cherokee indian?

Question

My grandfather recently past away, and his father who he never met was a cherokee indian cheif i do belive. we have no record of our heratige, even papers stateing we are infact cherokee, is there any way i can find that information?

Answer 1

Hey dk_class2...,

Here are some really good web sites. Some specialize in Cherokee. Dawes Roles is where you could find out if your Grandfather was on the roles, then all you have to do is get records showing your relationship (Birth, Marriage, Death, etc.)

Answer 2

Don't know what records you do have.. but, in the Cherokee office, we tell everyone to start with Birth / Death Certificates from yourself going back, each one will lead to another and can order it by checking "vital records" of each area - some places like Missouri have info available online for free (mostly), then, look at race on each one, but don't worry until you get pretty far back, most hid it because of predjudice. Get names of not only direct lineage, but their brothers and sisters. Then, get on the "Cherokee by blood" sites - if you need, email me and I'll do a search and get the free sites for you that have this - I also have access to all the treaties going way back (which were generally signed by "important people" of the tribe). So, if you can send me a specific name / time period, I'll try to help.

The GUION - MILLER roll is one that was listed incorrectly spelled before, but is helpful, so is the DAWES roll, but these were done by people looking for an excuse to deny an application and most true natives didn't really want to go stand before some indian agent and sign up.

Answer 3

Try the Gion Miller Roll.
It was compiled around 1909.

http://www.archives.gov/research/arc/native-americans-guion-miller.html

Cherokee families filed long applications, trying to prove a relationship to earlier Cherokees who had been promised funds,(to leave their lands) but had never any money.

Most applications were rejected. But, even the rejected applications are FULL of great family history.

Once you find your ancestors' names, you can order a copy of their application. Instructions at bottom of page.

Answer 4

Eastern band of the Cherokee has a web site:
www.cherokee-nc.com

Answer 5

Contact the tribal council. They have a committee that maintains records of members. You will have to produce a birth certificate of both you and your father.

Answer 6

Often it is difficult to determine, as many families, romanticized "Indian heritage," based on unfounded family folklore.

You can get DNA testing, there are online websites, it's expensive.

Answer 7

Contact your regional BIA office (Bureau of Indian Affairs) and they will help you ascertain your Native American heritage, if any

Answer 8

if your grandfather was half native from your great grandfather....it doesnt mean that your native because you have no native blood in you what so ever..sure maybe if your own father was native that would make you half...