Throughout history, Black Indigenous peoples have faced systematic erasure through colonialism, ethnocentrism, the Indian wars, and misclassification in census records. Darker-skinned Indigenous individuals were often labeled as “Negro” or “Black,” leading to the marginalization of their unique identities. Despite these challenges, their resilience and interconnected heritage remain a powerful testament to their enduring presence.
The Roots of Erasure: Indian Wars and Colonialism
The Indian wars were more than a series of violent conflicts; they were campaigns of land dispossession, cultural genocide, and racial stratification. Colonizers systematically sought to fracture Indigenous communities, and those with darker skin tones were often excluded from narratives of indigeneity due to the pervasive racism of the time. This was compounded by the notion that “true Indians” conformed to European stereotypes of lighter skin and straight hair, sidelining Black Indigenous peoples who defied these narrow definitions.
Colonial policies enforced hierarchies based on skin color, often creating division among Indigenous peoples. Black Indigenous groups, including those of African and Native American descent, were left especially vulnerable, as their presence disrupted colonial constructs of racial purity. Many Black Indigenous communities were displaced, enslaved, or forced into servitude during this period, further obscuring their place in the historical record.
Ethnocentrism and the Construction of Racial Identity
Ethnocentrism, the belief in the superiority of one culture over another, was another tool of erasure. European settlers viewed Indigenous cultures as inferior and sought to assimilate or annihilate them. Within this framework, darker-skinned Indigenous peoples were doubly marginalized due to their perceived racial “impurity.”
As part of this ethnocentric worldview, colonial powers imposed rigid racial categories that disregarded the complex identities of Black Indigenous peoples. These policies not only stripped communities of their unique heritage but also reduced their existence to a binary: Black or Indian. This binary eroded the cultural practices, spiritual beliefs, and languages that defined Black Indigenous peoples, leaving their stories untold.
The Census and Misclassification
One of the most insidious tools of erasure was census misclassification. Government census takers routinely labeled darker-skinned Indigenous peoples as “Negro” or “Black,” regardless of their self-identification or tribal affiliation. This practice was particularly prominent during the 18th and 19th centuries, coinciding with efforts to justify slavery and the seizure of Indigenous lands.
The census, a seemingly neutral tool, became a mechanism of forced assimilation and identity erasure. By denying Black Indigenous peoples recognition as Native Americans, the government invalidated their legal claims to land, tribal membership, and cultural continuity. This systematic misclassification fragmented communities, making it harder for descendants to trace their lineage and reclaim their heritage.
The Role of Colonial Policies in Shaping Identity
Colonial policies like the Dawes Act of 1887 further entrenched the erasure of Black Indigenous peoples. The Dawes Act aimed to divide tribal lands into individual allotments, with “excess” lands sold to white settlers. To access these allotments, individuals had to be recognized as tribal members—a designation often denied to those labeled “Black” or “Negro” on census rolls.
Furthermore, policies like the “one-drop rule” reinforced racial stratification. Those with African ancestry were often excluded from tribal rolls, while lighter-skinned Indigenous peoples were more likely to be acknowledged. This exclusion perpetuated the myth that indigeneity and Blackness were mutually exclusive, a notion that still influences public perception today.
Reclaiming Heritage and Resisting Erasure
Despite centuries of systemic erasure, Black Indigenous peoples have resisted assimilation and maintained their cultural heritage. From the Gullah-Geechee Nation in the southeastern United States to the Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes, these communities continue to honor their dual heritage, bridging African and Indigenous traditions.
In recent years, scholars, activists, and descendants have worked tirelessly to uncover and share the stories of Black Indigenous peoples. This includes challenging historical narratives, advocating for accurate census practices, and promoting cultural preservation initiatives. Social media and grassroots movements have also amplified these voices, creating spaces for Black Indigenous peoples to reclaim their identities and educate others.
A Call to Acknowledge and Restore
The erasure of Black Indigenous peoples is not just a historical issue; it is a present-day injustice with far-reaching implications. Recognizing their contributions and histories is essential for dismantling colonial narratives and fostering a more inclusive understanding of indigeneity. This includes supporting tribal sovereignty, advocating for accurate representation in historical records, and celebrating the resilience of Black Indigenous communities.
At Livity Blog, we honor the stories of those who have been erased, bridging the gaps between history, heritage, and healing. By acknowledging the interconnected struggles of Black and Indigenous peoples, we can pave the way for a future rooted in unity and equity.
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2. Deloria, Vine Jr. Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto. University of Oklahoma Press, 1988.
3. Perdue, Theda, and Michael D. Green. The Cherokee Nation and the Trail of Tears. Penguin Library of American Indian History, 2007.
4. Miles, Tiya. Ties That Bind: The Story of an Afro-Cherokee Family in Slavery and Freedom. University of California Press, 2005.
5. Forbes, Jack D. Africans and Native Americans: The Language of Race and the Evolution of Red-Black Peoples. University of Illinois Press, 1993.
6. Sturm, Circe. Blood Politics: Race, Culture, and Identity in the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. University of California Press, 2002.
7. Pritchard, Evan T. Native New Yorkers: The Legacy of the Algonquin People of New York. Council Oak Books, 2002.
8. Saunt, Claudio. Black, White, and Indian: Race and the Unmaking of an American Family. Oxford University Press, 2005.
9. Gates, Henry Louis Jr. The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross. Smiley Books, 2013.
10. “Black Indians: An American Story.” PBS Documentary, Native American Public Telecommunications, 2000.
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