Scholarly Resources
This page is dedicated to providing reliable and scholarly resources on Native American topics, spanning historical, cultural, social, and contemporary perspectives. Our goal is to support researchers, educators, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the diverse Native American communities.
Blood Quantum
Blood Quantum is a term used to describe the system of measuring Indigenous ancestry by quantifying the proportion of “Indian blood” a person has. Introduced by colonial governments and remains a controversial topic in discussions about Indigenous identity, tribal enrollment, and sovereignty.
Resources
- The article explores blood quantum, a fractional measurement of the amount of Indian blood, and its use to measure inclusion within Native American communities. It covers the threat of blood quantum with its limitation of the number of eligible people the existence of Native Nations.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People crisis highlights issues of inequality and injustice faced by Indigenous peoples. A crisis disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities, where Indigenous women, girls and people experience high rates of violence, disappearances, and murder in comparison to other populations.
Resources
Missing and murdered indigenous people crisis
- Discusses challenges faced by the Native American community like jurisdictional complexities, lack of resources, and underreporting, alongside data gaps. The site also outlines the need for improved investigative tools and coordination. Human trafficking and systemic barriers to justice are key focuses.
- Article determines the cities with the highest rates of MMIW, and investigates into the root causes for this national crisis.
Missing or murdered indigenous persons documents
- Discusses briefly the problem, testimonies, and dive into lack of data. As well as, exploration on how those who provide legal, medical, and social service to Indigenous people can engage in culturally competent ways.
Member Enrollment
Member enrollment refers to the process by which individuals are officially recognized as members of a specific Native American tribe or nation. This process is deeply tied to tribal sovereignty, as each tribe has the authority to define its own membership criteria based on its laws and traditions. It determines who can participate in the governance and cultural life of a tribe, influencing the future of tribal nations.
Resources
- Provides information on guidelines for tribal enrollment, which involves determining membership eligibility for federally recognized tribes.
Revitalizing the Language
Revitalizing the language refers to efforts to preserve, restore, and promote the use of Indigenous languages that have been endangered or lost due to centuries of colonization, assimilation policies, and cultural suppression. These efforts are crucial for maintaining cultural identity, heritage, and sovereignty among Native American communities.
Resources
National Museum of American Indian Culture
- Highlights the broader significance of Native languages as a vital expression of cultural identity and resilience. It emphasizes the importance of language preservation, tying historical contributions to ongoing efforts to revitalize and sustain Native languages.
Deforestation
refers to the large-scale clearing of forests and its impact on Native peoples, their lands, and their traditional ways of life. For many Indigenous groups, forests are not only homes but also spiritual, cultural, and economic foundations. Deforestation poses existential threats to these communities.
Resources
Tribal Zoning, Sovereignty in Action
- A overview of the challenges and considerations involved in zoning and planning within tribal lands, focusing on the intersection of tribal sovereignty, federal and state law, and the role of planners.
