Why We Investigate

TAAF is dedicated to honesty, and that extends internally as well.

Only after much deliberation and internal discussion about a particular case do we start a more formal investigation process. We believe in fair and open communication around the topic of Tribal identity, so every individual we choose to investigate is given multiple opportunities to clarify, correct, and set the record straight on their claims and identity. That process looks something like this…

1. We receive a report of someone who is publicly claiming to be American Indian/FNIM and using it for personal benefit or gain.
2. A member of TAAF does a cursory search on the individual
3. If anything is found that indicates the claim could be true, such as a vague claim of "native/descendant" identity or other telling signs, a TAAF member will reach out to them and inform them that an anonymous complaint was made.
4. The individual is given the opportunity to set the record straight, clarify their claims to identity/ citizenship to a Tribal Nation, or prove their legitimate descendancy from a legitimate Tribal Nation.
5. If the conversation goes well, no further investigation is needed. If the claims cannot be verified, TAAF will start a more formal investigation.

We will gather the individuals claims to identity, reports and statements from other organizations, past behavior and actions taken using their claim to Tribal identity and most importantly, we start a team of genealogists to work on their family records to investigate their claims and look for any evidence of Tribal ancestry that might lend itself to their statements.

Below are active investigations that TAAF is conducting and all current evidence that has been compiled.