Being a United States citizen born and raised means something different for everyone, but for me, it has become a profound journey into the past to better understand my present. My pursuit of ancestry; through genetics, haplogroups, and traditional genealogy, was never about claiming a specific tribe, checking a box for political gain, or creating division. It began as a quest for answers about my own health, and it has evolved into an incredible exploration of where I come from.
The Science of Ancestry
Technology has brought us to a place where we can make sense of history written in our DNA. I have met voices that want to narrow my identity, suggesting I am solely a descendant of slaves from Africa. While I honor that part of my heritage and am actively learning about African culture, the data tells a much broader story. I possess key haplogroups that migrated out of Africa thousands of years ago, but my research has also uncovered records dating back to the time of Jesus Christ with ancestors in South America—a history backed by haplogroups that have spanned the Americas for millennia.
Uncovering the Paper Trail
When I received DNA matches with Native Americans, it prompted a deeper dive into my heritage. The backlash I have faced due to my skin color and my indigenous African roots has been significant, yet the documents do not lie. Tracing my ancestry back to colonial America, I found substantial paperwork documenting ancestors who were native to these lands, even if they were not registered in a tribe.
I have learned about the realities of life before Canada was formed and how my ancestors were part of the First Nations. Through the Washington lineage, I have tracked ancestors registered on the Dawes Rolls, which led me back to England. Learning how cultures within America functioned—from the way indigenous people carved out lands out West and fought for independence in Canada, to how they were stripped of their ancestral lands in the South—has put everything into perspective.
Blood Quantum and the Weight of History
The concept of blood quantum, a system created by the government to manage tribal benefits, is still incredibly controversial. Yet, when I look at our history, I see the human element behind the policy. The fractions were meant to be a guide to measure family proximity; a way to understand generational closeness.
Reflecting on the formation of America, from the fight for independence to the eventual granting of citizenship to Native Americans, I see my own family’s footprint. There is a sense of irony and responsibility in knowing my ancestor, who was the first president, played a role in this formation, while my other lines were fighting to keep their land and sovereignty.
A Vision for the Future
We are living through a lot right now; the fires in Canada, the air quality issues, and the mess we see in our food supply. Even looking at the cost-of-living points to places like Mount Vernon, which I see as a part of my family’s history, I just want to see the land managed properly again so we can deal with the real problems facing us today.
I am at a crossroads about formal tribal membership. I am open to the process, but I refuse to make it the sole source of my identity. I am a melting pot: I have the crown of my European heritage, the deep roots of my African ancestry, and the enduring spirit of my indigenous ancestors.
I am looking for connection, not division. If you are indigenous, or if representatives from the First Nations, the Cherokee Nation, or any of the southern tribes are interested in networking to make America better for us all, I am open to collaborating.
There are plenty of voices out there trying to sow hate and discord, especially toward those of us who do not fit into the boxes they have created. I choose to focus on building rather than adding to the garbage that has plagued our generations.
Thank you for walking this part of the journey with me. Please consider supporting our community during these challenging times.
Have a good weekend.
Until next time,
Brandon
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