Below are answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you would like to ask a question that is not discussed here, please feel free to email us - Nativednatesting@gmail.com

Question: I would like to know more about you and your company. What are your credentials? What experience do you have with determining ancestry?

Answer: Chris Lisauckis began researching his Genealogy in May 1996 and found it so enjoyable that it became a lifelong passion. At a family funeral in July 2008, he learned of Native American ancestry which had been hidden in his family for several generations. This inspired him to learn as much as possible about ancestry DNA testing and human population genetics. Chris holds a B.S. in Earth System Science and an M.S. in Atmospheric Science both from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. From 2018-2021 he worked as a lecturer of meteorology at Mississippi State University while perusing a PhD. Additionally, Chris has developed multiple groundbreaking tornado forecasting techniques and is applying the same acumen and creativity to help people discover their ancestry. Chris believes strongly that science doesn't have to boring and is constantly looking for ways to share his knowledge.
 

After being mentored from 2009-2014 by Lucas Martin, the founder of DNA Tribes, Chris began building Pinnacle, Native DNA's proprietary STR ancestry calculator. His hobbies include storm chasing, percussion (which he taught professionally for 8 years), physical fitness, and photography. He is of Native American (Cherokee and Creek), Native Hawaiian, Chinese, English, German, and Lithuanian ancestry. The picture slideshow on the front page of the Native DNA website features a one slide photo collage of primarily members of his family and a few friends.

 

Question: When and where was Native DNA founded?

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Answer: Native DNA was founded on September 28, 2012 in Huntsville, AL
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Question: Why is your DNA testing service so much more expensive than many of the others currently available? 

Answer: The Native DNA Ancestry Analysis is powerful. There is no other way to put it. We could beat around the bush and tell you this, that, and the other; however the truth is, there is no analysis like it. Due to the amount of work involved in interrogating customer's STR DNA profiles, the price must reflect the amount of time spent to gather this information. Many of our customers tell us they have tried every DNA test on the market, and none of them have provided information concerning certain known ancestry in their family (Native American for example). That is until they test with Native DNA. 

Question: Do you use an accredited laboratory to obtain customer's STR DNA profiles? 

Answer: Yes. Native DNA has partnered with DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) in Fairfield, OH which is the most accredited DNA testing lab in the world. DDC is a wonderful company that delivers fast, accurate results. This allows us to have maximum confidence that the raw STR DNA profile we obtain from the lab to perform your analysis is accurate. Your raw STR DNA profile, obtained strictly from DDC, will be included in your results package.

Question: How does your DNA testing service differ from others? What can yours tell me that others cannot? 

Answer: After founding Native DNA in September 2012, Chris realized that many people searching for their roots were coming up empty handed. This included individuals who knew without a doubt that Native American ancestry existed in their family, but big box DNA companies had left them without answers. Realizing firsthand how frustrating this can be, he began devising methods of ancestry detection so thorough, they would become industry standards in assisting those seeking truth. For each customer, Chris spends several hours, sometimes up to half a day, interrogating each customer's STR DNA profile in search of recognizable patterns.

 

The Native DNA Ancestry Analysis is the only one of its kind available. Our unique analysis provides you with not only a comparison to hundreds upon hundreds of published university research study populations, but also compares your unique DNA profile to our own proprietary blended population sets which were created from many years of research experience. Our database currently contains several hundred of these unique population blends that you will only find here. Often times, other DNA tests will only detect portions of your ancestry, leaving you frustrated and unsatisfied. For example, we'll say you are 1/8 Native American, 1/4 African American, and 5/8 European. Your Native DNA analysis would likely be able to accurately detect all three of these portions of your genome and provide you with precise ancestral admixture percentages. 

Question: Do you offer tests for mtDNA or Y-DNA?

Answer: Unfortunately, not at this time. Although we have considered developing such analyses, we continue investing most of our time perfecting our autosomal STR DNA test.

Question: Can both males and females take this DNA test?

Answer: Absolutely. This autosomal STR DNA test allows anyone to learn more about their ancestry. The format of results does not differ among the sexes whatsoever.

Question: I'm not Native American, can I still take this test to learn more about my ancestry?

Answer: Absolutely. The Native DNA Ancestry Analysis features populations from around the globe. We work hard to maintain a well balanced assortment of world populations to ensure accuracy.

Question: How did you develop your DNA database of various populations?

Answer: Every year, published peer reviewed DNA studies are undertaken by universities as well as various state and federal agencies across the globe for the sake of greater scientific knowledge. We have assimilated results from well over 1000 such studies into our STR DNA calculator to provide you top-notch results.

