Discover Your Indigenous Ancestry

Welcome to Native American Genealogy, where we honor and preserve the stories of the Indigenous Nations of the United States. Our goal is to provide reliable information and resources that help descendants and researchers understand the history, culture, and heritage of the first peoples of this land.

Among the Nations we explore are the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), the Lenape of the Delaware Valley, the Kikotan of Virginia, the Rappahannock of the Chesapeake region, the Sand Hills Indians of the Monmouth County, New Jersey, and many other sacred Nations who shaped the history of North America. Each community carried unique traditions, languages, and ways of life, yet all shared deep spiritual connections to their lands and ancestors.

What You Will Learn Here:

Through this site, you will learn about:

Tribal locations and migration patterns.
Cultural practices and traditions that continue today.
Genealogical resources including oral histories, surname variants, treaty records, and church archives.
The role of Indigenous Nations in U.S. history and their ongoing contributions.

Researching Indigenous ancestry requires both accuracy and respect. We provide guidance on ethical practices and point you toward sources that can help confirm family stories and connect you with community histories.

If you need assistance with your Indigenous ancestry research, we invite you to contact the Tan American Historical Association. Together, we can help preserve and share the heritage of Native families for generations to come.

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How to Begin Your Indigenous Genealogy

Starting your journey into Indigenous genealogy can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it becomes a meaningful way to connect with your family’s history and honor ancestral traditions.

Researching Indigenous ancestry requires patience, cultural respect, and attention to detail, as records may appear in many different forms across oral traditions, church registers, and historical archives.

Here are the first steps to begin your Indigenous genealogy research:

Start with Family Stories – Record oral histories from parents, grandparents, and community elders. Names, places, and family traditions are vital clues.
Document What You Know – Write down birth, marriage, and death information for relatives. Even small details may unlock larger connections.
Collect Surname Variants – Indigenous names often appear with multiple spellings or translations in English, French, or phonetic versions. Keep a list of variations.
Check Census and Vital Records – Look for ancestors listed in federal or state censuses, marriage registers, or death certificates.
Explore Church and Mission Records – Baptism, marriage, and burial registers often record Indigenous families under both traditional and English names.
Search Land and Treaty Documents – Treaties, petitions, and deeds can provide evidence of Indigenous families in specific regions.
Respect Cultural Protocols – Seek permission before sharing oral histories, and avoid publishing sacred or sensitive information without community consent.
Use DNA Carefully – DNA testing can confirm relationships but cannot prove tribal citizenship. Enrollment is determined only by the Nation itself.

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