User:Tbreynaud/sandbox

= NATIVE AMERICAN RESEARCH =

Native Americans had their own concepts of populated groups and geographical areas. The term 'tribe' was originated by non-indians. Native Americans viewed 'tribes', 'bands', 'clans', and 'villages' as being an extended family. Normally, these centered around an elderly head of the family and included his descendants and close in-laws. To begin Native American research, you must determine the tribal affiliation of the ancestor.

Fixed geographical boundaries were unknown to the Native American, whereas the non-Indian had lived with them for centuries. These differences influenced the method of record keeping of Native Americans by the non-Indians. Study the historical background of the tribe and their locality. Determine the types of records available and where they are located.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
In studying the historical background of the tribe, learn about the tribe's naming customs, kinship systems, migration, local churches, and agencies keeping records at that time and place. Naming customs vary by tribes, and often a Native American can have several different names throughout his lifetime. Kinship systems also varied. Often kinship was determined by the generation of a relative. A 'brother' could indicate that the relative was in the same generation. However, the