Understanding Cherokee Tribal Membership: How Many Families Are There?

When discussing the Cherokee tribe, it's crucial to understand the complex rules and criteria for membership into its various governmental bodies. This article will delve into the specifics of Cherokee tribal enrollment and estimate the number of Cherokee families, providing a detailed overview and statistical analysis.

Tribal Governments and Membership Rules

The Cherokee tribe comprises three separate governmental bodies, each with its own rules for membership:

Cherokee Nation: Located in Oklahoma, it has around 400,000 enrolled members as of September 28, 2021. For enrollment, one must be a direct descendant of someone who appeared on the Dawes Rolls, compiled between 1898 to 1914. Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: This tribe is headquartered in North Carolina and has approximately 16,000 members in 2021. Membership requires a direct lineal ancestor who appears on the 1924 Baker Roll and at least 1/16 degree of Eastern Cherokee blood. The blood quantum is calculated based on the ancestor's listed blood quantum on the 1924 Baker Roll, and no DNA or blood testing is accepted for this purpose. United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee: Comprising about 14,000 members, this tribe requires documentation proving the person is a descendant of an individual listed on the 1949 United Keetoowah Band Base Roll or the final Dawes Roll. Additionally, one must provide proof of one-fourth Keetoowah Cherokee blood quantum, calculated through the blood quantum listed for the ancestor on the rolls.

Estimating Cherokee Families

The exact number of Cherokee families is challenging to determine, given the complex definitions of family size and the varying criteria for membership. The U.S. Census Bureau defines a family as a group of two or more people living together, at least one of whom is a householder related by birth, marriage, or adoption.

Using the average family size of 3.13 persons in 2021, we can estimate the number of Cherokee families. For instance, if we have 430,000 people enrolled in a Cherokee tribe, this could translate to approximately 138,000 families. However, this estimate is highly variable and depends on factors such as the size of individual families and the number of people living alone.

Estimate of Cherokee Ancestry without Tribal Enrollment

Sam Morningstar estimates that about 40,000 Americans might be of Cherokee ancestry but do not currently hold tribal enrollment status. Adding this to the 430,000 enrolled members brings the total number of potential Cherokee to around 470,000 individuals.

Even with this estimate, it's important to note that the number of families can vary significantly. Factors such as household size, number of people living alone, and the definition of a family unit all contribute to this variability.

The information provided here aims to give a comprehensive understanding of Cherokee tribal membership and the challenges in quantifying the number of Cherokee families. Whether you're interested in exploring your own Cherokee ancestry or seeking to understand the dynamics of Cherokee tribal enrollment, this information offers a valuable starting point.