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Starting Native American Research: Difference between revisions
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Native American research and Indian genealogy is unique when compared to other types of genealogical research. Most of the records available for researching Native American ancestry or Indian ancestry and genealogy are derived from records of the U.S. Government. | Native American research and Indian genealogy is unique when compared to other types of genealogical research. Most of the records available for researching Native American ancestry or Indian ancestry and genealogy are derived from records of the U.S. Government. | ||
[[Image:Oglala-He-Dog--1875.jpg|thumb|left|150px]]The early Indian rolls and Native American censuses, applications and enrollment cards, annuity and allotment records, etc., resulted from Indian claims against the United States. To obtain benefits awarded by the U.S. Court of Claims, Indians and Native Americans were required to prove their Native American ancestry and quantum blood requirements (i.e., percentage or degree of Indian and Native American blood required) pertaining to a particular tribe. Once their Native American ancestry was proved, these Native American Indians were entitled to land allotments or annuities awarded by the U.S. Court of Claims.<br><br> | [[Image:Oglala-He-Dog--1875.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Oglala-He-Dog--1875.jpg]]'''Census and enrollment records'''. The early Indian rolls and Native American censuses, applications and enrollment cards, annuity and allotment records, etc., resulted from Indian claims against the United States. To obtain benefits awarded by the U.S. Court of Claims, Indians and Native Americans were required to prove their Native American ancestry and quantum blood requirements (i.e., percentage or degree of Indian and Native American blood required) pertaining to a particular tribe. Once their Native American ancestry was proved, these Native American Indians were entitled to land allotments or annuities awarded by the U.S. Court of Claims.<br><br> | ||
An abundance of resources are available by going to the | '''Catalog searches'''. An abundance of resources are available by going to the '''[https://familysearch.org/catalog-search FamilySearch Catalog]''' and putting in the name of the tribe you are researching in a '''''Keyword''''' search. If you know where your Native American ancestors lived, you can also put in the place name under '''''Place''''' and see what vital records are available in the particular area. There is information contained within most states guides for [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/RG/frameset_rhelps.asp?Page=./research/Subjectn/Subjectn.asp&ActiveTab=Subject Native American records]. | ||
A Google search can be conducted for [“specific tribe” genealogy] where specific tribe is replaced by the tribe name [e.g. Ute]. This may also identify some specific records that can be searched. | '''Google searches'''. A Google search can be conducted for [“specific tribe” genealogy] where specific tribe is replaced by the tribe name [e.g. Ute]. This may also identify some specific records that can be searched. | ||
Today, most of the North American Indian Tribes and Native Americans have organized Indian Agencies for the purpose of administering the claims and subsequent court rulings in favor of the American Indians. | '''BIA Agency records'''. Today, most of the North American Indian Tribes and Native Americans have organized Indian Agencies for the purpose of administering the claims and subsequent court rulings in favor of the American Indians. | ||
'''Five Civilized Tribes'''. Following is a list of the major rolls, which contain genealogical information, such as roll numbers, names, relationships, etc. Most of the listed rolls are included in the book Cherokee Roots by Bob Blankenship (970.3 C424bL volumes 1-2). | |||
#[[Dawes Commission Enrollment Records for Five U.S. Indian Tribes|'''The Final Dawes Roll (1898-1914):''']] The Five Civilized Tribes removed to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) (Index film number 962,366 Item 1, Final Rolls 908,371 Item 2) [[Image:Orphan Book page.jpg|right|120px|Orphan Book page.jpg]] | #[[Dawes Commission Enrollment Records for Five U.S. Indian Tribes|'''The Final Dawes Roll (1898-1914):''']] The Five Civilized Tribes removed to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) (Index film number 962,366 Item 1, Final Rolls 908,371 Item 2) [[Image:Orphan Book page.jpg|right|120px|Orphan Book page.jpg]] | ||
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#'''1924 Baker Roll:''' Assumed last roll of the Eastern Cherokee. The Revised Baker Roll is the “base roll” for membership in the Eastern Band of Cherokees today (film number 847,744 Item 1) | #'''1924 Baker Roll:''' Assumed last roll of the Eastern Cherokee. The Revised Baker Roll is the “base roll” for membership in the Eastern Band of Cherokees today (film number 847,744 Item 1) | ||
[[Image:National Archives and Records Administration.jpg|thumb|left|150px]] | [[Image:National Archives and Records Administration.jpg|thumb|left|150px|National Archives and Records Administration.jpg]]'''National Archives'''. The [[National Archives and Records Administration|National Archives]] publishes a catalog of all its holdings relating to Indian records, which can be searched for the specific records you will need to research your particular tribe. It is a good place to start.Most libraries have this catalog, or a copy can be ordered from any branch of the National Archives.Records are listed by nation (tribe), so it's a good idea to first find out which nation your ancestor may have been a member of. Look at the nations that were living in the area where your ancestor was born at that time. | ||
Another terrific source for researching the Five Civilized Tribes is the [http://www.okhistory.org/ Oklahoma Historical Society], 2100 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4997. This Society is committed to preserving Oklahoma history and maintains a large library of documents, manuscripts, etc. They also publish a catalog of their holdings, which can be ordered by contacting them at the above address. | '''Oklahoma Historical Society'''. Another terrific source for researching the Five Civilized Tribes is the [http://www.okhistory.org/ Oklahoma Historical Society], 2100 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4997. This Society is committed to preserving Oklahoma history and maintains a large library of documents, manuscripts, etc. They also publish a catalog of their holdings, which can be ordered by contacting them at the above address. | ||
Additional sources include the 1932 Hopi and Navajo Census (book 970.1 B675h volumes 1-2), New York Iroquois Indian Censuses (CD-ROM 2927 volumes 1-3), Cheyenne and Arapaho Nations (film number 1,670,887), and African-Cherokee Connections (CD-ROM 2928). | Additional sources include the 1932 Hopi and Navajo Census (book 970.1 B675h volumes 1-2), New York Iroquois Indian Censuses (CD-ROM 2927 volumes 1-3), Cheyenne and Arapaho Nations (film number 1,670,887), and African-Cherokee Connections (CD-ROM 2928). | ||