Resources

Citizenship & Registration

ᎠᏂᎳᏍᏓᏢ ᎤᏃᏪᎶᏗ

anilasdatlv unowelodi

FAQ: How do I get registered/enrolled?

This group, the Cherokees of Northern Central Valley (CNCV), is an at-large satellite official participating organization chartered through Cherokee Nation with many of our members being enrolled citizens of Cherokee Nation living “at large” (away from the reservation in Oklahoma). This organization does not process tribal registration nor have records of citizenship, as that is done directly through the Cherokee Nation’s registration office.

There are only three federally recognized Cherokee tribes: Cherokee Nation (based in Oklahoma and the largest), the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (also in Oklahoma), and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (in North Carolina). 

Each tribe is a sovereign nation, which determines their own citizenship requirements. For instance, if you are seeking tribal citizenship with the Cherokee Nation, this involves an application with The Tribal Registration office and documents to demonstrate a direct connection to an enrolled linear ancestor listed on the Dawes Roll. If you believe you have ancestry through another tribe, you will need to connect with that tribe to find out their enrollment process. 

Here is more information about registration with the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes:

Cherokee Nation Registration FAQs

Important Cherokee Scholars’ Statement on Sovereignty and Identity

My family has always said we’re Cherokee. How do I get genealogy assistance?

  • Each tribe, as a sovereign nation, determines their own citizenship requirements. For Cherokee Nation, this means documenting a direct connection to an enrolled linear ancestor on the Dawes Roll.

  • Please note that DNA results, family photos, family stories, and resources found through genealogy websites are not valid proof of ancestry and cannot be used to verify citizenship. Cherokees are known as some of the best documented peoples groups in the world. Stories of Cherokee ancestry are common and not always supported by the evidence.

  • Free Cherokee genealogy research available on Facebook - for those who are looking to verify Cherokee ancestry or learn more about their Cherokee family lines, this group is available to you! The mission and goal of this group, CHEROKEE INDIANS - RESEARCH/GENEALOGY (The Spider Web of Cherokee families), is to provide free research specifically to find possible Cherokee ancestry. They do not do "general genealogy" once this mission and goal has been achieved. Please read all instructions when you join (sign up for research, add the information requested in the post dedicated to you, DNA results will not be accepted, be respectful, etc.). The CNCV is not associated with this Facebook group but is grateful for their dedication and service.

  • Cherokee National Research Center - Genealogy services are available by appointment. Please use the following form to begin a genealogy service request. https://visitcherokeenation.com/attractions/cherokee-national-research-center

I’m a Cherokee Nation citizen. How do I access services?

  • Gadugi Portal: The Cherokee Nation believes in "Gadugi" working together. When we all work together we empower our citizens and better our tribe. The Gadugi Portal empowers tribal citizens to stay engaged and connected. Citizens are easily able to update their address and information, which is shared across our departments instead of individually updating by department. The portal allows citizens to connect directly to services they need opening requests that will be flagged and completed by the department. Citizens can check for request status updates and task completion. The portal will continue to be expanded with important updates and other ways we can serve citizens.

  • All services: https://www.cherokee.org/all-services/

I’m a Cherokee Nation citizen. How do I get a photo ID?

  • You may visit the main Tribal Registration office in Tahlequah Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Please bring your paper blue card and CDIB with you, along with another form of photo ID. Children under 18 without a photo ID can receive a CN Photo ID with parental consent. You can also receive a photo ID from Registration during some community and at-large events if staff is available. Please check with your local Tribal Council member or this at-large community group for upcoming events.

Language Resources

ᏣᎳᎩ ᎦᏬᏂᎯᏍᏗ ᎠᏂᏫᏒᏍᎩ
tsalagi gawonihisdi anwisvsgi

Resources from Cherokee Nation Language Department

Videos:

Apps for learning:

  • Memrise - Go to www.memrise.com. Click on Courses. Scroll down to All Categories and then Languages. Scroll down again to Native American and click. You will see Cherokee at the top of the list. Click on that and you see a number of Cherokee courses you can chose from. Most are pretty much stand alone. My first choice was Cherokee Syllabary with the audio feature. After struggling for years to learn the syllabary, I'm finally starting to get it. Check it out and see if it fits your learning needs.

  • Mango - Go to https://mangolanguages.com/available-languages/cherokee/. It is free with a library card. The site will walk you through the sign up process. 

  • Transparent – Go to https://education.transparent.com/cherokee/game/ng/#/signup. The site is dedicated to endangered and indigenous languages.

Local Study Group:

  • The Cherokees of Northern Central Valley has started a Google classroom to help folks learn Cherokee and communicate info on our twice-monthly Zoom study groups. Send an email note to svzangrilli56@gmail.com to receive the invite and class code. It’s a work in progress, with resources and community. Everyone is welcome regardless of level of ability even if you don’t think you can learn. We are all learners.

Cultural Resources

ᎤᏂᎲ ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏍᏗᎢ

unihv iyunadvnelisdii

“Cherokee culture encompasses our longstanding traditions of language, spirituality, food, storytelling and many forms of art, both practical and beautiful. However, just like our people, Cherokee culture is not static or frozen in time, but is ever-evolving. Much of our culture has been passed through generations of Cherokee families. Beliefs and knowledge of the culture will vary from individual to individual, from family to family and from one locality to another. Much of the spiritual and ceremonial aspects of traditional Cherokee life is not shared publicly, out of respect for our local communities who continue to preserve these very special lifeways. Many Cherokees embrace a mix of both modern and traditional aspects of our culture, and our people today follow many faiths. There is no universally agreed upon way to express Cherokee culture.” Read more at https://cherokee.org/about-the-nation/culture/

Resources from Cherokee Nation

At-Large Communities

The Cherokee Nation has several affiliated organizations that provide services to Cherokee citizens and the public. There are also several community groups who have organized and and meet frequently. These are organizations are vital for the Cherokee Nation. Its businesses provide employment opportunities for Cherokee citizens and revenue to support tribal operations. Affiliated Cherokee Nation organizations provide opportunities for the public to learn more about the tribe or provide a vital service to Cherokee citizens. At-large community organizations are an important aspect of keeping Cherokee culture and a sense Cherokee community nationally.

