Understanding Membership Requirements for Federally Recognized Tribes: The Choctaw Nation as an Example

The path to becoming a member of a federally recognized tribe, such as the Choctaw Nation, involves a specific set of protocols and requirements. These requirements are deeply rooted in the historical context of the tribe and federal policies aimed at recognizing and maintaining tribal sovereignty.

Historical Context and Citizenship Protocols

The eligibility for becoming a member of the Choctaw Nation revolves around blood quantum and descent from members listed on the Dawes Rolls, closed in 1907. This is a reflection of the federal government's policies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly the Dawes Act of 1887, which was designed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by dividing communal tribal lands into individual allotments.

The Dawes Rolls document the list of individuals deemed to have 'blood' (or direct descent) from the Choctaw Nation, specifically those who were Choctaw by blood and were enumerated during the Dawes Commission's efforts to allocate land to individual Native Americans. Approximately 19,000 Choctaws were alive in the Choctaw Nation at the turn of the 20th century, which means that your ancestry should trace back to one of these individuals for you to qualify for membership.

Process of Applying for Membership

Applying for membership in any federally recognized tribe, including the Choctaw Nation, is a straightforward process. You must submit an application to the tribe with a roll number showing your direct descent from someone listed on the Dawes Rolls. This is a crucial step, as you cannot proceed without it. However, merely working for the tribe does not automatically confer membership.

The Choctaw Nation's Constitution specifies that one must demonstrate direct descent from someone listed on the Dawes Rolls. There is no minimum blood quantum requirement, which means you only need to prove you are a descendant of a member on the rolls.

Challenges and Controversies

It is important to address the contemporary issues that arise from the tribal membership requirements. There is a controversial perception among some that members of federally recognized tribes should have members in their family who have been part of the tribe for generations. This perspective stems from the historical reality that such tribal affiliations were often passed down through families.

Yet, some individuals might find themselves in a situation where they do not have clear proof of their ancestry. In these cases, DNA tests can be used to provide genetic evidence to support claims of Choctaw heritage. Once proof of ancestry is established, applications can be submitted to the tribal chief for membership.

Examples of Tribal Land and Membership

The nature of tribal reservations varies widely, and this is exemplified by the Puyallup Reservation, which is significantly smaller in size compared to reservations such as the Yakama. The Puyallup Reservation covers only about 28 square miles, whereas the Yakama Reservation is over 2,000 square miles. The Puyallup Tribe lost much of its land in the 1854 Treaty of Medicine Creek, after which they were left with a much smaller piece of territory.

Despite the small reservation, the Puyallup Tribe faces significant challenges, including a large population and limited control over their territory. Approximately 40,000 people live on the reservation, but only about 2,500 are tribal members and around 300 identify as Native American. The vast majority of the population is not part of the tribe and has significantly less control over the land.

Marriage and Tribal Membership

Marriage and tribal membership are two separate concepts. Becoming a member of a tribe does not require one to be married to a tribal member, nor does it automatically grant tribal citizenship to the spouse. Each tribe has its own rules and requirements for membership.

For instance, if a tribe requires a blood quantum of one-quarter, a spouse who only has one Choctaw grandparent would not qualify for tribal membership. However, if a tribal member marries an individual, they can choose to live on the reservation if the tribe provides housing. Many reservations in the US face housing shortages, and tribal trust land cannot be bought or sold.

Conclusion and Further Reading

While many non-Native individuals wish to claim Choctaw heritage, it is essential to understand and respect the historical and legal processes required to become a member. DNA testing and clear proof of ancestry are often necessary, and applications must be submitted through the appropriate channels of each tribe.

To dive deeper into the specifics of tribal membership, individual tribes often have websites and resources for further information. For example, the Choctaw Nation has detailed information on their website under the 'Membership' section.

The issue of membership and heritage among federally recognized tribes is complex and multifaceted. Understanding the history and policies that shape these criteria is crucial for anyone interested in tribal membership.