Understanding Native American Ancestry Through DNA Testing

It is important to understand that 95% of the US population has ancestors who immigrated to America at some point. For individuals with Native American ancestry, it is possible that their ancestors were part of the 5% who lived on reservations established by the US government. If you are among this 5%, you may have a specific connection to certain tribes based on the history of your reservation.

However, for the vast majority, the only way to discover any Native American ancestry is through a combination of DNA testing and thorough genealogical research. DNA testing through companies with vast databases can provide insights into your genetic roots, while genealogical research can help trace your family history and uncover more detailed information.

What Can a DNA Test Show?

DNA tests can reveal general ancestry details, such as whether you have Native American heritage or Indo-European ancestry. However, it is crucial to understand that these tests cannot determine which specific tribe you belong to. The results can suggest a genetic connection to a broader indigenous group but not to a specific tribe.

For example, the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) have members who were once part of the Navajo Nation. They decided to stay in southern Arizona for work and became CRIT, despite their ancestry being with the Navajo Nation. This demonstrates that DNA tests can reveal genetic origins, but they do not provide specific tribal affiliations.

How to Conduct Genealogical Research

The first step in genealogical research is to gather information from family members and conduct a broad search through public records. Begin by looking at birth, death, and marriage records, as these can be found in the public records of most countries.

Interview family members, especially those who may have older generations’ stories or know more about the family’s history. Document as much information as possible and consider reaching out to distant relatives or extended family members who might have additional knowledge.

Using genealogy websites, such as or MyHeritage, can also be helpful. These platforms offer tools to trace your family tree and connect with other researchers who may be studying the same surname or lineage.

Connecting DNA Results with Genealogical Research

Most DNA testing companies provide ethnicity estimates that can help you understand your broader ancestral background. However, these estimates are not always 100% accurate. For instance, a test by could have amargin of error of up to 33%, which is still quite high, but not uncommon.

Combining genealogical research with DNA testing can provide a more accurate picture of your ancestry. In my own experience, I conducted extensive genealogical research and was able to trace my family back several generations. The results of my DNA test aligned well with my genealogy findings, which brought some unexpected revelations.

For example, I had a family member who claimed to have Cherokee roots and told me repeatedly that his family had Cherokee ancestors. My genealogical research, however, refuted this claim. When I took a DNA test, it confirmed that there was no Native American ancestry in my family. This confirmed the accuracy of my research and provided a resolution to an ongoing family debate.

Conclusion

In summary, while DNA testing can provide valuable insights into your genetic ancestry, it cannot determine specific tribal affiliations. It is essential to supplement DNA results with thorough genealogical research to gain a comprehensive understanding of your family’s history. Understanding your Native American ancestry is a complex and often rewarding journey that can involve both scientific and historical methodologies.