Nationality, Identity & Treaties: Geronimo Moimaiya on FBA/Indigenous, Lineage Proof & Sovereignty
What does it really mean to claim Indigenous identity in the U.S.—and how is that different from “Foundational Black American” (FBA)? In this episode, constitutional advocate Geronimo Moimaiya joins Adlore “Empress Addi” Casseus to unpack the intersections of nationality, identity, treaties, and documentation. We go deep on maternal lineage research (to 1741 NC), treaty history (Powhatan, Miami, etc.), reclassification from “Indian” to “Negro/Colored,” and why federal recognition can complicate ideas of sovereignty.You’ll hear practical steps for tracing family history (Library of Congress accounts, Fold3, Ancestry), how contract law and trusts show up in everyday identity paperwork, cautionary notes on commercialized “tribal citizenship,” and why reconnecting to custom, language, and governance matters. We also touch on child support administration, the voluntary program debate, and the larger question: how do we rebuild identity with integrity—across the African diaspora, Caribbean lineages (Haiti, Jamaica), and the Americas?Educational content only. Nothing here is legal advice. Always do your own research and consult a qualified professional.Correction on Africa's original name(s): Alkebulan, as in, "mother of mankind" or "garden of Eden"-however, the many names of Africa over the ages are: Kemet, Ethiopia, Cush, and Corbye. It is believed that the name, "Africa" was coined by Romans. Chapters:00:00 Intro & intent (education, not legal advice)02:05 Geronimo’s lineage: maternal records to 1741 (North Carolina)08:22 Contract law, courts & becoming a constitutional advocate14:10 Child support administration: structure, penalties & reform questions19:40 FBA vs. Indigenous identity: definitions, overlaps, tensions27:18 Treaties 101: Powhatan, Miami, reclassification & 1924 citizenship35:55 Federal recognition vs. sovereignty—what people miss42:10 Tracing your lineage: elders, records, Library of Congress, Fold3, Ancestry49:30 Cherokee “citizenship” cautions & commercialization concerns55:05 Spiritual customs, fasting, Sabbath, and cultural continuity1:00:15 Caribbean lineages (Haiti, Jamaica) within Indigenous histories1:05:40 Trusts, names, and documentation: getting the paperwork right1:10:10 Action steps & resources + closingShow Notes / Resources Mentioned:Library of Congress (create a free account to access treaty scans and archives)Fold3.com (military records)Ancestry.com (census, birth/marriage/death records)City/county clerk & archives (local deeds, probate, and vital records)Elders & family documents (Bibles, letters, photos, obituaries)Call to Action:If this conversation helped you think differently about identity, subscribe and share. Have a lineage win or question? Drop it in the comments. For future episodes and essays, follow Empress Addi and The Empress Addi Podcast.Guest: Geronimo MoimaiyaHandles: IG: @GeronimothecherokeeIG: @TrusttheconstitutionTiktok: @GeronimothecherokeeTiktok: @TrusttheconstitutionFacebook: @Geronimo Chaha Moimaiya Facebook: @TrusttheconstitutionEmail: GeronimoMoimaiya@Trusttheconstitution.comLinktree page: https://linktr.ee/TrustthenstitutionHost: Adlore “Empress Addi” CasseusPodcast: The Empress Addi Podcast | Essays: addicasseus.com
