We American Indians are enrolled and are often required to show documents of our tribal affiliation, should?

Question

other races be required to show the same? How about a Bureau of Causian Affairs, make them document their whiteness?

In order to own property on the reservation, to vote in tribal elections, to get permits to posess eagle feathers as required by law enrollment is a must, its not a welfare thing, as the uninformed think. You all broke every single treaty made, so think before you answer

Answer 1

i am only asked for my tribal ID when i need something from the tribe. nobody else needs to see it. i am proud to show off my tribal id whenever i get a chance. i am proud of my tribe, The Cow Creek Band of Umqua Indians, from Canyonville Or.

Answer 2

And Sir what happens when you can't prove "whiteness" ?? I know for a fact I'm not "pure" white. But to look at me you would swear up and down I am. (read Ruby's post, totally excellent I love it)
You are Native Indian, this I can see, if I were to tell you I have some Indian blood, BUT not enough to enroll what would you say?? You would more than likely say that what bit I have is not enough to be considered Indian. (totally disrespecting my great grandmother)
AND I do know for a fact that the gov. does give money for such things as food, education, houses. I have 3 brothers who are half Native American, 2 that had their college educations paid for, 1 receives "Indian housing" (I think he said he pays like 20 bucks a month) And not to mention medical.
When I was younger my Native American babysitters (husband and wife) lived in Indian housing (paid $1.00 a month) and received gov. commodities.
So I'm just wondering how would it work if whites were to document their whiteness?? Will we get the same benefits?? I could go for only paying 20 bucks a month for my house with the option of actually owning it one day. I think this is a great idea you have come up with. Every race can have their own facilities....
And I understand now times are a bit different within the many different Nations. Some are truly poor and need all the help they can get. Where as some have thrived with Casinos and other business's. For the rich Nations I don't know for sure if they still recieve anything from the gov. (more than likely) but probably not as much.
But I'm still liking this idea you have hit upon..... so I guess my answer is Yes!
BTW why post this in the immigration section?

Answer 3

I dont' think it is right that as a nation of "Americans" we should have a distinction for everything by race. If you go to Italy they dont' call themselves an "African-Italian" or a "Caucasian- Itailian". They are just an Italian. Same in France and England etc. We are the only country that wants everyone classified by race. It is not right. We were all born and raised in America. We are by all rights just "AMERICAN". And for those of your complaing about welfare...there are more "whites" on welfare than any other race. Want to complain about your tax money look at what the President is spending your hard earned money on, a war, big business and higher gas prices. Also talk to you state senators and find out how much it is costing to keep people in prison and on death row. I think you will be appalled by how much your states pay for the upkeep of inmates and the "amenities: they recieve while in prison. Please be informed when you want to pass judgements on people. The American - Indians were treated horribly in the name of progression and ignorance. What little they are given is nothing in comparison to what was taken. Please read up on your history and know something before you pass judgements in such a callous manner.

Answer 4

Good idea! Bureau of Caucasian Affairs, it's brilliant. I'm about 1/8 Cherokee, and my family has been traced back to the Trail of Tears. The Bureau of Indian Affairs should be eliminated. The government has never played nice with American Indians. I don't think there should be government agencies that require documentation of heritage.

I still like your idea, I'll be smiling all day!

Answer 5

I really hope that the situation with the Natives improves. What was done to your people was a holocaust, and yes, we have the duty to restitute as much as we can.

Hey, no hypocrisy here now, among those bashing! Don't go for the dreamcatchers, pictures of wolves and bears to show some macho strength, pelts, and leather items when at the same time we push the sources of the symbolism into oblivion

Answer 6

So you're throwing a blanket over every white person with your racist remarks, is that it??? I read your bio. I'm a vet as well and I take exception to your petty remarks. "Causian Affairs" I've NEVER treated anyone with disrespect in my life and it hurts me to think a fellow vet still holds so much resentment to the same people who put their lives on the line for this country regardless of their color. If you don't like what is going on what have you done to help change the system? Is this your effort to correct things?? I feel sorry for you.

Answer 7

That was awesome question...but..... when & if that starts happening. The white people will start screaming that it is against their rights and privacy but have for years not thought it a problem when others races and cultures were singled out for their benefit. White people are not true white anymore. I am one of them. I am Irish, German, Cherokee. USA's white people are so mixed up with so many different races.....not even a joke... and they hide behind a smiling face with a heart full of racism towards anything that they do not consider white...Obviously at some point in my family history someone was called a halfbreed by WHITES.

Answer 8

I do not get special benefits for being white. I believe being Native American they do. Not Sure. But I know in some states only Native Americans can own Casinos.

Answer 9

White americans are like robbers they stole the native land of indians

Answer 10

I would have no trouble documenting my whiteness.The BIA does that to keep others without Indian blood from benefiting from being Indian.and sharing in the tribes wealth and benefits.Do you want others without Indian blood getting things designated for only Indians?

Ruby your post is magnificent in its beauty.Thank you for sharing.