Can i register as a Cherokee Indian?

Question:

Can i register as a Cherokee Indian?

i am probely 1/8 or 1/16 cherokee Indian. my greatgrandma was half or full indian i am not sure,so do you think that i qualify?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: 'Siyo,

I am a member of the Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri and would like to help you in your contemplation of this topic.

Before registering with any tribe, you would need to document your lineage. To do this, you would need to obtain official birth / death certificates going back to the great grandmother and possibly before - you would also want to check to see if they list her as an "Indian"... I say possibly before because many hid their ancestry due to persecution. You would then, try to validate where she resided during her life and other family members, her parents, etc...

Next you would look up rolls of tribes in that area - Dawes, Guion, Siler, Miller, are great starts - Try "Cherokee by blood" series... If you find an ancestor on the rolls, obtain their enrollment number. Then, you can use that to obtain a copy of their enrollment application.

Once you have done that, check the blood quantum for that ancestor and trace down to determine yours.

Then, you would need to research various tribes of Cherokee to determine which is the best "fit" for you. For example, Oklahoma, I believe requires no more than a two generational skip from a member of the tribe and a certain blood quantum - perhaps registering before a certain date... They are what is called "Federally Recognized" meaning they recieve benefits, but also have gone "commercial" - i.e. casinos. My tribe is "not federally recognized" but we meet for spirit, heart, togetherness, culture and are "anti-casino"... There are many other tribes to consider, the Western Cherokee of the Lousiana Territory, The Old Settlers, The Lost Cherokee, etc.. Many, many, many.... Each has different enrollment requirements and different philosophies.

I hope this helps.

Do na da go vh i,
(Goodbye until we meet again)

Wildflower