Understanding Cherokee Membership Requirements: Beyond Blood Quantum and DNA

When it comes to membership in the Cherokee Nation, many believe there are strict blood quantum or DNA requirements. However, the reality is more nuanced and rooted in genealogical history and historical records. This article explores the specific membership criteria for the Cherokee Nation and related tribes, debunking common myths and shedding light on the stringent processes that must be followed.

The Cherokee Nation

For the Cherokee Nation, membership is not determined by blood quantum or DNA. Instead, membership is based on lineal descent from an individual who was listed on the Dawes Rolls. The Dawes Rolls, also known as the Final Rolls of Citizens and Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes, is the last official census of the Cherokee Tribe conducted in the years 1898 to 1914, primarily from 1899 to 1906.

The process of applying for membership in the Cherokee Nation involves submitting an application along with documents that directly connect a person to an enrolled lineal ancestor who is listed on the Dawes Roll. These records are very clear and encompass many other lists and rolls that preceded the final Dawes Rolls.

Membership Requirements for Different Cherokee Tribes

The Cherokee Nation is one of three Cherokee tribes with different criteria for membership. The other two Cherokee tribes, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, each have their own specific requirements.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

To become a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, applicants must directly trace their ancestry to an individual listed on the 1924 Baker Roll. This roll records members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Additionally, applicants must possess at least one-sixteenth degree of Eastern Cherokee blood. It's important to note that blood quantum is calculated from the ancestor listed on the 1924 Baker Roll, and no DNA or blood testing is performed for this calculation.

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma

For the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, the eligibility criteria are stringent. Applicants must be able to provide documentary evidence that they are a descendant of an individual listed on either the 1949 United Keetoowah Band Base Roll or the final Dawes Roll. Moreover, applicants must have one-fourth Keetoowah Cherokee blood quantum, calculated through the blood quantum listed for their ancestor on one of these rolls.

Mythbusting: Common Misconceptions about Cherokee Membership

There are several common misconceptions about Cherokee membership, particularly regarding blood quantum and DNA. In reality, these criteria are not part of the membership requirements. Here are some clarifications:

Myth: You must have a certain amount of Cherokee blood to be a member.
Fact: Membership in the Cherokee Nation and related tribes is based on lineal descent, as proven by the Dawes Rolls or other historical records. There is no requirement for a specific percentage of Cherokee blood. Myth: DNA testing is required to prove Cherokee ancestry.
Fact: DNA testing is not used by the Cherokee Nation or the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for membership purposes. The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma may require proof of blood quantum, but this is based on historical records, not genetic testing. Myth: Anyone can claim to be Cherokee due to their ancestry.
Fact: Membership in these tribes is limited to individuals who can trace their lineage to the Dawes Rolls or other relevant historical records. This process ensures the integrity of tribal membership and heritage. Myth: Every actor is a quarter Cherokee or had a great-grandmother who was Cherokee.
Fact: While this myth persists, many celebrities and actors may have a tenuous or spurious connection to Cherokee heritage. Actual Cherokee membership requires verifiable proof of lineage from historical records.

Conclusion

Understanding the membership requirements for the Cherokee Nation and related tribes is crucial for those seeking to join. These requirements are based on the historical records of the Dawes Rolls and other related rolls, not on modern DNA or blood quantum standards. This process ensures the preservation of Cherokee heritage and identity, and it is vital for anyone interested in membership to understand the true criteria and apply accordingly.