Question: What are autosomal STR DNA markers?

Answer: STR is an abbreviation for Short Tandem Repeat. These DNA markers are sequences surrounding the center of your chromosomes and come in differing lengths and patterns. Certain nationalities are statistically known to have STR patterns specific to that world population. Like a fingerprint, each human being has an STR profile completely unique to them. Stability is offered by STR markers, which translates to an accuracy not often observed in other types of DNA tests. Law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and state/local police use STR markers to identify criminal suspects, as well as to solve missing person cases.

 

STR markers are randomly inherited from each parent, grandparent, great-grandparent etc. back through the generations in your family. While two or three of these markers typically does not possess the ability to resolve your ancestry, the synergy of 17+ STR loci has the fortitude to deliver powerful results which oftentimes leaves costumers more impressed than with information they've received from big box DNA testing companies.

Question: What are the differences between SNP and STR DNA tests?

Answer: SNP and STR technology are different in several ways. STR marker loci (locus if singular and loci if plural) were designed as forensic markers used for the identification of people in criminal and missing persons cases. Due to STRs unique repeating chromosomal patterns, they can also be used to identify world populations associated with a person's genome. Moreover, SNPs (pronounced snips) were developed as genomic markers to help with the study of world populations, and to identify relatives of both near and far genetic distance.

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SNPs are a bit more precise than STRs in determining genetic admixture percentages, although STRs are typically better at indicating the world populations found within a person's genome. The robustness of analyzing with each data type depends heavily on the Four Pillars of DNA Testing for Ancestry, which include: 1. Number and breadth of world populations in the genetic database; 2. Number of genetic markers used in testing; 3. Viability of both population and customer genetic data; 4. Precision of the data interrogation methods used.

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Both STRs and SNPs have their strengths and weaknesses. One can work better for certain people, and which one works best can be unpredictable. We have more Native American populations within our STR population database, although our SNP analysis seems to provide more precise admixture percentages. You'll also receive more data with our STR analysis (extra population lists). We're constantly improving both analyses.

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Question: Can I use my SNP raw data to take an STR test?

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Answer: Unfortunately no. SNP and STR data are different data types and cannot be used interchangeably to generate one another. New DNA sample submission and subsequent lab work will be required in order to take an STR test if you haven't taken one before.

Question: Does everyone who takes your DNA test receive Native American results? 

Answer: No. Although many of our customers seek out our services due to the fact that they know or believe have Native American ancestry, not all of these tests return positive matches for American Indian ancestry. It is true, however, that many people are surprised concerning some of the locations Native American ancestry has made its way to over the millennia. We will in no way add populations to DNA reports simply to appease the customer. You have Chris' word that he will report every customer's DNA honestly and to the very best of his ability. 

Question: Can I upload my raw STR data to DNA and ancestry websites much like I do with raw SNP data from big box DNA companies to determine admixture and genetic relatives? 

Answer: Unfortunately, not at this time. There are however, a few ways for you to experiment with the STR profile or "raw data" we obtain from the lab. One such product, Omnipop, can be downloaded free at the following link: www.cstl.nist.gov/div831/strbase/population/OmniPop200.1.xls .Please keep in mind that Omnipop operates at a maximum of 17 STR loci and only contains 202 populations in its database, and therefore will likely produce ancestry results substantially different from those obtained from your Native DNA Ancestry Analysis. This is because our ancestry calculator is proprietary, with no other company in the world offering such a product. Another source for entering your raw data is the Strider STR Frequency Database located at: https://strider.online/query#query_form where you can simply enter your allele values and see what turns up. The Strider database consists of European populations only.

Question: What does the STR (Short Tandem Repeat) testing process involve from the time I submit my payment, start to finish?

Answer: After we receive your payment, we will mail either your 17 STR or 28 STR DNA testing kit to you. Taking the DNA test is very easy. When you receive your kit, simply fill out the DNA consent form and follow the instructions for application of the four oral swabs and mailing your kit to the lab. Your sample will be analyzed by the lab and your STR allelic profile determined. Once this step is complete, the lab (DDC in Fairfield, Ohio) will send us your raw STR lab report, complete with a battery of STR DNA markers. We will then input your allele values into Pinnacle, our proprietary DNA calculator, and begin the interrogation process. When we're satisfied that we've done everything possible to obtain the highest grade results using Pinnacle, we will submit your Native DNA Ancestry Analysis to you via the email address you provided.

