Online genealogy research services also may have access to digital records that you wouldn’t be able to get otherwise. This can be particularly helpful with older records.

Keep in mind that if someone was adopted, their adoptive parents would not be considered your biological ancestors. You need to find their biological parents or other biological relatives, such as aunts or uncles, who can help you trace your lineage. Some adoption records also include information about tribal membership.

If you have access to older family members, they’re more likely to have documents, photographs, and other information that may lead you to uncover the identity of your Native American ancestors.

For example, if you have an ancestor who was adopted, you may be able to find the court adoption order for them. That adoption order may include information about the tribe they came from. If you had ancestors who live in a different area, check the court’s website or the state’s public records office. You might be able to order records online or over the phone, which would save you a trip to search in person.

You can also access the Dawes Rolls on the National Archives website at https://www. archives. gov/research/native-americans/dawes. The Tulsa Library has a searchable index of the Dawes Rolls, as well as other resources for researching your Native American ancestry, at https://www. tulsalibrary. org/research/genealogy-center/american-indian-research.

You may have ancestors who were enrolled in different tribes. If so, you must list each of these tribes on your CDIB card application. However, you can only apply for tribal membership with one tribe.

Most birth and death certificates can be ordered online through the VitalChek service at https://www. vitalchek. com/certificate-selection. If there’s a certificate you can’t get online, check with the vital records department of the state where the person lived. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a list of state vital records offices at https://www. cdc. gov/nchs/w2w/index. htm.

BIA agency offices are included on the tribal leaders directory, available online at https://www. bia. gov/bia/ois/tribal-leaders-directory/. If you are potentially eligible for citizenship in more than one tribe, you’ll need to pick the one you want to enroll in. If you need help figuring out which BIA agency office you need to send your application to, call the Office of Indian Services at 202-513-7640.

Your CDIB card renders you eligible to apply for tribal citizenship. However, many tribes also require you to meet additional criteria before you will be awarded citizenship.

The tribal leaders directory is available online at https://www. bia. gov/bia/ois/tribal-leaders-directory/.

Most tribes have this information available on their website. Otherwise, you can write to the tribal leadership using the information you found in the directory.

If you’re eligible for citizenship in more than one tribe, you typically have to sign a form rejecting citizenship in any other tribe. Make sure you’re applying for citizenship in a tribe you can prove your affiliation with and meet any other citizenship requirements.

Some tribes accept photocopies, while others require certified copies. If you made photocopies of the documents you submitted to the CDIB, this can save you having to order additional certified copies.

You’ll typically also have to include a copy of your CDIB card. You may want to mail your application using certified mail with return receipt requested, so you’ll know when the tribal leadership has received your application package.

You’ll typically receive a letter in the mail letting you know of the tribe’s decision. Some tribes may require you to attend an interview with tribal leadership before your application is finally approved. Many tribes have ceremonies you can attend to be officially welcomed into the tribe. You’ll also get information about any services you are now eligible for by virtue of your tribal membership.