I would like to point you to Jessica Yee's story on Feministing about Degrees of “Nativeness." I posted a response to this story regarding this issue as this is something that has greatly affected me all my life. You can read my response on there to hear more about my story. Below is a poem about the issue of blood quantum, tribal politics, personal exploration, family, relatives, ancestors and inner transformation.
Sign The Papers
April 7, 2008
Annihilation is blood qualifications,
And we dip under,
Under the qualification,
So ya want the voice of the Indian, eh?
Ya want the word?
Well annihilation is this blood quantum deal,
Set up by the government,
Adopted by the tribes,
But they can't adopt me,
Because "my blood" is somewhere between and 1/8 and a 1/4,
but my spirit is somewhere between a full blood and a million ancestors,
And I am another mixed breed,
I am another product on annihilation,
Refusing the annihilation process by my own people.
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More Native News...
I would also like to inform you of the new blog called Back2traditions created by Jessica Yee and Dennis Danforth Jr. This new blog will share the week long traditional diet that these two will embarking on. So you can read the experience first hand. How exciting!
Read about My Mother's Lessons by Christie Cook on the Native Moms blog on RezNet News.
A young Navajo women shares her story on taking pride in her culture.
Cherokee Ballard was named Oklahoma Leukemia Lymphoma Woman of the Year 2008 for her battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. She is a television news anchor in Oklahoma City.
The Baker Twins break stereotypes with their Native American woman's calendar.
Take a look at the book called, "Navajo Women: Saanii."
2 voices speak:
i have to say that that poem is incredible b/c it speaks of my own feelings. i am in that 1/4 bracket and have what appears to be white skin...but my heart, my family, everything i knew of my childhood is from that tribe...that reservation. people see me and they don't see my heritage, they are surprised when i talk about it...that poem is just...well it is just. just that. thank-you.
Thank you! We know what is in our hearts and Spirit. We know the truth despite the physical disguise and appearance. Its a good lesson for all people regarding this blood quantum deal to see and feel the truth that comes from us!
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