On Reconnecting to Indigenous Roots

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Throughout history, various forces have severed connections between individuals with Indigenous ancestry—whether recent or ancestral—and their cultural communities. Colonization has permeated nearly every aspect of life in the United States and North America, affecting Indigenous peoples profoundly (Jones Brayboy, 2005). Experiences such as boarding/residential schools, slavery, trafficking, extreme poverty, and the degradation of Indigenous cultural practices have led many to distance themselves from their Indigenous heritage, leaving descendants cut off from their communities and traditional knowledge.

In the modern era, however, technology and internet access have provided new opportunities for individuals across North America to reconnect with their Indigenous roots and communities. I am one of many on this journey. Reconnecting with one's heritage is a lifelong endeavor and often lacks a straightforward path. My own path involved extensive genealogical research and a degree of hesitation, as my current tribal enrollment is with a tribe where my ancestors were adopted after being separated from their original community due to French enslavement. Along the way, I have learned several important lessons that I would like to share.

1. Reconnection Can Be Complicated

Reconnecting with Indigenous heritage is rarely straightforward. Many Indigenous communities are highly protective of their cultural practices and traditions, and this is entirely understandable. Even if you have ancestral ties, you might still be perceived as an outsider. It's important to approach this with respect and acceptance.

2. Tribal Enrollment and Identity

Tribal enrollment involves both political and cultural dimensions. While some individuals may have ancestral ties to a tribe, they may not be officially enrolled due to various factors. It is crucial to understand that enrollment is not the sole determinant of Indigenous identity.

3. Don’t Become a “Pretendian” 

Be cautious of inadvertently falling into the trap of "Pretendianism," where individuals claim Indigenous identity based solely on family stories or distant connections. Authenticity requires rigorous research and validation. Investigate historical documents linking your family to the tribe or community and seek out connections within the community itself. Diligence in your research and claims is essential to ensure a respectful and responsible reconnection journey.

4. No One-Size-Fits-All Approach

I do not claim to be an expert in the art of reconnecting, nor is anyone else. Each person's journey will be unique, with varying beginnings and, for some, different outcomes. Therefore, if you are considering embarking on or continuing your own journey of reconnection, here are some valuable resources to guide you along the way.

Urban Native Collective- https://urbannativecollective.org/reconnecting-natives

Becoming Kin: An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future by Patty Krawec 

“Being a Reconnecting Native is Hard” by Maya Flores. Medium. https://mayflors98.medium.com/being-a-reconnecting-native-is-hard-ac4ec81dea41

Citations:

Jones Brayboy, B.M. (2005). Toward a tribal critical race theory in education. The Urban Review, 37(5), 425-446.