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I think I can claim at least as much Native American ancestry as Warren -- it's not at all uncommon in families whose roots go back to colonial times. But since I have blond hair and blue eyes, it would be crazy for me to believe that I've ever been discriminated against because of Native American ancestry. I would reasonably expect to be laughed out of any school or job interview if I ever tried this.

Except, apparently, at Harvard University....

(Other than at Harvard, I could plausibly be arrested for fraud if I tried it -- see below!)

Definition and origins of Native Americans:

Definition. As described in DoD Directive 1350.2 a Native-American or Alaskan Native is a person having origins in the original peoples of North America, AND who maintains cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition.

There is no one contemporary majority definition that establishes a person’s identity as a Native-American. The Bureau of Census states that “anybody who claims to be a Native-American” is a Native-American. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), which is the organization responsible for monitoring Indian affairs and issues, general definition to be a Native-American, you must:

Be 1/4-1/2 Native-American blood at a minimum.

Live on or near trust lands/reservations.

Be on a tribal roll recognized by the federal government.

Trace ancestry back three generations.

Be approved by BIA officials.

As I read it, according to The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) (which should know an Indian when they see one), she isn't an Indian.