The Second Largest Indian Tribe in the United States: Cherokee Nation

The debate over the second largest Indian tribe in the U.S. is often a topic of discussion among historians and researchers. According to recent tribal census, the two largest are the Navajo and the Cherokee nations, both with approximately 600,000 members each. However, determining the exact ranking can be challenging due to varying criteria for tribal membership.

Cherokee Nation

Estimated at around 400,000 enrolled members, the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma is the source of much contemporary discussion. They are closely followed by the Navajo Nation, with an enrolled population of 399,494 in 2021. It is important to note that these figures can fluctuate with births and deaths. Additionally, there are two other significant Cherokee tribes: the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, with around 13,000 members, and the United Keetoowah Band, with approximately 14,300 members.

Navajo Nation

The Navajo Nation, situated in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, is also a contender. As of 2021, it had an enrolled population of 399,494. About 165,000 live on the reservation, while the rest reside in nearby states. Despite their close membership, other lesser-known tribes also have significant Cherokee populations. For example, there are around 1,000 people who are both Navajo and members of the Colorado River Tribes.

Complexity of Tribal Membership

Complicating the matter further, certain tribes have strict membership criteria, while others have more lenient standards. As a result, individuals with a higher percentage of Cherokee blood may be underrepresented, while those with lower percentages could be overrepresented. This can make it difficult to accurately determine the size and composition of different tribes. For instance, I am familiar with some individuals who are part Navajo and enrolled at Warm Springs in Oregon, and others who are part Lakota and part Navajo, enrolled at Pine Ridge.

Wannabe Enrollees

Adding another layer of complexity, there are individuals who claim to be Cherokee but are not officially enrolled. Most of these individuals claim some form of "family lore" that cannot be verified. However, some may be eligible for enrollment, although the exact numbers are difficult to pinpoint. On the 2022 census, about 800,000 people reported being Cherokee, but to be enrolled, one must have direct descent from someone on the tribal rolls from 1899 to 1907.

Other Significant Tribes

While the Cherokee and Navajo are the most prominent, there are several other major tribes with significant populations. These include:

Choctaw: With 223,279 members in Oklahoma, 10,000 in Mississippi, and a few hundred in Louisiana, the Choctaw have a rich history of resistance against relocation. Ojibwe: With approximately 170,000 members in the U.S., the Ojibwe are spread across numerous tribal organizations. Including Canada, the total number surges to around 320,000. Lakota: Comprising about 100,000 people, the Lakota are divided into roughly 13 tribal organizations. Apache: Around 111,000 Apache belong to eight different tribal governments. The Western Apache, on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, Yavapai-Apache Nation Tonto Apache, and Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, make up the largest group. Cree: While primarily in Canada, there are about 392,420 total Cree, with 20,000 in the U.S.

Conclusion

While the Cherokee Nation is the second largest Indian tribe in the U.S., the nuances of tribal membership and the various ways of counting the population make precise rankings and numbers challenging to determine. Understanding the complexity and criteria of each tribe provides a clearer picture of the diverse and rich heritage of Native American communities in the United States.

Keywords: Cherokee Nation, Navajo Nation, Native American tribes, Indigenous population