My grandmother, who was from Appomattox County, VA, was 1/4 Native
American. I do not know the tribe from which she descended (she was
orphaned at an early age), but judging from the location, it may have
been Monacan. I am extremely proud of my heritage, and have always
been quite demonstrative about it, to the occasional annoyance of
friends and family. My question is, do I have the right to even call
myself a Native American?
I also would like to become more politically involved in the matters
dealing with Native Americans. How do I do that? Do I contact one
of the politically active groups here in Alabama, even though my
tribal affiliation is not with anyone here? Or do I contact someone
in Virginia, where my grandmother came from? Or should I become
affiliated with a national group such as AIM.
As I stated before, I hope I haven't sounded too naive. But, in
light of my heritage, I feel like I need to be doing something more
than just reading this list. Any replys may be sent directly to me.
Thank you for indulging me.
Jean Spradlin-Miller
University of Alabama at Birmingham
kmiller@beowulf.mhsl.uab.edu