This pattern manifests across many contexts.

Native people seeking recognition of their tribal citizenship have been subjected to blood quantum requirements — a specifically racial standard of tribal membership that was imposed by federal policy and that has no parallel in the governance of any other community in the United States.

Native people seeking repatriation of their ancestors’ remains from museum collections have been required to demonstrate cultural affiliation through archaeological and historical evidence that would never be demanded of non-Native families seeking the return of a relative’s body.

The DNA test conducted on Sitting Bull’s hair was not designed to meet a legal requirement.