There are a number of benefits to proving Indian ancestry. Some Native Americans in the U.S. are entitled to preferences, such as federal financial assistance. In order to qualify, however, they have to prove their Native American ancestry through blood quantum or DNA analysis and enroll as a member of a tribe. An original birth certificate is one way a Native American descendant can prove her Indian ancestry and gain spiritual and cultural identity.
Grants and Scholarships
Native Americans who can prove Indian ancestry and are an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe, or who have obtained a Certificate Degree of Indian Blood--or a CDIB card, which issued by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs--can apply for federal grants and scholarships. According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, American Indians and Alaska Natives are entitled to a number of grants and scholarship services, such as business assistance programs, and education and job training assistance. The Administration for Native Americans has several grant programs that provides financial assistance to American Indian tribes and their members. The Association on American Indian Affairs also allots scholarships and educational funds, child care grant services, youth grant programs and health services to American Indians who can prove their ancestry but do not belong to a federally recognized tribe.
Benefit Services
Native Americans who have proved their Indian ancestry and have a CDIB card may qualify for federal aid and programs, such as employment opportunities, low-interest loans, Indian Health Service assistance as well as legal access to eagle feathers for cultural and religious ceremonies through the National Eagle Repository. Other services that may be available to Native Americans are heating and electricity discounts, food and clothing allowances, child care assistance, housing and building allowances, and motor vehicle licensing discounts.
Tribal Membership
Native Americans who have proved their Indian ancestry, and have succeeded in becoming a tribal member, can opt to living and/or work on their tribal reservation. Tribal members who live on a tribal reservation are not subject to state property taxes, and members who work directly for their tribal government are not obligated to pay state income tax. Tribal members of tribes that own casinos may be entitled to casino profit-sharing programs, tribal revenues from timber sales and guaranteed employment. Some members may also receive tribal sponsored scholarships and grants. Other benefits to being a tribal member may include access to the tribal health clinics and counseling services. Becoming a tribal member can also help Native Americans maintain a link to their cultural identities and gain personal pride in their heritage.
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