Blood Quantum

Blood quantum is a way to measure how much Native American ancestry a person has by assigning a specific percentage, or "quantum," based on their heritage. For example, if someone has a blood quantum of 1/4, it indicates they have one grandparent who was fully Native American. This system has historically been used by government agencies and tribes to determine eligibility for benefits or membership. However, it simplifies complex family histories into percentages and can influence legal recognition and resources, often leading to debates about its fairness and cultural validity.