There are many, many Americans of Indian descent who haven't a prayer of proving so. I'd say an individual who can prove his Indian ancestors is likely more an exception than the rule. Most efforts at geneology require some literate ancestors--and you don't go back very far in early frontier America without illiteracy. Without literacy, you don't have documents or even a coherent verbal history.
BTTT
Ward Churchill is STILL misrepresenting himself as a native American."Ward Churchill (Keetoowah Band Cherokee) is one of the most outspoken of Native American activists and scholars in North America and a leading analyst of indigenous issues." says his bogus resume (with an unususal new photo) at his lucrative speaker's bureau website. Check it out, it is very interesting at
http://www.speakersandartists.org/People/WardChurchill.html
nothing less......nothing more.
Its an interesting anedote when sitting with buddies in a bar and I occasionally used it to good effect on girls in college. And thats about it. When asked about my nationality I'm proud to say I'm an American, if pressed I'll proudly claim the title of US Marine, and if really pressed I'll own up to being a New Yorker (with a bit of shame). However the distinction of race, religion, nor the shape of my ear lobe affects my pride in who and what I am.
Characters like Wardie are sad. They define who they are by what their ancestors were.
"I once met a small salamander who bragged his mother was half dinosaur. I didn't say anything since he so obviously had nothing else to be proud about." -Robert Heinlein
Why has he gained so much fame? We should all just ignore him. O'Reilly and others have given him too much prominence and he's loving every minute of it.
A simple DNA test can remove all doubt.
BUmp
I've been eagerly waiting for Dr. Yeagley's take on the Churchill affair. Thanks for finding and posting.
In the words of Buzz Lightyear Ward Asshill is a "sad little man".