Amerindian-Ancestry-Acadia-DNA-Project

News from the Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Project

Project Background

The Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Surname Project enables participants to actively engage in our unique and exciting heritage by adding and comparing DNA test results and family lines, sponsoring the purchase of DNA test kits, and discovering more about our earliest ancestors.

The Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Project results reflect the diverse heritage of our earliest Nova Scotia ancestors. Our ancestors include Amerindians (mostly Mi’kmaq) and the intrepid settlers who arrived in Nova Scotia in the 16th and 17th centuries and intermarried with the Amerindians of the area, whose families would become pioneers of the New World. Numbering among our project participants are those who possess European surnames, but have been found (through Y DNA testing) to be of Amerindian ancestries, through paternal family lines.

Our family lines have extended well-beyond the original boundaries of what was known to the French as Acadia, but to our Amerindian ancestors as Mi’kma’ki, as our ancestors settled the outer-reaches of Nova Scotia, including Cape Breton, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Quebec. Our family lines continue to extend, traversing the entire North American continent and beyond. Many who live in the United States trace their genealogies back to the first Acadian Amerindian immigrants who arrived in Louisiana after being deported from Nova Scotia by the British in 1755 (in the "Grand Deportation') -- and belong to a "Cajun" community known worldwide for its food, flair, fun, and love of all things French.

Group participants are at once intrigued, mystified, and challenged by our Amerindian heritage; some of us have completed our quest for our earliest Amerindian ancestors; other searches are still in progress, with participant DNA testing helping us solve some of our greatest family riddles. One participant describes how she employed her own mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) test results in her quest for her earliest maternal Amerindian ancestor in the story, Finding Anne Marie.

A companion article, Confirmed C3b Y DNA Results Test the Heritage of Cajun Cousin Keith Doucet details a participant's experience with Y DNA testing, with an outcome that leads him, and others, to re-assess the origins of his established Acadian surname, as related to his paternal ancestor, Germain Doucet, b. 1641.

The Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Surname Project assists participants in their search for their earliest Amerindian ancestors, at times contributing to the purchase of DNA test kits for descendants whose maternal line traces to a “Person of Interest” (For a list of names, click on Goals Tab) and employing DNA test results to validate family lines.

It is incredibly exciting to have found that so many of our study participants share the same ancient Amerindian family lines and have the same exact DNA mutation strings appearing in their test results. By comparing DNA test results with known genealogical lines and establishing "Family Clusters" among surnames, we enhance the traditional paper-based genealogical search methods with the study of our common genetic characteristics (markers) so that we may discover and verify our Acadian Amerindian ancestor’s earliest origins.

We welcome you to join the Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Surname Project and become part of our study. YOUR DNA may be the key to unlocking somes of the mysteries surrounding our ancestors as well as proving the Amerindian origins of some of our earliest mothers. There may even be surprises with regards to the origins of some Founding Fathers. Email the Project Administrator if you have any questions.

Project Goals

Established in 2006, the Amerindian Ancestry Out of Acadia DNA Project mission is to research and publish the mtDNA and Y chromosome genetic test results of site participants who descend from persons living in Nova Scotia and surrounding environs in the 17th and 18th centuries, focusing specifically upon the early population of l'Acadie. As part of the mission, the Project develops a database of published mtDNA and Y Chromosome test results and encourages the sharing of this information among other similarly focused studies for the purposes of comparison and the advancement of science and research.

Research Native Unions: To obtain mtDNA information from maternal line descendants of recorded Native unions occurring in this geographic locale during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Research Maternal-line Ancestors of Unknown Surname: To obtain mtDNA results of participants who trace their maternal-line ancestries to women of 17th and 18th century Nova Scotia, for whom surnames cannot be established through traditional records research.

Complete Surname Study: To obtain mtDNA results and Y chromosome DNA test results of participants who trace their maternal-line and paternal-line ancestries to persons living in Nova Scotia in the 17th and 18th centuries, focusing specifically on the population of l'Acadie.

Research Amerindian Haplogroups: To compile and research Amerindian haplogroup test results of participants whose family lines may not include Acadians but whose ancestors originate from the same geographical region.

Research Statistically Rare Haplogroups: To compile and research statistically rare haplogroup information discovered among project participant mitochondrial and Y chromosome test results.

