Contributed by Jessica Yee.
As proud as I am as a Native woman, by all accounts from the federal governments across North America, this is a difficult thing to prove.
In both Canada and the United States, being legally recognized as a Native person means you have to be biologically measured; by your blood quantum in fact, as to how Native you really are before you can officially become one. For women in Canada this system is particularly more oppressive, since up until 1985, if we decided to marry outside our race, it meant losing our legal status as “Indian”.
The whole structure of being a “registered Indian” was something the colonizers started as a way to differentiate which racist laws were to be forced upon which population of colour. For our people, besides our land, treaties, and basic human rights being taken away, being registered also meant attending residential, boarding, or mission schools which systematically stripped us of any cultural identity and are now responsible for the generational repression that permeates so many of our communities.
And although you would think that with such a prejudicial institution that is known as the “Indian Act”, when it comes to self-governance on the reservation, we would all instantly ignore these rules created to assimilate and destroy. The truth is that this oppression has been so internalized that we sometimes use the same system against each other to identify who has rights to the reservation. In a number of territories across Canada, there are two separate identifications you must go through, which determine whether or not the government legally recognizes you as “Indian”, and whether or not the tribe you belong to officially recognizes your membership to that reservation.
I recently had the pleasure of watching award-winning director Tracey Deer’s documentary “Club Native” which profiled the lives of 4 women in her home community of Kahnawake, located in Quebec. It is an up close and personal account of their stories which are ultimately about a relationship outside the community that is affecting them on some level to potentially lose their status as Mohawk. The film confronted the deeply-rooted prejudices people have against each other and understanding the severe damage it can do to our inner-most selves. It makes the connection that in the end we are all human beings and need to celebrate who we are as a whole.
Things are changing however and we are fighting to make sure our proud Native identities are retained for future generations. Sharon McIvor who is Nlaka'pamux from British Columbia, is currently challenging the Supreme Court of Canada for her children to be legal “Indians”. Although the laws supposedly changed after 1985 for Native women to have their status reinstated, women who married non-Indians and their children got status, but the women's grandchildren did not, while the grandchildren of Indian men and non-Indian women did.
In all my cultural teachings, I don’t ever remember learning a single one that was about a system telling me whether or not I was Native. It is so much more than that, it is life, essence of being, and things that I can’t even fully describe or do justice to in this English language of the colonizer. I know that as Mohawk, we are a matriarchal society; our women and children are the forefront of our communities. We deserve the utmost recognition on all levels as such.
For more posts by Jessica Yee, click here and here.
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I might have some thoughts on this, but first I have a question: are recognized Indians still considered Canadian or American citizens?
Alice - in the US, yes. not sure in Canada
this resonates...
my specific branch of the family never registered. my direct ancestors didn't trust the goverment and didn't want to give them any more power over us than they already had. i have cousins who are registered and live on a reservation. i spent a large chunk of time on the reservation (visiting) being called an "Apple"... an epithet i think comes more from the fact that i am not IMMEDIATELY judge as Indian.
the difference is only a few generations and the signing of a piece of paper - my great grandfather did not, his brothers did, and now there is this gulf in our family...
I can sympathize. I'm an eighth Cherokee and an indeterminate amount of Sioux and Black Foot. Way back in the day, my Great-Grandmother had her name expunged from the Indian Roll since she didn't really feel comfortable having her name on a list of people the government has systematically screwed over. But even though they have record of her removing her name, the Tribe won't acknowledge my family whatsoever.
Hi Alice
Yes, we are still recognized as Canadian and American citizens. Sovereignty is an interesting conundrum, while governments might say we are "sovereign", they still impose absolute say on what and how we do things, which is getting into a whole other slew of problematic issues.
Yes, status Indians are citizens.
*boggle*
Interesting post - I can't help but think of the "one drop rule" and other instances of de jure or de facto policies defining membership in a particular group. When the government or society chooses to hand out benefits (or punishments) on the basis of membership, who is (or isn't) a member becomes very contentious. In the case of contemporary Native Americans, I would assume casino revenues and rights thereto cause conflict between those already certified to be beneficiaries and those seeking the status.
In most cases, I would say get the government out of the classification business, and it won't matter. Marriage provides a great analogue here: if the government just offered domestic partnership licenses and stayed out of the marriage business all together anybody could be married in whatever way they please, and particular faiths would be free to offer hetero only, homo only, or inclusive marriages.
