Researching American Indian Ancestors

Guest Speaker: Junel Davidsen

This presentation will cover preliminary steps and historical background information necessary to begin researching American Indian ancestors. Research steps will focus on available government record collections for tribes in the continental United States, with an explanation of different lists created for the various tribes and time periods. Examples and case studies will demonstrate a variety of websites and repositories, how to research these collections, and the importance of examining and correlating information.

Junel is a professional genealogist specializing in courthouse and forensic research. She routinely assists estate administrators in finding missing heirs and families looking for missing relatives, including adoptees. Recently she has been helping to solve unknown identities using genetic genealogy. She has held various positions in the Monterey County Genealogical Society, including President. She is a member of the “Off the Charts” writing group and DNA Special Interest Group. She has volunteered at the Monterey County History
Center for several years, and also volunteers at the Monterey and San Benito County historical societies and organizes tours to local archives and repositories.