Only a small group of people living in Tenn. have petitioned the state to recognize the Melungeons as an Indian tribe. Personally, while I believe that most Melungeons have some Indian in their ancestry, I don't believe that they can be described as a tribe. I doubt very seriously that the state of TN will allow this. MONEY, if nothing else will keep them from it, since anyone enrolled as a member of an acknowledged Indian tribe is elgible for benefits. All Melungeons are NOT applying for tribeship. (smile) Nancy S