[formerlyLizStroumbos]

Hi,
I am formerly Flygrl71. It has been so long since I logged on under that name, it doesn't even exist anymore. i don't think anyone has replied to ths posting in years but i'm back and thought I would update. I have been writing to my birthmother for several years now and we very recently have been communicating by text message and voicemail - she is too scared to actually talk to me one on one yet. I forgot how good the replies were to my thread and I can see now that going after grant money was not really what I wanted deep down. I still have no contact with my bf but am in the process of searching for him again. With any luck I will be able to ask him just a few simple questions about heritage so that when i have children they will have a background that is sooo unique.

[MrsHoot]

Good for you! I hope one day you will be able to get your questions answered and find some connection to your native roots.

Wishing you peace and happiness in your journey

C.

[Empty_Nest]

I would also encourage you to explore that part of your heritage. The Native cultures are so rich in history and tradition, your time would be well spent to learn about this side of your heritage.

If you know what tribe you're from and especially what band, contact the tribal council there and ask if they can assist you in verifying your heritage. It's not just you. If you're enrolled, then your children, who would be 1/4 Native, can also be enrolled and may also be interested in learning what they can about thier heritage.

[formerlyLizStroumbos]

The problem is that I don't know what tribe he is from or if he is even registered. I am in the process of exploring the last name more to see if anyone with the same last name is familiar with a Native American branch of the name. I also don't know where exactly he was from. I have a last known address, but from what I have researched so far, chances are good that I am part of an Eastern Cherokee tribe out of NC. Here's hoping.

[MrsHoot]

I don't know if this will help at all with your research or not but I found it to be very informative: Native American Tribes map

Also - check the other thread you posted on, I dug up an old email address for that native american searcher for you.

Good luck on your journey!

[mayaprincess]

Your heritage is Native American no matter if yiou were adopted by Non-Native families. I would tell the adoption agency that all you need fromt hem is confirmation of your heritage. They should be able to do that WITHOUT contacting your Bio-Father. It should be part of your file.

[flygrl71]

Once again, it is refreshing to re-read all the posts to my original thread. I did not pursue the grant option but in return through a random stroke of luck I discovered one of my Bfather's other children. Turns out I have 5 other half brothers and sisters. Not all of the same mother. Slowly but surely I will find them all. THanks for the continued support.

[DANNYTORO]

Happy you found your Mom!

Now hopefully you realize your still an integral asset of your peoples whether you were taken away or not! And you and your people are best served furthering your education. And I'm sure your new found Mom would be proud. You go girl!