I've had some of the same questions. My mother is 1/32 Cherokee, which I believe allows her to be recognized by the US government as a Cherokee if she chose to be, but since I'm just 1/64, I can't. I think 1/32 is the minimum percentage.

The northeastern corner of Arizona has the Navajo Nation completely surrounding the Hopi (I think, I'm not looking at a map right now) Nation, which I think in turn completely surrounds another part of the Navajo Nation. plus, I think there are a couple of regions that belong jointly to both nations. This seems like it could be exceedingly difficult to administer. I hope the tribes get along.

I believe the Irriquoi Nation competes as an independent country in the world lacrosse championship.

Also, what about the Canadian reserves (is this the correct term?)? are they administered in significantly different ways from American reservations? and I know they're not called "Native Canadians" but I can't remember what the accepted term is.

Eric

Ernst Stavro Blofeld <blofeld_es@...> wrote:

Peers, This may be slightly off topic, and if you find it to be just please ignore. I am curious of the status of certain native-american communities. Could someone in our group clarify and/or comment on the matter? For example, what is the legal status of some communities? Is it correct to use the term "nation"? Are there examples of stand-alone legislation in some cases? How much self-government is implemented? Do all native-american societies enjoy the same rights and responsibilities, or is this a matter of negotiation between the federal (or state?) government and the society in question? And how is membership in and/or affiliation with a certain nation/community/society determined? Is this a question of the bloodline, territorial heritage or something else? Thank you, M __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Friends. Fun. Try the all-new Yahoo! Messenger. http://messenger.yahoo.com/

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