Re: Tribal Membership
Joan Greendeer-Lee (joan_greendeer-lee@census.gov)
Wed, 11 Jan 1995 15:24:01 -0500
Generally applying for membership is not as simple as filling out a form.
Each Federally recognized tribe has their own unique set of guidelines for
membership registration. You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for
an application. The tribal application criteria are defined in the tribal
constitution. The Tribal constitution will specify registration requirements
such as birthright, blood quantum, if required, family lineage and ancestry,
adopted membership, etc. If you find some similarities--1/4 blood--it is
because many tribal constitutions came about because of the 1934 IRA (Indian
Reorganization Act).
Your best source is dealing directly with the tribes. Contact their tribal
enrollment offices. Of coarse there are over 500 Federally recognized tribal
governments. Good Luck!