"According to published reports, Barack Obama has stated that there is Native American Indian ancestry in his family tree. His background on his mother's side also reportedly includes Scottish and Irish roots.

Research into Obama's family tree on his mother's side has indicated that some of his ancestors arrived in America in the 1700s and even the 1600s.

Somewhere along the way, there was a Cherokee connection, according to Obama. He has reportedly stated that an ancestor was full-blood Cherokee.

It would not be unusual for other ancestors of Obama's here and there to also have some percentage of Cherokee genetic history, whether it be 1/4th or 1/64th. There could also be mixtures from other Indian tribes.

Obama's family is undoubtedly just like many, many other American families in this regard. There may simply be word of mouth about the Cherokee connection.

However, with modern genetic testing available, anyone can contact one of the many reputable genetic testing companies, send a tissue sample easily taken from the inside of the cheek and mail it in. The labs can determine some aspects of genetic history, including Native American Indian background.

Maybe Obama, like many Americans, has thought about taking one of these tests. His young daughters might find this interesting and important. "Mom and Dad, are we part-Cherokee?" This can profoundly affect how we view ourselves."

Get the Story:
Steve Hammons: Obama's Scottish, Cherokee ancestry has meaning (The American Chronicle 10/8)

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