During your consultation, you'll receive personalized guidance on how to uncover your family history and trace your ancestry using a proven three-step genealogy process. I will teach you how to: Build Your Family Tree – Learn how to gather and organize family information, identify key ancestors, and create a solid genealogical foundation. Discover Indigenous Ancestry – Learn how to locate and interpret historical records that may reveal Native American or Indigenous connections within your family line, including tribal records, census records, land records, and other valuable sources. Navigate Paper Genocide & Racial Reclassification – Understand how many Indigenous families were reclassified over time under labels such as "Colored," "Negro," "Mulatto," or "African American." I'll show you how to recognize these patterns in historical records and avoid common research mistakes that cause many people to overlook their Indigenous ancestry. By the end of the consultation, you'll have a clear understanding of where to begin your research, which records to focus on, and how to continue tracing your ancestry with confidence. Whether you're a beginner or have been researching for years, you'll leave with practical tools, strategies, and a roadmap tailored to your family's history.

Absolutely. This consultation is designed for both complete beginners and individuals who have already started researching their family history. You do not need any prior genealogy experience. I will walk you through the genealogy process step-by-step, explain how to find and interpret historical records, and show you how to avoid common mistakes that can lead researchers down the wrong path. If you've never built a family tree before, you'll learn exactly where to start. My goal is to give you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to continue your ancestral journey long after the consultation is over.

Yes. One of the primary goals of the consultation is to teach you how to conduct genealogy research independently. Rather than simply giving you answers, I show you the methods, tools, and records I use so you can continue your research long after our session ends. You'll learn how to: Build and expand your family tree Locate and analyze historical records Identify clues that may point to Indigenous ancestry Verify family stories using documented evidence Recognize signs of racial reclassification and paper genocide in records Develop a research strategy for breaking through genealogy roadblocks My goal is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to become your own family historian. Many clients continue making discoveries on their own after learning the research process during their consultation.

Yes. Racial reclassification is a major topic covered during the consultation, especially for individuals researching Indigenous ancestry in the Southeastern United States and other regions where historical records may not accurately reflect a family's original identity. We discuss how government agencies, census takers, courts, and other institutions often changed the racial classifications of Indigenous people over time, causing many families to appear in records under labels such as "Colored," "Negro," "Mulatto," "Free Person of Color," or other designations. Understanding these changes is often critical to properly tracing ancestral lines and interpreting historical documents. During the consultation, you'll learn how to recognize these patterns in historical records, understand the historical context behind them, and incorporate this knowledge into your genealogy research. The goal is to help you navigate complex records more effectively and avoid overlooking important clues about your family's history.

Yes. During the consultation, I explain the basics of tribal citizenship, including how different tribes determine eligibility and why citizenship requirements can vary from one tribe to another. We discuss topics such as: Tribal citizenship vs. ancestry Tribal enrollment requirements Blood quantum and lineal descent Historical rolls and records used by tribes The impact of the Dawes Rolls and other enrollment systems How racial reclassification may affect documentation of Indigenous ancestry Common misconceptions about tribal membership and Indigenous identity It's important to understand that discovering Indigenous ancestry and qualifying for tribal citizenship are not always the same thing. My goal is to help you understand the historical records, documentation requirements, and research methods needed to evaluate your family's connection to a particular tribe and determine what options may be available to you.

No. A DNA test is not required for the consultation or for genealogical research. In fact, the most important evidence for tracing your ancestry is often found in historical records, family documents, census records, land records, court records, tribal records, and other primary sources. While DNA tests can sometimes provide helpful clues and connect you with genetic relatives, they have limitations. DNA results alone typically cannot prove tribal citizenship, identify specific ancestors, or fully explain the historical experiences of your family. During the consultation, I focus primarily on documentary genealogy and historical records. If you have already taken a DNA test, I can discuss how it may fit into your overall research strategy. If you have not taken one, you can still make significant progress tracing your ancestry using traditional genealogical methods. The consultation is designed to help you understand your family history through records and evidence—not just DNA results.

That's perfectly fine—and often beneficial. Many of my clients come to me after they've already spent months or even years researching their family history but have encountered roadblocks, conflicting information, or questions they haven't been able to answer. During the consultation, we'll review where you are in your research, identify gaps in your documentation, and discuss strategies for moving forward. I can help you: Evaluate the records you've already collected Identify overlooked clues and research opportunities Break through genealogy brick walls Understand complex historical records Explore potential Indigenous ancestry connections Navigate issues related to racial reclassification and paper genocide Develop a more focused and effective research plan Whether you're just getting started or have an extensive family tree, the consultation is tailored to your current level of experience and research progress. My goal is to help you take the next step in your genealogy journey with greater clarity and confidence.

If you'd prefer professional assistance, I offer genealogy research services in addition to consultations. While the consultation is designed to teach you how to research your ancestry yourself, many clients choose to have me conduct the research on their behalf. Depending on your needs, I can: Build and document your family tree Locate and analyze historical records Research potential Indigenous ancestry connections Investigate family stories and oral histories Identify evidence of racial reclassification and paper genocide Review census, vital, military, land, court, and tribal records Prepare research findings and recommendations Many clients start with a consultation to understand their options and then decide whether they want to continue the research themselves or have me assist with a more in-depth investigation. If you're interested in having research performed for you, we can discuss the scope of the project, your goals, and the research package that best fits your needs.