Knowing whether I have First Nations blood on my mother’s side would have real legal benefits for me (my mom is estranged from her family and so has never told me much about them, but there’s some possibility there given their historical context). I know a friend who had to prove he was 1/8 Metis in order to get a job as a web designer with a particular company.
I think it’s ridiculous and flat out racist, frankly, but there are indeed benefits in this day and age from having particular ancestry.
There are lots of special considerations for a legal standpoint concerning Native Americans because technically they compromise several semi-sovereign nations within the US’s borders. Some of the treaties the US signed with them during westward expansion are still enforceable.
My position has always been “if there are people who are disadvantaged then pass laws to help disadvantaged people rather than making the assumption that everyone with a particular set of genetics need help.” I guess it’s just easier to take that shortcut though.
Knowing whether I have First Nations blood on my mother’s side would have real legal benefits for me (my mom is estranged from her family and so has never told me much about them, but there’s some possibility there given their historical context). I know a friend who had to prove he was 1/8 Metis in order to get a job as a web designer with a particular company.
I think it’s ridiculous and flat out racist, frankly, but there are indeed benefits in this day and age from having particular ancestry.
Holy fuck, how is this legal?
There are lots of special considerations for a legal standpoint concerning Native Americans because technically they compromise several semi-sovereign nations within the US’s borders. Some of the treaties the US signed with them during westward expansion are still enforceable.
“Good intentions”, I presume.
My position has always been “if there are people who are disadvantaged then pass laws to help disadvantaged people rather than making the assumption that everyone with a particular set of genetics need help.” I guess it’s just easier to take that shortcut though.
Ah, understood, thanks