In this case, however, I wonder if it isn't just a necessary complication (given the importance of at least feebly atempting to honor our treaty promises). Just imagine how complicated and contentious the racial line drawing would have to be if we ever attempted reparations for descendants of American slaves.
Alice: I'm not an expert on Canada, but yes.
In the U.S. the Citizenship Act of 1924 made all Native peoples citizens of the country. Thus you can have dual citizenship with the U.S. and your tribe or nation.
"Apple" -- that would be "red outside, white inside"? The Native equivalent of the Chinese slang "banana"?
Lots of great discussion!
There are many complications with these realities. It isn't just a Native issue though, and that is how it often gets treated to no avail. It's a feminist issue (Indigenous peoples invented feminism!) a human rights issue, and it's affecting many of us to the core.
The right to self-determination is an Indigenous concept we all need to remember.
For me, my culture is such an integral part of who I am. It took a long time to get here (something I hope to write about one day soon!) but turning 22 this year really made me examine what it means to be Native and it had nothing to do with what any card or system was telling me. It also didn't look like any mainstream media form of "Indians" you've ever seen. I had to leave that all behind.
For all of the problems that exist in this world, I see a "coming back to our roots" and looking at things through an Indigenous lens, to which we are all connected, as a way to effect positive change.
So screw anyone who's going to tell me how to do that!
(oh and yes, the reference to Apple is the infamous red on the outside, white on the inside. I guess I would be the Indigenous banana/apple combo, but damn am I delicious put together!)
ShifterCat:
yep. also, Oreo (black outside, white inside. my b/f is called an oreo all the time...)
dumb, isn't it?
and it still makes me flinch...
Lots of great discussion!
There are many complications with these realities. It isn't just a Native issue though, and that is how it often gets treated to no avail. It's a feminist issue (Indigenous peoples invented feminism!) a human rights issue, and it's affecting many of us to the core.
The right to self-determination is an Indigenous concept we all need to remember.
For me, my culture is such an integral part of who I am. It took a long time to get here (something I hope to write about one day soon!) but turning 22 this year really made me examine what it means to be Native and it had nothing to do with what any card or system was telling me. It also didn't look like any mainstream media form of "Indians" you've ever seen. I had to leave that all behind.
For all of the problems that exist in this world, I see a "coming back to our roots" and looking at things through an Indigenous lens, to which we are all connected, as a way to effect positive change.
So screw anyone who's going to tell me how to do that!
(oh and yes, the reference to Apple is the infamous red on the outside, white on the inside. I guess I would be the Indigenous banana/apple combo, but damn am I delicious put together! And I'll do without being labelled white on the inside, thank you)
Thank you to everyone who answered me.
On the one hand, if they're supposed to be a legitimate, separate group, an actual nation should be established and recognized, making the question of whether or not a person is a member of a tribe answerable by looking at their passport, and on the other hand, they should simply be citizens of Canada or America if they're not a significantly separate group. To actually create a separate legal class of citizens based, literally, on bloodline is as straight-forward an example of racism as one can find.
As an Ojibway womyn I was always told by my parents as a child that I was Native. It was something that was deeply instilled in me. I am very thankful that who I am was fully honored from the beginning of my life because it built a strong base. My Father is a recognized member of the tribe (I am not going to name the tribe simply because I would like to keep that private for now) here in Michigan. He lived in the city (Detroit) for better economic opportunity. In the early 1990's the tribe wanted to remove my Father because he did not live on the reservation. My Mother also tried to affiliate her children and tried again when we were teenagers. The tribe denied us because according to the "records" we were below the "blood quantum qualification."
As years passed and I became more proud of my heritage I became more upset with my tribe. I have been honored as an Ojibway womyn by various people from other tribes around the USA. My thesis adviser during graduate school understood that despite my "blood quantum" I am Native. A few years ago I wrote the tribe a letter stating my story, beliefs and how strong my connection is to my heritage. This letter was to actually explain my story on a heart to heart level to become affiliated with this tribe. They sent a letter back stating that "I am a descendant of a tribal member." How disheartening?!
I feel more connected to the Earth, have never like to consume and have never really understood the destructive and exploitative system of capitalism. It only made sense that I was much more connected to my Ojibway heritage than anything else.
I used to say that I was only "part" Ojibway. Recently I decided to quit saying that because it is a part of what I call the "annihilation brain." I posted about this in my blog recently. I was in Colorado and in the restroom of this tea house this woman said, "nice medicine bag." Then she introduced herself as Northern Cheyenne. I replied to her saying, "I'm Ojibway!" I said it proudly and I didn't say "part Ojibway."
