Question about joining a tribe

[minamina0826]

Can people who do not have any Native American background join a tribe?

[Toolbox]

Short answer is "no". A tribe is a nation and they set their membership requirements and one usually has to have lineage to that tribe and have a certain degree of Indian blood (Blood Quantum - "BQ"), a percent based metric. Some don't have a BQ requirement. In some instances some tribes have "adopted" non-Indians as an honorary thing. Most notably recent was the Crow Nation adopting Obama.

[wanjica_the_one]

Yes, a person with no native may be taken in by the tribe. Just look at Duane Big Eagle, a whiteman adopted by the Big Eagle family.

[AmigoKumeyaay]

Can people who do not have any Native American background join a tribe?

Define "tribe" Federally-recognized? State-recognized? Non-recognized?

Then you have to watch out for scam artists:

Little Shell Band of Chippewa Indians - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

By 2004 the Little Shell Band of Chippewa Native Americans claimed to be a "completely sovereign tribe" that held "allodial title" to over 53 million acres (210,000 km2) of land (this figure was later increased to 62 million). Saying it no longer sought federal recognition, the group declared its own executive, legislative and judicial powers, claiming the right to establish a legal bar and "tribal lawyers," as well as a "sovereign tribal financial and banking institution."

The new version of the Little Shell Band allowed anyone, regardless of ancestry, to become a member of the group, opening the door for a variety of anti-government figures to join (for a fee) and claim membership in the sovereign Little Shell Band. As a result, Little Shell Band activity spread around the country.

The Little Shell Band has more than 60 documented members, with probably at least a hundred more not yet identified. People have joined from around the country, with larger numbers in North Dakota, the Pacific Northwest and Southern California. The members are an eclectic collection of anti-government activists,

[WhoMe]

Can people who do not have any Native American background join a tribe?

NOPE .... but you can hook up with a Native and start your own tribe!

[Spiritflight]

Can people who do not have any Native American background join a tribe?

No, native american tribes are no clubs that can be joined by anyone who receives a membership card. Even clubs got restrictions on who can join. For example if a club of a non smoking "culture" gets asked by a smoking person, can I join, I am a smoker but I don't have to smoke while I am in the club. It is not in the club's interest to have smoking members, even if they would not smoke while being there.

[xTekno]

NOPE .... but you can hook up with a Native and start your own tribe!

you can be native by injection

[DeafElderWoman]

If you can go to Europe like Germany, I think. There are quite a lot of wannabe Indians trying to be natives so that they can preserve or try to save our Culture (North America). They are just nuts. **shaking my head**

But if that is what you want to be in this tribe in Germany. Be my guest.

You can marry the native and join in the reservations (USA) or First Nations (Canada) in North America but you will never become a member of the Native communities. You will always be an outsider as long as you have a wife and children. The children will probably get to become members of the Native community after they were born with their Native mother. That is the way our Culture has been for a very long time. Sorry.

[AmigoKumeyaay]

Can people who do not have any Native American background join a tribe?

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/05/21/johnny-depp-adopted-comanche-nation-114174

Johnny Depp Adopted Into Comanche Nation

ICTMN Staff
5/21/12

Actor Johnny Depp, who will play Tonto in the upcoming film version of The Lone Ranger, has been adopted by the Comanche Nation. The character of Tonto, in this latest telling of the story, is said to be Comanche—a bit of information that LaDonna Harris, an esteemed Comanche who is president and founder of Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO), found very interesting. "Johnny is reprising the historic role of Tonto, and it seemed like a natural fit to officially welcome him into our Comanche family," Harris said, according to a release. "I reached out, and Johnny was very receptive to the idea. He seemed proud to receive the invitation, and we were honored that he so enthusiastically agreed." The traditional ceremony took place on May 16 at Harris's home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Comanche Nation Chairman Johnny Wauqua was on hand, as were AIO’s staff and close family members. At the end of the ceremony, in accordance with tradition, Depp gave gifts to the attendees as a sign of gratitude.

"Welcoming Johnny into the family in the traditional way was so fitting," Harris said. "He’s a very thoughtful human being, and throughout his life and career, he has exhibited traits that are aligned with the values and worldview that Indigenous peoples share." The Lone Ranger, which is currently filming, is being directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, and is set for a May 31, 2013 release. The Depp-Verbinski-Bruckheimer team previously collaborated on three films in the Pirates of the Caribbean series.

[Joe's Dad]

If you can go to Europe like Germany, I think. There are quite a lot of wannabe Indians trying to be natives so that they can preserve or try to save our Culture (North America). They are just nuts. **shaking my head**

But if that is what you want to be in this tribe in Germany. Be my guest.

You can marry the native and join in the reservations (USA) or First Nations (Canada) in North America but you will never become a member of the Native communities. You will always be an outsider as long as you have a wife and children. The children will probably get to become members of the Native community after they were born with their Native mother. That is the way our Culture has been for a very long time. Sorry.

Never apologize to those that cannot be.

[Spiritflight]

German indian wannabe's base their love for this culture on writings of Karl May of whome to be said he never met an indian in real life. But today I think many of them did or tried to have contact to real natives. Those germans copy what they like. And if I'd go there, I presume they never accepted me as I would not be dressing up like them nor join their ways. Imo it's a life show theatre they are extremely serious about. Ah.. what the heck!