So You Want to Be an Honorary Okie? How to Get That Fancy "Indian Card" in Oklahoma
Howdy, partner! Ever dreamt of two-steppin' under the Oklahoma sunset with a tribal chief by your side? Maybe you just crave the undeniable coolness of an "Indian card" (also known as a CDIB - Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood). Whatever your reason, you've landed in the right saloon! But hold your horses, pilgrim, there's more to this than wrangling wild mustangs.
First things first: You gotta have Cherokee blood in yer veins thicker than gravy. That's right, Oklahoma's tribal membership is primarily based on descent from folks enrolled in the Dawes Rolls - a list from way back when (late 1800s) that documented members of certain Native American tribes. Think of it as the original "cool kids' club" membership list.
Here's the lowdown on how to prove your Cherokee heritage is more than just a bad sunburn:
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- Grab your magnifying glass and dive into genealogy: Ancestry.com ain't your only option, partner. Look through dusty family photos for clues, grill your relatives about great-great-great grandpappy who "might have been Cherokee."
- Paper chase like a bloodhound: Birth certificates, census records, anything that links you back to a Dawes Roll enrollee is gold!
Alright, Sherlock, think you've unearthed your Cherokee roots?
- Saddle up and mosey on over to the tribe's website: Every tribe has its own application process, so do some online wrangling to find the one for your newfound Cherokee kin.
- Fill out the paperwork with more patience than a saint herding jackrabbits: Be prepared for multiple forms, notarized documents, and enough ancestral proof to fill a Conestoga wagon.
Congratulations! You've officially thrown your hat in the CDIB ring. Now comes the waiting game.
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
This process ain't for the faint of heart. It can take months, even years to get approved. But hey, while you wait, you can practice your Cherokee yodeling or learn a fancy fry bread recipe.
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| How To Get Indian Card In Oklahoma |
Now, before you ask...
How to FAQs:
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- How to Know if I'm Eligible? Check if you have a direct ancestor on the Dawes Rolls of a federally recognized Oklahoma tribe.
- How Much Does it Cost? Fees vary by tribe, but it's usually a nominal amount to cover processing costs.
- How Long Does it Take? Patience, partner! It can take months or even years.
- What if I Don't Have Cherokee Heritage? You can't apply for a CDIB from a tribe you don't have lineage to. Research other tribes you might have ancestry from.
- Is There a Shortcut? Nope. There's no fast track to tribal citizenship. Be prepared to put in the legwork.
Remember, this CDIB thing is about more than just a cool card. It's about connecting with your heritage and becoming part of a vibrant community. So, good luck on your genealogical adventure, and don't forget to pack your sense of humor – this wild west ride might get a little dusty!
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