I was pretty clear from all the discussion regarding how to fill out the census that we DID NOT have to be a tribal MEMBER in order to identify ourselves with our true heritage of American Indian. But the following message doesn't seem to say that - or am I misunderstanding?? This message which Alice says is from the Census Bureau says: " American Indian or Alaska Native -- A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment." Because they use the word "and" this links "American Indian or Alasks Native" to "tribal affiliation or comunity attachment" - meaning that in order to be an American Indian, you must have origins to original peoples AND you must have tribal affiliation or community attachment !!! I am really confused now - what should we who are Indian but are not tribal members do???. Sharon ----- Original Message ----- From: <Rlang90547@aol.com> To: <FIVECIVILTRIB-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, March 06, 2000 4:42 PM Subject: census reply > > I can't reply directly to the roots list, for > some reason, can you send you this to Five > Civilised Tribes List at roots, please? Finally > got a reply from the census... > Thank you. > Alice > __________________________________________________ > The 1997 standards for federal data can be viewed > on the U.S. Census > Bureau's home page at <http://www.census.gov>. > From Subjects A to Z > click on A for American Indian and Alaska Native > areas population. > Scroll down past number 4 and click on the first > bullet under > Issues for 2000 census. This document states: > > American Indian or Alaska Native -- A person > having origins in any > of the original peoples of North and South > America (including Central > America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or > community attachment. > > You may also want to read the frequently asked > questions about the upcoming > census 2000. From the top of our home page click > on Operations and then > Frequently Asked Questions. > > If you have further questions, contact the census > 2000 staff at > <2000usa@census.gov>. > > Shirley B. Witcher > pop@census.gov > Statistical Information Staff > Population Division > U.S. Census Bureau > 301-457-2422 > www.census.gov > > > ============================== > Personalized Mailing Lists: never miss a connection again. > http://pml.rootsweb.com/ > Brought to you by RootsWeb.com. >