Q: My DNA Test came back and I'm 1/4th Native American. My grandfather was Native American. So how do I join the Seneca Nation?
Marilynn
Pennsylvania
A: SENECA NATION ORG
EXCERPT: Please be aware that the tribal census records of the Seneca Nation of Indians do not date prior to 1858. Therefore, we are unable to assist you with searches prior to that year. Also, enrollment/membership in the Seneca Nation of Indians is based on MATRILINEAL descent. In other words, the mother must be an enrolled member in order for the children to be enrolled. Keep in mind that our census records list ONLY members. If an enrolled Seneca man married a non-Seneca woman, the names of the wife and the resulting non-enrolled children DO NOT APPEAR in our records. As an additional point of information, too often we receive inquiries from individuals who erroneously believe they descent from the "Iroquois Nation." Please note that "Iroquois" is a non-native term which is used collectively to represent six aboriginal nations which united to form a confederacy, a.kl.a "The Iroquois Confederacy." These six aboriginal nations are" The Seneca, Cayuga, Onandaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora. Each is a separate political and geographical entity with its own government, land base, and membership. ...
COMMENTARY: Since it's MATRILINEAL (the mother's side) that counts with the Seneca, I don't think you have a chance, However, you still might find the genealogy department at the tribe able to help you go further back in documenting your connection to the tribe.
