How do I qualify as Cherokee?

A final federal census called the Dawes Rolls was taken of tribal citizens living here from 1898-1906. To be eligible for Cherokee Nation citizenship, a person must have one or more direct ancestors listed on Dawes.
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What percentage of Cherokee do you have to be to get benefits?

To give you an example, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians requires a minimum of 1/16 degree of Cherokee Indian blood for tribal enrollment, while the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Higher Education Grant expects you to have a minimum of 1/4 Native American blood percentage.
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How do I claim Cherokee ancestry?

The applicant must "provide documents that connect you to an enrolled lineal ancestor, who is listed on the 'DAWES ROLL' FINAL ROLLS OF CITIZENS AND FREEDMEN OF THE FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES, Cherokee Nation with a blood degree."
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How much Cherokee blood do you need to be Cherokee?

You must possess at least 1/16 degree of Eastern Cherokee blood.
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How do I register as a Native American Cherokee?

The basic criteria for CDIB/Cherokee Nation tribal citizenship is that an application must be submitted along with documents that directly connect a person to an enrolled lineal ancestor who is listed on the “Dawes Roll” Final Rolls of Citizens and Freedman of the Five Civilized Tribes.
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Genealogy Tip Tuesday: Eastern Cherokee Applications



Is there a DNA test for Cherokee?

Can I take a DNA test to prove my Cherokee heritage? Unfortunately, DNA testing has not advanced to the point of determining tribal affiliation. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians accepts DNA testing only in regard to the parentage of an applicant.
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How do I get my Cherokee ID?

How can I get a Cherokee Nation photo ID card? You may visit the main Tribal Registration office in Tahlequah Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Please bring your paper blue card and CDIB with you, along with another form of photo ID.
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Can a DNA test tell if you are Native American?

Though Warren consulted an expert geneticist, there simply isn't enough Native American genetic data to draw from to conclusively show a person as descendent from a specific tribe. As a result, no consumer DNA test can prove a person's Native American ancestry.
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How do I get Cherokee Indian benefits?

To be eligible for this benefit program, individuals must meet all of the following:
  1. Be an enrolled member of a federally recognized AI/AN tribe.
  2. Not have sufficient resources to meet the essential needs of food, clothing, shelter, and utilities.
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Does ancestry DNA test for Cherokee Indian?

Could A Blood or DNA Test Prove AI/AN Ancestry? Blood tests and DNA tests will not help an individual document his or her descent from a specific Federally recognized tribe or tribal community.
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How long does it take to get approved for Cherokee Nation?

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Cherokee Nation officials have said that after five years of hard work and strategic changes, the tribe's Registration Office is processing tribal citizenship applications in as little as one to two months.
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What are the benefits of being a registered Cherokee?

Like the members of other Native American tribes, Cherokees have access to free health care at tribe-run clinics and hospitals. Prescription drugs, eyeglasses, and hospitalizations are all covered under this system, which the tribe operates with funding from the federal Indian Health Services.
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How do I know how much Indian I am?

A DNA test can act as a very helpful tool when looking into your ancestry, in particular, if you have Native American ancestry, but there exist other ways of looking into your ancestral past too. For people researching the potential of a Native American past, you can: Look at available immigration or census records.
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How do I get Cherokee money?

When do I have to be a citizen of the Cherokee Nation in order to receive the $2,000 COVID assistance payment? You must be a current Cherokee Nation citizen or have your citizenship application with all supporting documentation turned in and completed by the tribe's registration department by June 1, 2022.
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Do you get a check for being Native American?

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) does not disburse cash to individuals, and contrary to popular belief, the U.S. government does not mail out basic assistance checks to people simply because they are Native American.
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Do Cherokee have to pay taxes?

Members of a federally recognized Indian tribe are subject to federal income and employment tax and the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), like other United States citizens.
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How do I know if I have Cherokee blood?

The Cherokee Heritage Center has a genealogist available to assist in researching Cherokee ancestry for a fee. Call 918-456-6007 visit www.cherokeeheritage.org. If you need further genealogy assistance at other times, the Muskogee Public Library, 801 West Okmulgee in Muskogee, Okla., may be able to help.
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How do I claim native benefits?

The applicant must fill out a General Assistance application and submit the following required documents;
  1. Proof of membership in a Federal Recognized Tribe.
  2. Copy of California Driver's License or ID.
  3. Copy of Social Security Card.
  4. Proof of Income.
  5. Proof of Denial from County General Assistance.
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Do you have to be Cherokee to work for Cherokee Nation?

It is a Native American owned and operated business, and preference is given to Native American candidates. Many non-native's have been employed by Cherokee Nation and it's entities. No you can work there if you are not Indian.
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Will 23andMe tell me if I'm native?

Your results may include evidence of DNA from the native peoples of North, Central, and South America, labeled "Indigenous American." In addition, you may receive a likely or highly likely match to one or more of 8 the genetic groups identified in our analyses within North America.
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Can you be 100 percent Native American?

They will not count blood from Red Lake, which is another Ojibwa reservation. They will not count blood from another tribe. So you actually do find some people who are citizens of a native nation that have a 25 percent blood quantum, even though they might be 100 percent native.
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Can 23andMe prove Native American?

It is very important to note that your 23andMe results, even if they do show genetic evidence that you have Native American ancestors, is not a substitute for the genealogical evidence that is required to become a member or citizen of a Native American tribe or group.
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What percentage of Native American do you have to be to get a check?

Some tribes require as much as 25% Native heritage, and most require at least 1/16th Native heritage, which is one great-great grandparent.
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How much money do Cherokee get?

A Cherokee born today would stand to receive at least $168,000 when he or she turns 18. The tribe pays for financial training classes for both high school students and adults. It is not a requirement that tribal members drawing checks live on the reservation, though approximately 10,000 do.
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How do I register as a Native American?

According to the federal government, in order to be a Native American, one must enroll in one of the 573 federally recognized tribes, etc. An individual must connect their name to the enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe. Please see the link of the list of federally recognized tribes.
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