West Virginia's Civil Rights

Are you an Indian? You might just be!

Submitted by Michael Jones, American Indian/Alaska Native Program Manager

Currently in the United States, 10 to 20 million people may have Indian ancestry, but only a small percentage identifies themselves as being primarily Indian. The Bureau of the Census counts anyone an Indian who declares himself or herself to be an Indian. In 1990 the Census figures showed there were 1,959,234 American Indians and Alaska Natives living in the United States (1,878,285 American Indians, 57,152 Eskimos, and 23,797 Aleuts). This is a 37.9 percent increase over the 1980 recorded total of 1,420,000. Why such a large increase? Well, the increase has been attributed to improved census taking and more self-identification during the 1990 count.

So, are you one of the 10 to 20 million Americans that is an Indian?

You might think that is an easy question to answer. It only takes a simple yes or no, right. Well, let us take a look and see just what it takes to be an Indian.

There is no single definition of "Indian" - socially, administratively, legislatively or judicially. Since there is no single definition, to know whether or not you qualify for tribal or government programs, you must contact them directly. The USDA says that the 1964 Civil Rights Act does not apply to American Indians and Alaskan Natives. In order to be considered American Indian 1/32 of your ancestry must be Native American or Alaskan Native (NJ USDA-NRCS web page). The Bureau of Indian Affairs give the following requirements for their services; an Indian must (1) be a member of a Tribe recognized by the Federal Government, (2) one-half or more Indian blood of tribes indigenous to the United States (25 USC 479); or (3) must, for some purposes, be of one-fourth or more Indian ancestry. By legislative and administrative decision, the Aleuts, Eskimos and Indians of Alaska are eligible for BIA services. Most of the BIA's services and programs, however, are limited to Indians living on or near Indian reservations.

Have you figured it out yet? Are you an Indian? Not so fast! One of the most important questions to know the answer to whether you are an Indian or not is what tribal ancestry do you have?

Different tribes require different blood quantum for membership. A few examples for Oklahoma tribes are; Apache 1/4 total Indian blood, Caddo 1/8 Indian blood, Ft. Sill Apache 1/16 Apache blood, and Cherokee any degree-descendent of tribal member. Remember, that is just Oklahoma.

Since American Indian reservations are self governing bodies, a constitution is drawn up for each. An example of how membership requirements are written into the constitution of tribes is given below for the Paiute-Shoshone Tribe in Nevada. The membership of the Paiute-Shoshone Tribe shall consist of all living persons in the following categories, provided such persons are not members of some other tribe or band:

All persons whose names appear on the Fallon Allotment Schedules as approved by the Secretary of the Interior. All persons of Indian Blood whose names appear on the Census of the Fallon Reservation as of January 1, 1940. All persons of Indian Blood whose names appear on the Census of the Fallon Colony as of January 1, 1940. Direct descendants of persons in the above categories, provided that such descendants possess one-fourth or more Paiute and/or Shoshone Indian Blood.

So, are you an Indian?

National Women's Health Week

Submitted by Carol Lagodich, Federal Women's Program Manager

National Women's Health Week was May 13-19, 2007. Often women are the caregivers for their families and forget to take care of themselves. The week encourages women to take simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life including of the need to visit the doctor and to make sure screenings are up-to-date.

West Virginia has the nation’s highest levels of heart disease. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 3 of killers both men and women over age 25 in WV. WV has the second highest diabetes rate in the United States and one of the highest obesity rates.

• Every year more women than men die of heart disease. African American women have the highest mortality rates from heart disease in part due to increased rates of high blood pressure, smoking and obesity, as compared to Caucasian women.
• Many women do not know that lung cancer, not breast cancer, is the leading cancer killer of women. More women are dying of lung cancer since smoking among women is on the rise especially among young women. Caucasian women have the highest death rates from lung cancer.
• Native American, Alaskan native, Mexican American and African American women are more likely to develop diabetes than Caucasian women.
• Diabetes and heart disease risk both increase as body weight increases. According to a recent study, the average woman’s weight has jumped from 144 lbs. in the late 1970’s to 152 lbs. in the late 1990’s. The typical woman then was a size 8 and is now between sizes 12-14. It is helpful to understand that even a 10% weight loss, for most a loss of 10-l5 lbs., can improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
• Excess abdominal body fat increases risk of heart disease and diabetes. A quick test to determine if you have excess weight around the middle is to measure your waist. If you are a woman, and your waist is larger than 35 inches, you are at increased risk. For a man, a waist of 40 inches increases heath risk.

The NRCS Federal Women’s Program sponsored a lunch speaker to promote health on May 15. Dr. Bob Thompson, of MedExpress, talked about health issues including the Zone, hormones, and general wellness.

For more information, go to http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw/

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