The Cherokee Nation provides a variety of cultural and financial resources for students at all stages of their education.
If an enrolled family member has joined East Coast Cherokees, other direct family members are eligible to join East Coast Cherokees as well.
There are only three federally recognized Cherokee tribes: the Cherokee Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. Each tribe has control over their enrollment criteria and their own processes for enrolling new members. Navigating claims of relation and enrollment can sometimes be a complicated process, but it is an important exercise in affirming tribal sovereignty and gaining access to the rights and benefits of Cherokee citizenship.
Below you’ll find information and links to relevant resources for things such as becoming a member of East Coast Cherokees, registering to vote in Cherokee Tribal Elections, or enrolling for citizenship in the Cherokee Nation.
How do I become a member of East Coast Cherokees?
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How do I enroll in the Cherokee Nation?
The Cherokee Nation Registration Office processes Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB), Dawes and Tribal Citizenship applications and issues CDIB, Citizenship, and Photo ID cards. The Registration office also issues Indian Preference Letters, provides verification of Tribal Citizenship, verifies eagle feather applications and provides registration services as needed.
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.
My family has always said we’re Cherokee, can I become a member?
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How do I vote in Cherokee Tribal elections?
The Cherokee Nation Election Commission runs elections in the Nation. If you are an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, you can register to vote and request an absentee ballot to vote in any tribal elections.