DNA TEST and SENECA NATION TRIBAL : QUESTIONS FROM READERS of ANCESTRY WORSHIP - GENEALOGY

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.

STARTING THE YEAR OUT WITH NATIVE AMERICAN GENEALOGY QUESTIONS

NATIVE KNOT: Native American Tribal Registration

Two people have asked me to help them with Native American genealogy to prove they should be members of tribes - One Seneca and the other Kiowa. In the past I mentioned that tribes usually expect 16% genetic link - as proven by genealogy documents not DNA - which means one great grandparent or two great great grandparents.  However, I discovered this is NOT the case with the Seneca or the Kiowa. I wonder if it's changed since the days when I sat in on Native American classes at my local LDS Family History library.

I found this web site that has informational links to SOME - not all - of the many Native American tribes that did or do exist. Also there are some generally small groups of Native Peoples that are still fighting for governmental recognition as a tribe for all the benefits possible.

Take a look and see if the tribe you're interested in is listed!