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"Blood quantum" or "blood degree" policies begin within treaty negotiations.

1825

INDG
LLP

An early treaty with the Osage community introduces land allotment and federal Native policy based on "blood degree." Historically, tribal membership was based on a Native community's own cultural traditions for joining. This often included acceptance of tribal language, customs, and authority. "Blood quantum" policies attempt to regulate the number of people who can claim membership based on the amount of Native blood they possess. These policies serve to regulate the amount of Native people who have access to land.

The U.S. government continues to base program eligibility on this idea, connecting access to treaty agreements to percentage of tribal blood. Through this practice, the U.S. government is able to claim a decreasing number of descendants eligible for specific services, such as health care, food, access to education, and more, that were all agreed upon by treaty.