There are multiple realities of Native American identity. We have our own experiences & upbringings. If 1 is part Native & not enrolled does not mean they cannot identify to some degree. However there is some truth in being raised in the culture & w/traditions that can give some Indians a stronger identity due to the experiences & history of their people. Yes, Louise didn't suffer as many Indians have- she came from a privileged situation but has done something for Indian communities too.
Louise adopted INDIAN children w/FASD & raised them- these were not her children but the children of Indian people who drank & used drugs during their pregnancy- she has done a lot of work & awareness for FASD in Indian communities, more than many other people have in her position- she deserves some credit, not do be hacked for not being a full-blooded Indian or not dark-skinned enough- as 1 person said its what 1 does for the community that counts but only if 1 can see broadly...
@meganovatron It is hard & a battle. In New Zealand Maori do not have to do this but have to prove Iwi descent. So you can be 1/64th Maori & claim you are full Maor- many do who look pure white. They do not have reservations and benefits are universal for them. So sometimes Indian identity is also a way for a tribe to down-size & exclude people so they can prevent them from getting tribal benefits such as gaming benefits- it seems like a double-edged sword. E Cherokee req. blood quantam tests.
There are multiple realities of Native American identity. We have our own experiences & upbringings. If 1 is part Native & not enrolled does not mean they cannot identify to some degree. However there is some truth in being raised in the culture & w/traditions that can give some Indians a stronger identity due to the experiences & history of their people. Yes, Louise didn't suffer as many Indians have- she came from a privileged situation but has done something for Indian communities too.
Louise adopted INDIAN children w/FASD & raised them- these were not her children but the children of Indian people who drank & used drugs during their pregnancy- she has done a lot of work & awareness for FASD in Indian communities, more than many other people have in her position- she deserves some credit, not do be hacked for not being a full-blooded Indian or not dark-skinned enough- as 1 person said its what 1 does for the community that counts but only if 1 can see broadly...
@meganovatron It is hard & a battle. In New Zealand Maori do not have to do this but have to prove Iwi descent. So you can be 1/64th Maori & claim you are full Maor- many do who look pure white. They do not have reservations and benefits are universal for them. So sometimes Indian identity is also a way for a tribe to down-size & exclude people so they can prevent them from getting tribal benefits such as gaming benefits- it seems like a double-edged sword. E Cherokee req. blood quantam tests.