 

*Please note that the order fulfillment process is different for customers who've purchased raw SNP data analyses.

Question: What is the expected turnaround time for my results?

Answer: Since we generate results using a combination of computer (objective) and manual (subjective) analysis, turnaround time hinges largely on how many orders we've recently received. Throughout 2023 & 2024, turnaround time for previously obtained SNP raw data and STR raw data analyses varied from 2-22 days, and 14-30 days from the time the lab receives customer buccal swab samples for new kit 17 and 28 STR analyses.

Question: I know I am part Native American. Why is this portion of my ancestry not showing up in my results?

Answer: Your DNA is randomly inherited from your ancestors in such a way that not all of your heritage may be detectable with a DNA test (any DNA test). This genetic process is called random assortment and is strictly autosomal. As a result of such randomness, a brother or sister may have inherited more DNA from your Native American ancestor than you, or an aunt or uncle may have inherited more than one of your parents etc. We strongly recommend testing the member of your family who is most closely related to your Native American ancestor for the best results. Also, try testing the individual in your family who is both most closely related to and whose physical appearance most closely resembles Native Americans (or other types of ancestry for which you are searching) for the greatest chance of discovering genetic linkages.

Question: Can you tell me which tribe I'm from?

Answer: In many cases, yes. It is certainly possible, although it does not occur 100% of the time. We've encountered many cases over the years where we've correctly identified a person's ancestral tribal genetic connections, whether it be ancestry from Asia, America, Africa, or elsewhere. However, this is not always possible due to the unique distribution of alleles (genetic markers) within your genome, and due to many tribes being heavily mixed due to trade and warfare. Typically, an appreciable genetic connection to a certain group of people needs to exist for specific tribal characteristics to be identified. If you're searching for a particular type of ancestry within your family (e.g., Chinese, Cherokee, Yoruban, etc.), the best results will likely come by testing the relative that is most closely related to the ancestry you're searching for (closest genetic distance).

Question: Can you tell me exactly what my ancestral percentages are? 

Answer: The percentages that we include with your results are simply our best approximation based on our experience with STR DNA markers. Because these are only estimates of your ancestral admixture percentages, the possibility does exist for error within this data. We include these estimates with all purchases simply because most people prefer to have an approximation of their racial admixture breakdown. To date, there is no known ancestral DNA test on the market that can accurately indicate exact percentages of ancestry 100% of the time. Technology has yet to mature to this level of detail. In fact, there is a chance that this may never happen. While exact percentages of your ancestry are difficult to calculate (as with any DNA test), the populations which your DNA is associated with are not.

Question: I have significant Jewish heritage and I’ve heard that this can return false positives for Native American ancestry. How will this affect my results?

Answer: Although some DNA tests can confuse these two world populations, Native DNA has developed strong methods of separating the two types of ancestry. In the event you have both Native American and Jewish ancestry, we can differentiate them both, providing you with a breakdown of the individual components within your genome. 

Question: Why don't my results show only the exact nation(s) that my family's oral/written history indicates we are from?

Answer: Throughout the passage of time, diaspora populations have traveled long distances for various reasons. The reasons are attributed to trade, military invasions, the changing of national boundaries, among others. For instance, during the Mongol invasions of eastern Europe during the 13th century CE, DNA from eastern Asia was introduced into portions of the European gene pool. Some Hungarians for instance, have retained these Asian genetic contributions some 800 years after intermixing due to relatively endogamous (closed) societies. The significance of this example is that some people with Hungarian ancestry may exhibit DNA signals from eastern Asian populations. Such individuals may be unaware of this ancestry as there may be no oral/written tradition that was passed down through the generations.

 

There are many examples of populations intermixing throughout time that could be used to illustrate this point. In some cases, there may exist little if any correlation between the oral/written history of your family and your actual ancestral origins. A lot of intermixing has taken place worldwide to form the populations that exist as we know them today. Occasionally, customers will comment that they've never heard of certain results existing within their family. Our response, frankly, is why take the most powerful DNA test on the planet, or any DNA test for that matter, if you don't want to learn the truth?    
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Question: I am a federally registered card carrying Cherokee, yet my results are showing Cherokee, Choctaw, Ojibwe, Cree, and Maya. Why is this?        
 
Answer: Native Americans migrated, traded, and otherwise interacted frequently which resulted in many tribes being more mixed than they may realize. In fact, many "full-bloods" are often more inter-tribally mixed than they know. Oftentimes there is simply no way of being able to trace this heritage due to its pre-Columbian origins.