I really correct people when they ask if I am a "card carrying Native." Or if they ask, "how much are you?" That would be very offensive to ask a white person or anyone else, "how much white are you?" I explain to them that the government set up the 1/4 mark standard for annihilation purposes. That once the Indian feel below the 1/4 mark then after that there would be no more Indian. This is why I choose now to say I am Ojibway rather than part. This is why I choose now to live strong in who I am and learn and strengthen my connection to my Ojibway heritage rather than let it fall away to the wayside.
It is early in the AM and I have a few poems I will post to my blog if anyone is interested in this process of sorting through your identity in the midst of blood quantum, tribal politics, land. healing, family, and exploration.
As an Ojibway womyn I was always told by my parents as a child that I was Native. It was something that was deeply instilled in me. I am very thankful that who I am was fully honored from the beginning of my life because it built a strong base. My Father is a recognized member of the tribe (I am not going to name the tribe simply because I would like to keep that private for now) here in Michigan. He lived in the city (Detroit) for better economic opportunity. In the early 1990's the tribe wanted to remove my Father because he did not live on the reservation. My Mother also tried to affiliate her children and tried again when we were teenagers. The tribe denied us because according to the "records" we were below the "blood quantum qualification."
As years passed and I became more proud of my heritage I became more upset with my tribe. I have been honored as an Ojibway womyn by various people from other tribes around the USA. My thesis adviser during graduate school understood that despite my "blood quantum" I am Native. A few years ago I wrote the tribe a letter stating my story, beliefs and how strong my connection is to my heritage. This letter was to actually explain my story on a heart to heart level to become affiliated with this tribe. They sent a letter back stating that "I am a descendant of a tribal member." How disheartening?!
I feel more connected to the Earth, have never like to consume and have never really understood the destructive and exploitative system of capitalism. It only made sense that I was much more connected to my Ojibway heritage than anything else.
I used to say that I was only "part" Ojibway. Recently I decided to quit saying that because it is a part of what I call the "annihilation brain." I posted about this in my blog recently. I was in Colorado and in the restroom of this tea house this woman said, "nice medicine bag." Then she introduced herself as Northern Cheyenne. I replied to her saying, "I'm Ojibway!" I said it proudly and I didn't say "part Ojibway."
I really correct people when they ask if I am a "card carrying Native." Or if they ask, "how much are you?" That would be very offensive to ask a white person or anyone else, "how much white are you?" I explain to them that the government set up the 1/4 mark standard for annihilation purposes. That once the Indian feel below the 1/4 mark then after that there would be no more Indian. This is why I choose now to say I am Ojibway rather than part. This is why I choose now to live strong in who I am and learn and strengthen my connection to my Ojibway heritage rather than let it fall away to the wayside.
It is early in the AM and I have a few poems I will post to my blog if anyone is interested in this process of sorting through your identity in the midst of blood quantum, tribal politics, land. healing, family, and exploration.
As an Ojibway womyn I was always told by my parents as a child that I was Native. It was something that was deeply instilled in me. I am very thankful that who I am was fully honored from the beginning of my life because it built a strong base. My Father is a recognized member of the tribe (I am not going to name the tribe simply because I would like to keep that private for now) here in Michigan. He lived in the city (Detroit) for better economic opportunity. In the early 1990's the tribe wanted to remove my Father because he did not live on the reservation. My Mother also tried to affiliate her children and tried again when we were teenagers. The tribe denied us because according to the "records" we were below the "blood quantum qualification."
As years passed and I became more proud of my heritage I became more upset with my tribe. I have been honored as an Ojibway womyn by various people from other tribes around the USA. My thesis adviser during graduate school understood that despite my "blood quantum" I am Native. A few years ago I wrote the tribe a letter stating my story, beliefs and how strong my connection is to my heritage. This letter was to actually explain my story on a heart to heart level to become affiliated with this tribe. They sent a letter back stating that "I am a descendant of a tribal member." How disheartening?!
I feel more connected to the Earth, have never like to consume and have never really understood the destructive and exploitative system of capitalism. It only made sense that I was much more connected to my Ojibway heritage than anything else.
I used to say that I was only "part" Ojibway. Recently I decided to quit saying that because it is a part of what I call the "annihilation brain." I posted about this in my blog recently. I was in Colorado and in the restroom of this tea house this woman said, "nice medicine bag." Then she introduced herself as Northern Cheyenne. I replied to her saying, "I'm Ojibway!" I said it proudly and I didn't say "part Ojibway."
