WhileNative American identity can be complex, it is rooted in political sovereignty that predates the creation of colonial nation states like the United States, Canada, and Mexico and persists into the 21st century recognized under international law by treaty. TheBureau of Indian Affairs definesNative American as having American Indian orAlaska Native ancestry. Legally, being Native American is defined as being enrolled in afederally recognized tribe, includingAlaskan villages. Ethnologically, factors such as culture, history, language, religion, and familial kinships can influence Native American identity.[1] All individuals on this list should have confirmed Native American ancestry. Historical figures might predate tribal enrollment practices and would be included based on ethnological tribal membership, while anycontemporary individuals should either be enrolled members of federally recognized tribes or have cited Native American ancestry and be recognized as being Native American by their respective tribes(s). Contemporary unenrolled individuals should only be listed as beingof descent from a tribe if they have confirmed heritage.
^[1] "Moses Brings Plenty is a Lakota born at Pine Ridge reservation. Young spiritual leader, he carries within him the voices of his ancestors and particularly Crazy Horse."
^[2] "Rodney A. Grant is a well-known celebrity in the Native Community. A Native American actor who is in support of Native American issues and is always willing to speak for the Native American people."
^"Jack Hoxie". Archived fromthe original on June 18, 2006. RetrievedMay 20, 2006. "in an interview with LeRoy Sebastian in 1963, he said "Pastor, I am an Indian, and therefore I have lived these many years believing in the Red Man's God..."
^"Untitled Document". Archived fromthe original on May 9, 2006. RetrievedMay 19, 2006. "Stephanie Kramer also intends to resume her music career, preparing a new album. Meanwhile, she devotes herself to Indian children. "I'm half Cherokee. I'd like so much for these children, who are a bit mine, to continue their studies. Life is hard In their land ravaged by extreme poverty. Thanks to an official organization, we can help them." The good-hearted actress has even taken a little girl from the Hopi tribe under her wing and she contributes a lot of money."
^[3] "...Randy, whose father is a Seminole Indian, "Got to make some comments I've been waiting all my life to say in a powerful picture."
^"Branscombe Richmond's Acting Bio". Archived fromthe original on April 3, 2006. RetrievedApril 3, 2006. "Of Aleut Indian descent, Branscombe has said, "I am a Native American first, last and always.""
^"Will Sampson". Archived fromthe original on April 26, 2006. RetrievedMay 19, 2006. "Will was a Muscogee Creek Indian born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, in 1934."
^[5] "He drew on his heritage as an Osage/Cherokee/Lakota Indian to also become an educator, historian and historical consultant."
