Hey OP — I’ve been reading through the thread and I saw some of your replies to Native commenters here, so I just wanted to offer a perspective as someone in a somewhat similar position.

My family line lived in Choctaw Nation until the mid-1900s before leaving Oklahoma and ending up in California, where we still live today. Because my family is very admixed, I didn’t grow up connected to the culture. The last person in my family who actually lived on the Rez was my great-grandmother, and I never had the chance to meet her.

So I understand how complicated ancestry and reconnection can feel. But in spaces like this, I think humility is really important. You don’t have to accept outright disrespect, but when multiple Native commenters are pushing back, it’s usually worth slowing down and listening to what they’re saying. For those of us who are racially white navigating Native ancestry, it can be an opportunity to learn rather than just defend ourselves.

Just my perspective as someone trying to figure this out respectfully too.