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By Arigon Starr
News From Indian Country
What is a “Real Indian” anyway?
There are as many kinds of “Real Indians” as there are tribes.
Most folks seem to agree that a “Real Indian” knows where they’re from and who their people are. A tribal enrollment card is a good indicator, but since plenty of tribes don’t have state or federal recognition it’s not the only criteria. Are you a Pow-Wow or a Conference Indian? Perhaps you are Traditional, know your language, or work at the tribal health clinic or casino? Maybe you’re a scholar, a businessperson, a writer or play for the Boston Red Sox like Jacoby Ellsbury or like Oklahoma Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford?
News From Indian Country
What is a “Real Indian” anyway?
There are as many kinds of “Real Indians” as there are tribes.
Most folks seem to agree that a “Real Indian” knows where they’re from and who their people are. A tribal enrollment card is a good indicator, but since plenty of tribes don’t have state or federal recognition it’s not the only criteria. Are you a Pow-Wow or a Conference Indian? Perhaps you are Traditional, know your language, or work at the tribal health clinic or casino? Maybe you’re a scholar, a businessperson, a writer or play for the Boston Red Sox like Jacoby Ellsbury or like Oklahoma Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford?
