Title: Native American identity in the United States - Wikipedia
Headings: Native American identity in the United States
Native American identity in the United States
Contents
Definitions
Traditional
Constructed as an imagined community
Blood quantum
Residence on tribal lands
Construction by others
United States government definitions
Self-identification
Personal reasons for self-identification
Historic struggles
Unity and nationalism
Examples
Cherokee
Navajo
Lumbee
References
Bibliography

Content: Native American identity in the United States - Wikipedia
Native American identity in the United States
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Alaska Native dancers at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Art Museum, 2006
Caddo members of the Caddo Cultural Club, Binger, Oklahoma, 2008
Native American writers Kim Shuck (Cherokee-Sac and Fox), Jewelle Gomez (Iowa), L. Frank (Tongva-Acjachemen) and Reid Gómez (Navajo)
Native American identity in the United States is an evolving topic based on the struggle to define " Native American " or " (American) Indian" both for people who consider themselves Native American and for people who do not. Some people seek an identity that will provide for a stable definition for legal, social, and personal purposes. There are a number of different factors which have been used to define "Indianness," and the source and potential use of the definition play a role in what definition is used. Facets which characterize "Indianness" include culture, society, genes / biology, law, and self-identity. An important question is whether the definition should be dynamic and changeable across time and situation, or whether it is possible to define "Indianness" in a static way. The dynamic definitions may be based in how Indians adapt and adjust to dominant society, which may be called an "oppositional process" by which the boundaries between Indians and the dominant groups are maintained. Another reason for dynamic definitions is the process of " ethnogenesis ", which is the process by which the ethnic identity of the group is developed and renewed as social organizations and cultures evolve. The question of identity, especially aboriginal identity, is common in many societies worldwide. The future of their identity is extremely important to Native Americans. Activist Russell Means spoke frequently about the crumbling Indian way of life, the loss of traditions, languages, and sacred places.