Blood Will Tell: Native Americans and Assimilation Policy

Blood Will Tell explores how the concept of blood quantum dominated Native identity and national status in the United States between 1887 and 1934, leading to exclusionary policies and dispossession of Native people of their land. The book reveals the underlying centrality of blood in shaping official ideas about who was eligible to be defined as Indian by the General Allotment Act and documents on-the-ground case studies of various tribes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2022
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

Blood Will Tell delves into the profound significance of blood in shaping official ideas about who was eligible to be defined as Indian by the General Allotment Act in the United States. Katherine Ellinghaus meticulously traces the evolution of the concept of blood quantum and its overwhelming dominance in shaping Native identity and national status between 1887 and 1934. She also uncovers the underlying mechanisms of exclusionary policies that worked to dispossess Native people of their land. The U.S. government's unspoken assumption at the time was that individuals of mixed descent were undeserving of tribal status and benefits, despite their crucial contributions to the national implementation of allotment policy.

Ellinghaus conducts in-depth case studies of various Native American tribes, including the Anishinaabeg, Arapahos, Cherokees, Eastern Cherokees, Cheyennes, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks, Lakotas, Lumbees, Ojibwes, Seminoles, and Virginia tribes. Through these documented cases, the history of blood quantum as a policy emerges, shedding light on its assimilation implications and enduring legacy. The role of blood quantum is essential in understanding how Native Americans became one of the most disadvantaged groups in the United States, and it continues to be a central topic in contemporary debates about Indian identity and tribal membership.

Blood Will Tell makes a significant and timely contribution to ongoing political and scholarly discussions. It sheds light on the historical roots of discrimination and inequality faced by Native Americans and highlights the ongoing struggles for recognition and justice. Ellinghaus' meticulous research and analysis provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of Native American history and culture, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing this marginalized community.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496230379