I have been told that the Choctaw Nation prefers the term Indian over native American since anyone born in America is also a native American. This makes sense to me. However, each nation has their own opinion. In addition I think it's what ever you are comfortable with. On a previous question. In Minnesota the tribes historically accepted persons into tribe who basically moved in with them, became community supporters and identified with the tribe and its goals. This included captives who were adopted. Friends on various reservations in Minnesota also chuckle at the concept of full blood because over the years of euro contact who can really know blood genetics. For example Crazy Horse was light haired and blue eyed according to a Lakota friend. The Mandans have many with light eyes and hair. Look at the pictures of a lot of the old Choctaw and you see euro influence. The Choctaw have had contact since they ran De Soto out in the early 1500s.