaching me about my native heritage and teaching me to be proud of it. I know there are a lot of people out there who don't like or want mixed breeds around. I try to live a good productive life and teach my kids right in being proud of their native heritage, so I am just curious as to how everyone else feels. I wish I was fullblood but am not and cannot change that, but am still proud and try to support the native causes. I donate items each year to the rez and support many causes. Having mixed blood am I less of a person?

No, being an individual of mixed heritage does not make you any less of a person than someone who is not but only you can make that determination.

[Blackbear]

this could'nt have been asked on the other mixed blood threads?

[OklahomaBella]

If we, as Natives, disregard respect (as taught by our elders)what it really means to be "Indian", to be family and love one another, how else are we to expect non-natives to treat us fairly?? Degree of blood is so hard-lined by our government that it's come to numbers and not kindness. But in some eyes, race, creed, sexual orientation and yes, even Blood Degree, you would think "it shouldn't matter"...

but unfortunately it does.

Just my $.02

[WhoMe]

I have an opinion that:

If you were raised with the traditional teachings of your grandfather and you are 1/4 of his tribe, then it shouldn't matter what color you are.

But,

If you've recently found out that your great x 7 grandmother was on the Dawes roll, and they were not Cherokee to begin with (yes, this happens),


...then it really doesn't matter how much you wanna be Indian (In your heart, in your little toe ... whereever).


Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Principal Chief Chad "Corntassel" Smith of the Cherokee Nation - also has this opinion?

[Blackbear]

I agree with Whome... I've said this before, if you have no ties to your people, then what good does it do you to be indian? People could call me white, apple, whatever from any other nation.. I could'nt give a rat's patoot... but if my family, my nation did'nt know me, then what really makes me tuscarora to begin with? It would'nt matter if I was 1/16th and knew more about my culture or language than anyone else in the whole nation... without their acknowlegement and acceptance, it means nothing.

[Wakalapi]

If you are doing what your Cheyenne grandfather taught you to do, no one has the right to question it -- but the RACISTS still will. The racists of both colors, that is.

[JimGrayOwl]

Now, I'm liking what I'm seeing. It is true that you need to be connected to claim a heritage. It is also true that you have to come with a good heart and suffer some of the indignance of ingnorant people before you are accepted. Many people here are picking up on the BQ thing. Don't get involved in that. It is important to remember that you are or are not Indian. I don't know what a "part" Indian is. It does not matter what BQ you have if you are Indian.

We have to remember that BQ is a thing set up by a white government, because eventually there ain't going to be any Indians if Indian subscribe to this way of thinking. We need those with mixed blood. The numbers grow, we get things done in our anti-Indian government with vote power, and we get fresh blood to make stronger Indian blood.

Just don't forget what you went through when you are accepted by all (and you will be if your heart is good).

[Native Disc Dogger]

Racism is racism, irregardless of it's intention. Millions of people, including The People, have died all over the world for this very principle. Thousands of years of learning and yet still no understanding..... Listen my friend, some people will judge you but their judgement does not make you. Your ancestors made you. They fought battles you can not imagine and made desisions that got you to this point. Be grateful, show honor and above else be proud. When confronted by those blind individuals bring compassion and good manners to thier ugliness. Show them whom has been brought up properly.

[CHEROSAGE]

Hey Swift Horse': I call this the "Skin Game". This game happens most places you go if you allow it. Fortunately I and my family don't have to deal with it. I don't play the game myself but have withnessed it. Keep your head up and carry on your Families works. Teach your children the best you can. Use your family as a buffer.

[RedShield]

Listen, I just want you to know that no matter what anyone else says...you are the person you are because Creator made you that way and no matter what anyone says or how they judge you....it is only the Creator who will always accept you because he made you the way you are. Don't get caught up in other peoples misguided and outdated drama over blood quantum....it obviously means more to them than it should to you.
Love yourself, your family, and the creator....and you can't lose.

[Cherie]

I wanted to start this thread and get everyones feelings on blood percentage. Here's why:
I am 1/4 Cheyenne from my grandfather which makes my boy's ony 1/8. I have been treated badly at some pow wows because of my complexion (because I look mostly white). However my grandfather spent a great amount of time and energy throughout my young years teaching me about my native heritage and teaching me to be proud of it. I know there are a lot of people out there who don't like or want mixed breeds around. I try to live a good productive life and teach my kids right in being proud of their native heritage, so I am just curious as to how everyone else feels. I wish I was fullblood but am not and cannot change that, but am still proud and try to support the native causes. I donate items each year to the rez and support many causes. Having mixed blood am I less of a person?

Having mixed blood does not make you any less a person. You are who and what you are cause the creator made you that way. As for the people who you know that don't like or want mixed bloods around they're not worth worrying about.

Just keep being proud of your heritage and keep living a productive life.

[swift horse running]

Thanks

Just wanted to say thanks and a blessing upon all those who respond. I am just curious how everyone else feels and appreciate all the responses. Really it doesn't bother me, but I worry about how my kids feel...you know how parents feel. I know this happens no matter what race anyone is, but it is true I only have to answer to our Creator. I do try to live the right kind of life and teach them all that was taught me. Thank's for all the positive responses as they have lifted my spirits. My second son has had some problems at school with name calling even though he does not look Indian. I have taught him to be proud of his heritage and his sticking by his beliefs has caused some of this, but I am very proud of him for his determination and for not buckling under to peer pressure.