While helping my friend explore her ancestry, we stumbled upon a disturbing truth. Her ancestors, who lived with the Choctaw Nation and sought tribal affiliation, had not only been denied but were reclassified as "white" by the government. This discovery led us to the term "paper genocide," referring to the systematic reclassification of Indigenous peoples in official records. This act stripped them of their identity and cultural heritage, reclassifying them unjustly and removing them from their native lands by labeling them as trespassers.

Historically, the Dawes Commission was supposed to pave the way for Indigenous peoples' legal recognition. However, many were unlawfully excluded and misclassified. These paper changes had real-world consequences. Families were forcibly removed from their lands, their identities erased, creating an ongoing legacy of disenfranchisement and erasure.

According to historical records, millions of dollars were spent by the government to execute these reclassifications, underlining the systematic intent behind the erasure of Indigenous identities. This erasure has denied countless descendants their rightful tribal memberships, cultural affiliations, and access to resources that are rightfully theirs.

We call upon the United States Government and relevant authorities to reassess the unjust actions of the Dawes Commission and recognize the families omitted or wrongfully classified. This involves re-evaluating and reinstating their tribal affiliations, revising historical inaccuracies in records, and publicly acknowledging this grievous injustice.

Correcting this historical wrong is vital not just for restoring Indigenous identity but also for healing the wounds of generations affected by these actions. Recognizing these families preserves the integrity of Indigenous history and upholds the truths of those who fought—and continue to fight—for recognition.

Sign this petition to stand with us in demanding justice and recognition for those silenced by paper genocide. Together, we can make a difference for countless families whose heritage and identity were unjustly stripped away.