Q: Who is an American Indian? "Legally and politically, an
American Indian is a member of a tribe. Each tribe creates its
own membership requirements to determine whether an individual
is eligible for enrollment. Membership criteria varies from a
certain degree of American Indian/tribal blood quantum to
community recognition as a tribal member. Each Tribe should be
contacted as to the specific enrollment qualifications for that
tribe (for more information on enrollment issues, visit the
Bureau of American Indian Affairs website at
http://www.doi.gov/bureau-indianaffairs.html). In order to be
politically and legally recognized as an American Indian, this
political connection between the tribe and the individual must
exist, as it is that connection that determines whether the
individual American Indian can access rights established by
treaties between the tribe and the U.S. Government.
Additionally, a tribe must be federally recognized for both the
tribe and the individual American Indian to access protections