text: bloodlines through immigration? if through immigration and interracial marrages you found that you had "native american" blood but also found that the "nation/tribe" that you are claiming to be from did not recognize you because your bloodline was to diluted, would you still claim to be "native american" or even part? well, this is kind of an issue with some tribes.  the bia has made rules about who can be recognized, usually you have to have at least 25% blood to be a tribe member.  some people who are say, half arapaho and half cherokee or something have to choose which tribe they can claim to be.  tribes which would traditionally adopt members are not allowed to do so.    what that boils down to is that legally, unless you're a quarter whatever, you can't claim to be any tribe.  but i would say you could point out that you have part of that bloodline, and be proud that you can trace your heritage.  oh, and a lot of us "irish" in the states say that because we've only been here three or four generations and tend to marry other irish families. i let my family down and married some mayflower material, they're a little sad but at least they like the guy. :)