This article will help you begin and continue your Native American Genealogy Research with helpful resources and methods.
Throughout our twenty-year journey, we’ve helped many clients trace their roots to their Native American ancestors. Whether they wanted genealogical proof for tribal admittance or they simply wanted peace of mind knowing that the oral stories they heard were indeed true, every client is hoping for more validation of their heritage.
Our blog articles can help you get started on your own journey as you navigate Native American genealogy research to unearth your unique heritage and understanding of where you come from. We hope this guide to articles will be useful as you discover your Native American heritage.
ASK A GENEALOGIST: WHEN NATIVE AMERICAN RESEARCH GETS PERSONAL
One of our genealogy researchers who specializes in Native American family history projects discovered her personal connection and passion for the subject when she discovered that her grandfather was Native American and died when her father was only 11 years old. In this article, Melissa Finlay talks about common brick walls people run into with Native American genealogy research and how to overcome them. She also talks about the role DNA and blood quantum play in establishing tribal membership.
ASK A GENEALOGIST: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES & NATIVE AMERICAN RESEARCH
We asked another one of our researchers to talk about what got her interested in Native American genealogy research, and, of course, it was personal. Her family had a story about an ancestor who was the son of an Iroquois Chief, and she wanted to find a way to validate the stories. In this interview article, our researcher talked about how Native American genealogy research is different from more western and European lineage research. She also gives more insight into the problems with trying to use DNA as proof for tribal membership.
ASK A GENEALOGIST: EXPLORE YOUR CHEROKEE HERITAGE
In yet another personal interview, our researcher Michelle Carroll shares wonderful images and stories of her Cherokee ancestors. She talks about how U.S. officials could not pronounce Cherokee and other Native American names, and how that causes many challenges as people try to find their ancestors when they begin their genealogy research. Michelle also mentions different records to look for, including newspapers, to help you begin to put all the puzzle pieces together. Her personal research stories are both helpful and inspiring to help keep you going when the brick walls seem impossible to surmount.
TRACING CHEROKEE ANCESTORS WITH DNA, TRIBAL CITIZENSHIP, AND CHEROKEE ROLLS
Michelle Carroll goes beyond her previous article and expands on more Native American genealogy research tips. She discusses the limitations of DNA testing, and how blood quantum is determined as you try to gain tribal citizenship. She also goes into detail about how to trace your ancestors beyond the Trail of Tears. From the personal to the professional, Michelle’s perspectives are invaluable as you continue your research journey.
CONNECTING CULTURE TO ANCESTRY: THE CHEROKEE HERITAGE CENTER
Another one of our researchers with Cherokee ancestry made a trip to visit Tsa-La-Gi, better known as The Cherokee Heritage Center in Oklahoma. Read this article to join Michelle Chubenko as she discovers stories and resources that helped her deepen her connection to her ancestors. If you’re planning to visit The Cherokee Heritage Center, Michelle’s article is a great way to help you plan your trip.
BEGINNING YOUR NATIVE AMERICAN ANCESTRY RESEARCH
As with any genealogy research project, begin with you and work backwards, ancestor by ancestor, verifying each person with documentation. It might be tempting to jump straight to the Native American ancestor you’ve heard stories about, but you’re more likely to make assumptions about the validity and nature of your relationship with them.
HOW TO SET A GENEALOGY RESEARCH GOAL
Our project managers have worked with thousands of clients, and they know how to craft a genealogy research goal that will most likely help you find what you are looking for. In this article, our project manager, Derek Tolman, gives you simple and clear steps to help you begin to make a plan for finding your Native American ancestors with confidence and accuracy.
SETTING S.M.A.R.T. GENEALOGY RESEARCH GOALS
Another useful resource for any genealogy research project is this article where we help you learn how to use SMART goals to define your genealogy research goals. This is a fun and easy way to narrow down your search, and make small accomplishments that lead to great discoveries.
If you would like to learn more about hiring us to help you find your Native American ancestors, you can fill out a form here to have someone on our team reach out to you. We also offer 45-minute consultations if you prefer to do your own research but need a professional to help you get through a brick wall.
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