Sponsorship of DNA Tests: The Project provides financial support of mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA testing at the discretion of its members.

Note:

Please check the mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome test result tabs for updates as participant DNA test results are added frequently. The DNA group is open to any Acadian descendant or Native descendant of the Maritimes and Gaspé regions and we welcome your participation.


	Project News We extend invitations to our friends and relations from all across North America -- including the United States (especially the East Coast, Louisiana and Texas) Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, the Gaspe Region, Quebec, and surrounding areas to join our Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA project. Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia project members research deep ancestry through the (New) Family Finder product and extended Y DNA and Full Mitochondria Sequence tests: Click Order Your Test Kit from Family Tree DNA to view all Family Tree DNA products and prices. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate your contribution to the sustained growth of the Family Tree DNA matching database, the best genealogical matching tool of its kind. To join our project, click the following link: Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Project Project Trends Recent surname studies within the Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Project have revealed surprising Amerindian origins, discovered through DNA testing. Please visit our mtDNA and Y DNA results tabs for updated results. All About Haplogroup X The Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Project, in addition to hosting the DNA results of participants who trace their earliest ancestries to Nova Scotia, the Gaspe region of Quebec, and surrounding areas, has become the home of several statistically rare haplogroups, including "X." After reviewing the results we have on file for haplogroup X in the mtDNA section, please click the following link to review recent research results. http://www.phylotree.org/tree/main.htm http://www.phylotree.org/tree/subtree_N.htm Haplogroup C3b-P39 Subclade in North America The C3b-P39 subclade is of interest with regards to the "North American - Amerindian" project scope of the Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Project -- and our ancestry. We continue to research these results and compare our participants' results with others in the Family Tree DNA project studies. The latest Family Tree DNA C3 P39 subclade test results do in fact show that eight of our Y DNA project participants belong to the North American-Native American C3b (P39) subclade, with two results pending. View recent results for the C3b haplogroup types, with associated surnames of earliest ancestors reported by project participants, by clicking the Y DNA tab on the Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia project site. Read the article, " Confirmed C3b Y DNA Results Test the Heritage of Cajun Cousin Keith Doucet," to learn more. Please click the following link to find more information about haplogroup C3: Haplogroup C3 (Y-DNA) Trend for matching Haplogroup B / B2c mtDNA results in Canada The following mtDNA Haplogroup B sequence was recently added to our Amerindian Ancestry Family Tree DNA Project: 16048A, 16104T, 16181G, 16182C, 16183C, 16189C, 16217C, 16519C 16217C, 16519C Project participants having this sequence list Canada, significant to our project scope, as the geographic location of earliest ancestors. Haplogroup A2i - Updates from the Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Project Recent haplogroup A2i mtDNA test results helped Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA participant, Emile Broome, discover his earliest Amerindian-Acadian ancestry dating back to the 1600s -- and the town of Port Royal, Nova Scotia. Read about Emile's experience in the article, "Travel Teamwork and mtDNA Test Results add up to Emile Broome's Amerindian Acadian Ancestry." New A2f1a Haplogroup Trend Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Project member participation has yielded a new Amerindian (Native American) A2f1a haplogroup branch found among Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Project participants whose ancestries trace to the Atlantic Canada region -- and Nova Scotia - Acadian family lines, as identified in the 2009 Phylotree Chart. Other full genomic sequence tests have yielded variants of haplogroup A and the x2a haplogroup finding for Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Project participants. Thanks to all who have contributed by your participation in the mitochondrial DNA full genomic sequence tests offered by Family Tree DNA and the Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA project. These and other of our findings help us meet the project's published genetic genealogy research objectives. (click the Project Goals tab for more information). Click the following link to view the latest Phylotree Chart: PhyloTree.org - mtDNA subtree N(xR)(2009) Family Tree DNA Products* Family Tree DNA offers the following products, available when you join our project: Y-DNA tests: Y-DNA12, Y-DNA37, and Y-DNA67-marker MtDNA tests: mtDNA, mtDNAPlus, and mtDNA Full Sequence Family Finder Combined tests: Y-DNA37 + mtDNAPlus, Y-DNA12 + mtDNA Comprehensive tests: Y-DNA67 + mtDNAPlus Other: SuperDNA, Autosomal, X-STR Markers Panel 1, X-STR Markers Panel 1 and 2 Family Finder Autosomal DNA Test -- from Family Tree DNA! With the Family Tree DNA Family