Final answer:
Many American Native American groups trace their lineage using a matriarchal system, particularly through matrilineal descent, as seen in Crow and Cherokee tribes where inheritance follows the female line.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many American Native American groups draw their lineage primarily through a matriarchal system. In matrilineal societies, such as those of the Crow and Cherokee tribes, family ties and inheritance are traced to women. In these cultures, a person's lineage is connected to their mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and so on.
This approach assures that property, status, and clan affiliation are passed down through the female line. Although matrilineal, actual leadership roles may still be held by senior men within the family. As society's view of and acceptance of Native American cultures have shifted, many individuals seek to reconnect with their tribal heritage, recognizing it as a central part of their identity.