SDSU Self Identification As An American Indian Discussion

1- Discuss two reasons why many tribes and American Indian individuals are not in favor of self-identification as an American Indian. Do you agree with them? Why or why not?

2- Reply: 

When individuals self-identify as Indigenous, it can cause many negative impacts for tribes. When someone finds out later on in life that they have native ancestry, they often have the ability to be claimed by a tribe. This is called ethnic switching. The real issue has to do with ethnic fraud in which individuals have no legal, cultural, or biological ties. In these instances, people claim to be indigenous so that they may receive benefits such as in higher education. This is a settler colonialist mindset.

Self-identification can be distasteful because it threatens tribal sovereignty. Tribes have the right to determine who is a citizen through their own criteria. This is a very important ability that tribes have. Therefore, when people self-identify, they are doing so without verification from a tribe and are ignoring the authority of tribal governments. There are many instances of people committing ethnic fraud by self-identifying as indigenous and then go on to receive benefits that are not intended for them. This is why it is important for places such as universities to verify tribal membership to filter out people who lie about their identity.

Another argument against self-identification is because it often leads to cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation occurs when aspects of a culture are taken by people who are not associated with that culture. This is often done in a stereotypical manner without much knowledge or respect and in the absence of permission. This is particularly offensive when people make a profit off of things such as art and music that are from a culture that is not theirs.

I agree with these arguments against self-identification. Tribal sovereignty is very significant and should be respected. Cultural appropriation is very offensive and disrespectful and should not be tolerated.