Looking for your Native American ancestry through DNA
Heard in many families is the comment -"There is Indian in our family" - that has been passed down from generation to generation.
"You begin talking with living relatives near and far, researching and gathering all information you can. Findings show no evidence of this person or the stories you have been told existed.
Turning to DNA, many researchers turn to hoping these test and markers will show results either in percentage or a tribal location. DNA cannot give a match to a specific Native American tribal community and percentage is either very low or non-existant. Nor will tribes accept DNA for membership enrollment. To establish your lineal ancestor for tribal enrollment you need to prove with genealogical documentation. DNA or blood test for enrollment in a tribe can be established if the individual is biologically related to a tribal member. Tribal membership enrollment is governed by each tribe in accordance with its rules.
We all come from a very complex ethnic family heritage. DNA markers show stronger European, African-American or other ethnic groups than Native American ancestors. Generally, in a lineage there may be one Native American ancestor dating back four or more generations resulting in the decrease of percentage.
DNA testing can become very overwhelming, confusing and difficult to understand. If you are looking for your Native American ancestry using DNA testing, Mr. T. L. Dixon has a blog article that will help to understand these tests, explaining the how and why's.
Mr. Dixon explains why Native American DNA is a very low percentage, or, does not show up on your test results; percentages being lost or washed out over generations with charts and illustrations. His percentage table chart show: Parents (50%), Grandparents (25%), Gr. Grandparents (12.5%), Gr. Gr. Grandparents (6.25%) and Gr. Gr. Gr. Grandparents (3.125%)." - Ginger Jones, Autauga Genealogical Society
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Classes Offered in Special Collections
Preservation Class - Offered every Tuesday morning from 10 AM to 11 AM. This is for anyone who is interested in how best to save old letters, newspaper articles, photographs, etc. Covered are the procedures and supplies that are needed to properly work with family keepsakes.
Basic Genealogy - Available every Tuesday evening from 6 PM to 7 PM. The class is for anyone who is new to relatively new to genealogical research. As the title suggests, the basics of beginning family history research will be covered.
Genealogy Roadshow - Presented every Thursday evening from 6 PM to 7 PM. Patrons will learn the kinds of stories other researchers are able to find on their families. Also, some tips will be available to attendees on finding their own stories.
Patrons may sign-up for these FREE offerings by calling 256.532.5969, or, may attend on a walk-in basis. They are all held in the Rane Pruitt Room located on 3rd floor of the Main Branch Library.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Check out the Special Collections Genealogy Blog 'The Bones Collector' at ...
http://bonescollector.blogspot.com
Make sure to bookmark it if you haven’t already. Reminder : Some of the back issues of ‘Ancestor Searching’ are archived on the site. Just click on the ‘Newsletter’ link under the ‘Labels’ category found on the left-hand side of the page.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Need to unsubscribe? Instructions now included with every email from this list.
Changing email addresses? Use our ‘Sign-Up’ form at … http://hmcpl.org/lists to add your new address.
Richard White
Manager, Special Collections
Huntsville-Madison County Public Library
915 Monroe Street
Huntsville, AL 35801
Ph: 256.532.2360
Email: rwhite@hmcpl.org
Web site: http://hmcpl.org
Check us out on Facebook - HMCPL Special Collections and 'Like' us!