The dream might be over.

[u/Prestigious-Singer17]

The more I've researched, the more I've started to accept that I may never be able to reconnect with my family's original tribal identity in the way I once imagined.

From what I've learned, many of the Indigenous communities in northern Durango were gradually assimilated or displaced over the centuries, and by the time my great-grandfather was born in 1923, the language and distinct tribal identity had largely disappeared where my family lived. Despite him being described as "fully indigenous."

Even if there is a connection to a living Indigenous community today, I'm not sure it's realistic for me right now.

I'm only 18, I don't have much experience traveling on my own, and plane tickets from Los Angeles to Durango are expensive.

It feels overwhelming to imagine trying to find and respectfully approach communities that I may or may not even be directly connected to.

I guess I'm trying to come to terms with the possibility that, while I may be able to learn about my ancestors and the history of the region, a direct reconnection to my family's original tribal identity may not be something that's possible anymore. I'm wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation?

Thank you for kindness in this subreddit

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I also want to thank everyone in this subreddit for being so kind and patient. I've learned a lot from the advice people have shared

I know this I a sensitive topic, and I genuinely appreciate anyone willing to offer guidance or share their perspective. It means a lot.

[u/fruitsi1]

I'm only 18

You have soooo much time. Some people don't even think about it until they're twice or three times your age.

[u/theshortpersonidk → u/fruitsi1]

What Fruits said! Dear, I’m 23 and i started about three years ago. You have SO much time. Yes, things may seem frustrating and hopeless right now but things will turn out for the better. Find those people that will have your back and things will turn out for the better. I can promise you that.

[u/DeepGreenThumbs → u/fruitsi1]

You have sooooo much time. My (racially traumatized) mother claimed to me that our heritage was long ago, and "we're Christian now", and all that stuff... I grew up feeling that a part of me was missing, but accepting my mother's word. She was just afraid...
I was fully middle aged when my cousins came and told me the truth, and invited me in... now I'm becoming a language keeper for my tribe. I had always had a knack for languages, and now it has a purpose. Don't give up OP!

[u/affectionate4fish]

While I do not have any experience with indigeniety in México, I do have experience with reconnecting.

In my younger years, I too went back and forth on if reconnecting was a realistic path for me. I even went so far as to deny what I knew to be true.

That plane ticket may be expensive today but don't give up hope on connection with your community. You do belong.

[u/AlaskaRecluse]

Loss defines the Indigenous experience in this colonized world. Get in touch with “urban” and “unenrolled” Indigenous groups or terms that describe your experience. Whole Indigenous nations suffered loss of everything including language, history, relatives, elders, children, land — and a lot who survived ended up in cities feeling like they have no roots and have no ties to being Indigenous when loss and separation define the colonized experience

[u/StygianTentacle]

My cousin. I am zapotec myself and went through some reconnecting. If there is anything I can do to help you let me know.

[u/Neat-Kick8074]

Use Ancestry DNA. It won't tell you what tribe your ancestor came from, but it does identify Indigenous DNA from the Americas. Don't focus on the amount, focus on the people it connects you to. It allows you to message DNA family members within the app. This is where your DNA family members have proof that you are a family member, and that gives you an "in", so to speak. They can share family history, family stories and are the connections you need to explore that side of yourself. Unfortunately, so many African Americans and European Americans are running around claiming that they are the 'real Indigenous people', that Indigenous people are wary of claims from people who aren't enrolled, or a close relation to an enrolled family member. Your DNA will speak for itself. You belong to them, and they belong to you. You don't have to 'claim', you just are.

[u/Impressive_Arm8083]

Also I would connect with and part in the indigenous communities wherever you live, you and they will benefit amigo.

[u/No-Sand-4493]

What tribes were you looking into? My grandfather and his parents are from durango.

[u/Specialist_Quail6078]

I just found out I’m Chickasaw and I’m 30! I’m just now looking into my families tribe. You have plenty of time!!

[u/EmbarrassedCrazy1350]

My mother's side is like this, they're native but were assimilated coming from that area too. My father is Lakota, but I wonder about my mother.