Finder test, regional projects such as the Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Project can discover real relationships. Participants purchasing Family Finder tests will be able to explore the lost family connections that are hidden behind migrations. New clues will open avenues for additional traditional paper trail research. Those with close or perfect Y-chromosome and mtDNA matches can now untangle their relationships. Participants may now match to male and female cousins from any of your family lines within five generations. The science behind it uses linked blocks of DNA across the 22 autosomal chromosomes and matches them between two people. Based on this concept, our bioinformatics team has worked extensively to develop the calculations that would tell you the closeness of the relationship. The possibilities to find matches abound -- Aunts & Uncles, Parents and Grandparents -- Half siblings and 1st cousins -- 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cousins -- Possibly 5th cousins and beyond! When you take the Family Finder test, your results are compared against our Family Finder database. You will be able to: Sort your matches by degree of relationship View your match's e-mail address for immediate communication Download your raw data You need an untouched vial to take this test. So, you may need to supply another vial, if you've already expended your first two. Note: If you are a Family Finder Participant, MAKE SURE to elect to have the FREE conversion/upgrade offered to you by Family Tree DNA. Your cousins are waiting for you! Visit the Family Tree DNA website for detailed information about all DNA test products at http://www.familytreedna.org. The Family Tree DNA Family Finder test digs deep into participant autosomal DNA, discovers matching DNA segments that occur within participant information, and correlates these with second, third, fourth, and fifth-cousin relationships -- that would be difficult, if nearly impossible for most to identify using traditional paper-based genealogy research methods. Read the whole story! Click: "Cajun Cousins Bernie David and Steve Simon Discover Shared Heritage, DNA, in the Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Finder Project. " Discounts are made available from time to time. Watch for notifications from your project coordinator and Family Tree DNA so you can take advantage of these special promotions. REDUCED PRICES FOR Y DNA TESTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR Y DNA TESTED WITH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES: RELATIVE GENETICS, DNAHERITAGE, ANCESTRY, OXFORD ANCESTORS, GENEBASE: Have you had your Y DNA tested by another DNA testing organization and would like to participate in our Amerindians out of Acadia Family Tree DNA project? Click the following link: Family Tree Y DNA Test Promotion and enter the surname project, "Amerindians out of Acadia," when you complete the form. Send your completed form to Family Tree DNA as directed. Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Project Participants: Please update the "user preferences" section of your Family Tree DNA page, which you will see immediately after you login to the Family Tree DNA website. Make sure to enter the names of your earliest maternal and/or paternal-line ancestors AND the longitude and latitude of the place of origin for each. Click the help link in your user preferences section of your Family Tree DNA page to find the correct longitude and latitude values for your earliest ancestor, based on your knowledge of where he or she lived. The My Maps feature (that relies upon the longitude and latitude values entered in your user preferences) makes it possible for project members to see, graphically charted, the common geographic locations shared among participant ancestors. Also, current project participants of the Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia DNA project, who have already had an mtDNA and/or Y DNA test, may order additional tests by clicking the "Order Tests and Upgrades" link located on their respective Family Tree DNA home pages and following the directions provided. Click to view latest Y DNA Results for paternal line ancestries. Click to view latest mtDNA Results for maternal line ancestries. Q&A QUESTION: How do I order my DNA test kit from the Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Project? ANSWER: It's easy! Follow these steps: Click the "REQUEST TO JOIN THIS GROUP" link on the left nav bar of the Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA Project Page. Click the button labelled, "I want to purchase a test to join the project." Complete the order form as directed and submit it. QUESTION: I've already received my test results from Family Tree DNA and I'd like to join the Amerindian Ancestry out of Acadia Family Tree DNA project. How do I join your project so that my results appear along with your other project information? ANSWER: It's easy! Follow these steps: Using your FTDNA kit ID and password (that you were issued when you first ordered your test kit from Family Tree DNA), logon to your Family Tree DNA home page. Click the button labelled, "Join Projects." Locate the "Search by Surname" section on the page and enter the term, "Amerindian" in the search window provided -- then, click the "Search" button. You will see the link to the "Amerindian Acadian Ancestry" project in your results. Click the link. Click the "Join" button on the lower right hand corner of the project page that follows. Note: If you need assistance in joining our project, please Email the Project Administrator.