The Principal Chief of the Cherokee nation (Largest Cherokee Tribe) is 1/32nd Cherokee by blood.
The term "by blood" actually has nothing to do with DNA makeup. This term was used long before we could identify DNA characteristics.
You can't use actual DNA to gain tribal membership. You have to use birth/marriage certificates or other documents that connect you to an enrolled lineal ancestor, who is listed on the “DAWES ROLL”. You could show up to a tribal council meeting with a "you are the father" DNA test and still be denied membership.
The Dawes Rolls, also known as the "Final Rolls", are the lists of individuals who were accepted as eligible for tribal membership in the "Five Civilized Tribes": Cherokees, Creeks, Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Seminoles. This list was created between 1898 and 1914.
Source: Pale face that grew up in the Cherokee and Creek/Muskogee Nation (AKA 30% of Oklahomans)
HuskerDave60 karma
Some Fun facts:
The Principal Chief of the Cherokee nation (Largest Cherokee Tribe) is 1/32nd Cherokee by blood.
The term "by blood" actually has nothing to do with DNA makeup. This term was used long before we could identify DNA characteristics.
You can't use actual DNA to gain tribal membership. You have to use birth/marriage certificates or other documents that connect you to an enrolled lineal ancestor, who is listed on the “DAWES ROLL”. You could show up to a tribal council meeting with a "you are the father" DNA test and still be denied membership.
The Dawes Rolls, also known as the "Final Rolls", are the lists of individuals who were accepted as eligible for tribal membership in the "Five Civilized Tribes": Cherokees, Creeks, Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Seminoles. This list was created between 1898 and 1914.
Source: Pale face that grew up in the Cherokee and Creek/Muskogee Nation (AKA 30% of Oklahomans)
View HistoryShare Link