Who Can Identify as First American?

A Native American dancer wearing bright blue, orange, and white regalia with beaded patterns and a shawl with long white fringe performs before an audience in the Hall of The People during First Americans Museum’s 2025 Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration.

Tribal citizenship is at the core of First American identity. Our relationships to our ancestors connect us to our specific tribal communities. As descendants, we have inherited our political identities as well as our cultural identities. 

But if one does not have a tribal citizenship, can one claim to be First American? Here are four case studies that explore whether or not a person is a First American.

Tap or hover your mouse over each case study to learn more.

Is Thomas a First American?

Yes. Thomas can see his family’s birth documents to authenticate his descendancy from an original enrollee through his grandfather. Thomas can be a Chickasaw citizen. Though he may not know much about his heritage, his political right to citizenship is not affected by his having grown up away from the tribal community.

Destiny Starchild just had her DNA tested and it showed that she is 7 percent Native American. She grew up with stories of her family being Cherokee.

Is Destiny a First American?

Without further evidence, no. Tribal identification cannot be confirmed by DNA tests (which have a 3 percent error rate). Destiny can research Cherokee Nation records, which date to the early 19th century, for any trace of family lineage. She should not claim to be Cherokee. We hope that Destiny will become an ally.

John Robertson grew up in Carnegie, Oklahoma, the headquarters of the Kiowa Tribe. He spent his life around the community and even speaks Kiowa fluently.

Is John a First American?

No. John is an ally, and a first-rate one at that. But without a direct blood descendancy, John is not a First American.

Isabella Jackson is the 16-year-old child of parents who are each descended from three tribes. Isabella is very proud to have so many relatives across Indian Country. She loves to participate in cultural gatherings and events with her grandparents.

Is Isabella a First American?

Yes, Isabella can trace her tribal identity to each of her parents’ tribes. However, she is eligible to be counted as a citizen of only one tribe. When Isabella turns 18, she can choose a single tribe in which to enroll as a citizen.