While Native American identity can be complex, it is rooted in political sovereignty that predates the creation of colonial nation states like the United States, Canada, and Mexico and persists into the 21st century recognized under international law by treaty.
Legally, being Native American is defined as being enrolled in a federally recognized tribe, including Alaskan villages.
Ethnologically, factors such as culture, history, language, religion, and familial kinships can influence Native American identity.
Historical figures might predate tribal enrollment practices and would be included based on ethnological tribal membership, while any contemporary individuals should either be enrolled members of federally recognized tribes or have cited Native American ancestry and be recognized as being Native American by their respective tribes(s).
Contemporary unenrolled individuals should only be listed as being of descent from a tribe if they have confirmed heritage.