Title: Who Are the Native Americans?
Headings: Who Are the Native Americans?
Who Are the Native Americans?
The Definition of Indigenous
Federal Recognition
Tribal Membership
Indigenous Hawaiians

Content: These are questions with no simple or easy answers and the source of ongoing conflict in Indigenous communities, as well as in the halls of Congress and other American government institutions. The Definition of Indigenous
Dictionary.com defines indigenous as: "Originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country; native." It pertains to plants, animals, and people. A person (or animal or plant) can be born in a region or country, but not be indigenous to it if his or her ancestors did not originate there. The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues refers to Indigenous peoples as groups who: Self-identify as Indigenous at the individual level and are accepted by the community as their member. Have historical continuity with pre-colonial or pre-settler societies. Have a strong link to territories and surrounding natural resources.