Native Roots

Why doesn’t my DNA test show my Native American heritage?

Almost every black person I know has been told that they have Cherokee in them, or some other native blood. When people do an autosomal DNA test, they are often disappointed to find that the results don’t show their native heritage. Why isn’t it showing up? I’m gonna give you 3 reasons to consider. 

First, it’s possible that this oral family history is simply inaccurate. Sometimes physical traits such as golden skin complexion and long natural hair were attributed to indigenous peoples. These traits aren’t typically associated with African ancestry, so they must be explained some other way. Some had a desire to separate from the sordid past of slavery and connect with a different heritage. Since there was not a way to prove it, you accept what you are told and continue to pass down the story. Maybe this isn’t your situation, maybe you are a descendant of native people.

A second consideration is how DNA lines degrade with each generation. You only get 50% of your being from each parent, and they only got 50% from theirs. Even though DNA is not passed down exactly evenly, let’s say for simplicity that 25% of your DNA is from each grandparent. Keep going back, and you get 12.5% from each great grandparent, 6.25% from each GG- grandparent and 3.12% from each GGG- grandparent and so on. The further removed you are from your fully native ancestor, the less likely you are to have native blood. Again this is assuming every ancestor gives exactly half of themselves, which is NOT ACCURATE. I just give you these numbers as an example. If the ancestor believed to be 100% Cherokee has native physical traits, but is actually multiracial, then your connection is even further away. 

A final consideration is the database for each DNA testing company. In order to tell you that your DNA matches a particular group or region, they must have a knowledge of the DNA traits of those people or region. The Cherokee is one of the most widely known native Americans nations. But keep in mind that there are over 500 federally recognized sovereign native nations. If your indigenous ancestor was a member of a tribe that the DNA company doesn’t have a profile for, they can’t connect you. 

Any combination of these 3 theories may be the reason you don’t see a strong Native American representation in your DNA results. In your genealogy research journey, search the tribes native to the areas in which your ancestors lived. Connect with them to see if they have tribal records that aren’t publicly available. Look for books on the history of the area that may detail interactions between the local indigenous people, whites, freedman and free people of color. You may never find a concrete connection to Native Americans. Regardless of their racial heritage, your ancestors are still significant and you wouldn‘t be here without them!

Next week we will be here to discuss freedmen vs free people of color. Until then, keep searching!