Researching Native American ancestry begins with basic genealogy steps, then expands into the records, repositories, and research processes more specific to Indians. There is hope for family historians seeking evidence of their Native American ancestry. This includes ancestors that did and others that did not have an ongoing affiliation with a a tribe. Get acquainted with the documentation that comes from your own family, missionaries, ministers, military, tribes, local governments, state governments, and the federal government. Many sources are online and others remain in libraries, historical societies, and archives.