Blood Quantum
"Blood Quantum" is a term used to describe the degree of ancestry a person has from a particular racial or ethnic group, often used in the context of Indigenous peoples in North America. It is a legal measure that determines membership in a tribe or eligibility for certain rights and benefits based on the percentage of Native American ancestry.
The concept has historical roots in colonial policies and treaties, which often required individuals to prove their Native American heritage. This practice has led to complex discussions about identity, belonging, and the implications of defining community through bloodlines.