A Native artist who owns a gallery in New Mexico is being forced to document his tribal ancestry.

Ambrose Teasyatwho is Hopi and Navajo but apparently lacks membership in either tribe. He said he never had to prove his ancestry before. He is now being asked in order to sell his traditional Hopi artwork at an upcoming art show.

�This enrollment issue is kind of funny. I never had a reason to show proof of being an Indian. I was never in the military or needed the documentation for school. I never asked for help from tribal programs or was asked by other markets and museums to show proof of who I am. So this is all new to me,� Teasyatwho told The Farmington Daily Times.

Teasyatwho said he will have to track down his Hopi relatives. The tribe has a one-fourth blood quantum requirement.

Get the Story:
Hopi man's heritage questioned (The Farmington Daily Times 1/12)

Relevant Links:
Teasyatwho Gallery - http://www.maverickcreations.com/teasyatwho