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Position:Home>Genealogy> I have some Cherokee Indian in me, and have some questions?Question: I have some Cherokee Indian in me, and have some questions!? So I just found out by my uncle, who has done the research and has gotten a certificate, that through my fathers side my great great grandfather was full blooded Cherokee Indian!.
I know that makes me a very small percentage but I am just curious if I could still be considered Native!.Www@QuestionHome@Com Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Your uncle qualifies as a NGN because his blood quantum was 12!.5%!. That's the minimum for most tribes!. You can declare your native heritage, you just can't get tribal health benefits or a tax benefit unless you and your dad register with the tribe and you move to the reservation!.Www@QuestionHome@Com Hey Chad!. It is very sad that the first Americans must have a piece of paper to document heritage, but that is the state of things!. I'm happy for you being able to prove that link!. May your affiliation be an honorable one that will help you to help your people!. There is a big difference in what nation your blood is from!. You can be considered "Cherokee" as a tribal member by the Western Cherokee nation, centered out of Tahlequah, OK, as shared above, but may or may not qualify for benefits as described/debated by the other individuals here (both well-meaning, so this is no criticism intended)!. The Eastern Cherokee are much more restrictive in their blood quantum, which is likely where my Chippewa sister is coming from!. The Western Cherokee nation is very inclusive on blood quantum - all you have to do is have any Cherokee blood - but not all beneifts!. They are not supportive of "proximal" membership - and have recently made membership exclusions of those who were past members of the nation because of geographic location, but cannot document any Cherokee blood!. The Eastern Cherokee nation is not as inclusive, they are centered in Cherokee, NC!. I cannot help you further without knowing which nation with which your Uncle has documented affiliation!. This is an exciting time for you!. Cherish it!. Be well!.Www@QuestionHome@Com Were you born here!? Yes! Then you are native!. Joking aside!. Yes you can be considered Native American Indian decent!. Yes you can get health benefits!. My nephews are 0!.144% (something like that) Cherokee and they have just as much rights as the people that are 12!.5% They get all their medical and dental and if needed their glasses!. Much like medicaid!. Everything that Genevieve said is WRONG WRONG WRONG!. My nephews DON"T live on the reservation!. This is NOT the 1800's!. My Uncle by marriage on my mom's is 1/2 Seminole he lives in Oklahoma!. He has a card he takes everywhere!. He does not have to pay taxes!. He does not have to register his car!. He does not have to do a lot of things because that nation of Indians are the only Indian nation that has never signed a peace treaty with the USA because their chief was murdered by us under a flag of truce!.Www@QuestionHome@Com |