Ethnic Indians are those persons who have an Indian identity and
lineage, but are not members of a tribal community. There are hundreds
of non-federally recognized Indian nations, but their members tend to
retain strong commitments tribal identity and life. Ethnic Indians are
those who have not retained a commitment to tribal relations or tribal
membership, although they may know their tribal nation, they have not
taken membership or do not qualify for membership. Ethnic Indians have
an identity like Americans, who have multiple ancestral lineages such as
English, Dutch, American Indian, or other nations, but do not
participate in those cultures, and are contemporary Americans in terms
of identity while recognizing their numerous historical heritages.
Ethnic Indians are in many ways more familiar than tribal Indians
with American culture, and are better positioned to qualify for college
scholarships, and gain employment as Indians in racial terms to
fulfilling U.S. affirmative action goals. Race-based rules do not
require Indians to have cultural or political commitments to tribal
communities. The ethnic Indian population is increasing and, according
to recent Census reports are more numerous than tribal members. Will
U.S. ethnic Indians support tribal interests, or will they decide to
assume and strive to exert their own ethnic status rights within U.S.
society?
Read more at http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/12/27/are-ethnic-indians-threat-indigenous-rights-158308