I really correct people when they ask if I am a "card carrying Native." Or if they ask, "how much are you?" That would be very offensive to ask a white person or anyone else, "how much white are you?" I explain to them that the government set up the 1/4 mark standard for annihilation purposes. That once the Indian feel below the 1/4 mark then after that there would be no more Indian. This is why I choose now to say I am Ojibway rather than part. This is why I choose now to live strong in who I am and learn and strengthen my connection to my Ojibway heritage rather than let it fall away to the wayside.
It is early in the AM and I have a few poems I will post to my blog if anyone is interested in this process of sorting through your identity in the midst of blood quantum, tribal politics, land. healing, family, and personal exploration.
Alice's last post-- exactly.
JessicaYee-- I think we met a few weeks ago at the ACLU conference. It's awesome to see you here on Feministing!
Cool post. Anybody have anything to say about Stephen Harper's recent apology for Residential Schools? http://www.fns.bc.ca/pdf/TextofApology.pdf (link goes to a PDF file)
Does anyone know if it is true in Canada that if you leave a reserve, you lose your native status card? I've heard this but my aunt is Ojibway and lives in the city but (I'm quite sure) she still carries the card.
I would ask her but she's not very open about talking about anything to do with her past/heritage.
Thanks for addressing this. I'm a First Nations man (Ojibway), and my family immigrated to the US from Canada. I was born here. As a result, I am not enrolled because Canada cannot extend First Nations citizenship to an American citizen, and the U.S. cannot extend citizenship in a Canadian nation to a non-Canadian. Wow! As a result, I can speak my language, attend ceremonies, I've written two textbooks on our modern politics and cultures, and I regard myself as Anishinaabe...but I cannot own an eagle feather.
Okay, I know feathers don't compare to feminist issues, but it Is a matter of great significance to us, men and women, and it's just an illustration of the role of politics in ethnic identity.
Thank you everyone for posting and for the kind comments about my article!
In regards to the apology that Stephen Harper just made, check out my article here "Sorry Excuse for an Apology": http://www.rabble.ca/in_her_own_words.shtml?x=71916
Freesia: Indeed we did meet at the ACLU Conference!
Catherine: Good question. If you leave your reserve, you don't lose your "Indian" status card as regulated by the government, however depending on what the rules are of your tribe and the circumstances in which you are leaving, you might lose your place on the registry list, which references back to the two different "proofs" thing that we have in Canada. (note: not all tribes have this and there are many that you can still remain connected to no matter what)
MattOKC: Miigwetch brother for sharing! It's important that we as both women and men come together to speak out against the ongoing colonization of our people!
Boozhoo, nich kihan! I'm so glad to see feminist 'shnaabs (non-Indi'n translation; that's slang for "Anishinaabe"), because our nation is SO cool. We were feminist first, ennit?
Thank you so much for your post, Jessica Yee and Ojibway Angel!
I have also referred to myself as "part-Native American" in my life to date. I don't know what my tribe is, so that's part of the reason. I was born and raised in NC,. As a legacy of the Civil War, most people don't remember that the Jamestown, VA colony existed approximately 20 years before Massachusetts. Therefore, NC's Natives were the first be decimated/assimilated. So, many families are like mine. We know that my great-grandmother was Native. We just don't know how much or which tribe. I intend to research or do one of those DNA tests to find out.
The other part of my not identifying fully is that I look white. I've always felt that I didn't have the right to run around saying that I'm Native when I haven't suffered the discrimination that immediate visual identification brings or struggled on a reservation. I didn't want to diminish the real problems that registered Indians faced.
I talk about it with family, and I feel comfortable, to an extent, with mentioning it here. It's just such a relief to hear that wondering if I'm "Indian enough" is not just in my head. Like Ojibway Angel points out, I don't wonder if I'm Scots-Irish enough. *sigh*
Geez, my post got posted three times! Eek-thats what happens when you have a bad internet connection!
Frau Director-it is good to refer to ourselves as whole. For me it has been such a process. If I say half then I am denying who I am. If I say full then I am fully acknowledging myself for who I am.
I wanted to mention this also. When my Grandfather moved down from the rez to the city in the 50's he had two things at play. 1) He was not "officially," married to his partner and they had five kids unmarried. That was so risky for back then. 2) He identified himself as a white man and denied his heritage as an Ojibway man. Talk about annihilation?! Geez! So...this is why I make it a big deal for myself to acknowledge that I am Ojibway and not "part-Ojibway."