Resources from Cherokee PINS Project

  • Cherokee PINS Project (Patriotism, Identity, Nationality, Sovereignty) - https://www.cherokeepins.org

  • Enjoy some stories like how the otter lost its coat linked below. Oral stories have long been used by native cultures to carry on traditions and maintain cultural practices. Cherokee myths may be roughly classified as sacred myths, animal stories, local legends, and historical traditions. Elders and storytellers have been telling these stories since time immemorial. Generations later, some of these stories were taken to page for sharing today. Versions appear in James Mooney’s History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees. https://www.cherokeepins.org/post/cherokee-stories-and-a-forgotten-litterature-how-the-otter-lost-its-coat

Arts and Crafts

ᏗᎾᏟᎶᏍᏗᏍᎩ

dinatlilosdisgi

Indian Arts and Craft Act of 1990

The Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA) of 1990 is a truth-in-advertising law that prohibits misrepresentation in the marketing of Indian art and craft products within the United States. It is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell, any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States. For a first time violation of the IACA, an individual can face civil or criminal penalties up to a $250,000 fine or a 5-year prison term, or both. If a business violates the IACA, it can face civil penalties or can be prosecuted and fined up to $1,000,000.

  • Under the IACA, an Indian is defined as a member of any federally or officially State recognized tribe of the United States, or an individual certified as an Indian artisan by an Indian tribe. The law covers all Indian and Indian-style traditional and contemporary arts and crafts produced after 1934. The IACA broadly applies to the marketing of arts and crafts by any person in the United States. Some traditional items frequently copied by non-Indians include Indian-style jewelry, pottery, baskets, carved stone fetishes, woven rugs, kachina dolls, and clothing.

  • All products must be marketed truthfully regarding the tribal enrollment of the producers so as not to mislead the consumer. For example, products sold using a sign claiming "Indian Jewelry" would be a violation of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act if the jewelry was produced by someone other than a member, or certified Indian artisan, of an Indian tribe. 

  • Before buying Indian art and craftwork online, at powwows, annual fairs, juried competitions, and other events, check the website policy page or event vendor requirements regarding the authenticity of products being offered for sale. If the event organizers make no statements on compliance with the IACA or on the authenticity of art and craftwork offered by participating vendors, you should obtain written verification from the individual vendors that their Indian art or craftwork was produced by tribal members or by certified Indian artisans.

  • To report a potential violation: https://www.doi.gov/iacb/should-i-report-potential-violation#no-back

History Resources

ᏂᏧᎵᏍᏔᏅᎢ

nitsulistanvi

Read a summary of Cherokee Nation history here - https://www.cherokee.org/about-the-nation/history/

Here is an interactive history of Cherokee through the ages - https://osiyo.tv/timeline/

From Visit Cherokee Nation, read about our origin story, pre-contact, emerging nationalism, growth, removal, and rebuilding - https://visitcherokeenation.com/culture-and-history/origins

OsiyoTV Cherokee Almanac playlist of important Cherokee moments in history - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl3bXGWUX-W9JI_EsQzQiWJ36CKiE33ms

Health Resources

ᏅᏩᏙᎯᏯᏛ ᎢᏗᏓᏛᏁᏗ

nvwadohiyadv ididadvnedi

The following links are provided only to assist you in finding local services. Please contact the clinic or business directly to ensure you are eligible for services before visiting. CNCV members have not necessarily visited any of these sites and CNCV is not offering any recommendations.

Indian Health Services (Affordable Care Act)

Education Resources

ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ ᎢᏗᏓᏛᏁᏗ

tsunadeloquasdi idedadvnedi

Scholarships

Youth Programs

Honor Cord and Stole Program

  • High School Honor Cord - The Cherokee Nation College Resource Center Honor Cord is available for current registered Cherokee Nation graduating high school seniors. Students are eligible for an honor cord once per lifetime. Honor cords are provided to recognize Cherokee Nation citizens at high school graduation ceremonies. Applications need to be submitted to collegeresources@cherokee.org. - https://www.cherokee.org/all-services/education-services/college-resources/high-school-resources/

  • Cherokee Nation Stole Program - The Cherokee Nation College Resource Center rewards students striving to complete continuing education goals and academic success. The Stole program is available for college students who are currently graduating and are Cherokee Nation citizens. The program offers the opportunity to receive graduation stoles for one Associate (Art, Science, or Applied Science – Nursing), Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral Degree. Under this program, citizens will receive one graduation stole per degree level. Students graduating from high school, vocational programs, or proprietary schools are not eligible. The student is responsible for obtaining permission from the college/university to wear the stole during commencement. Applications should be submitted at the beginning of the final semester. https://www.cherokee.org/all-services/education-services/college-resources/higher-education/

Veteran Resources

ᏓᎿᏩ ᎤᏂᏲᏏᏙᎸ ᎢᏧᎾᏛᏁᏗ ᎥᎿ ᏗᎦᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗᎢ

dahnawa uniyosidolv itsunadvnedi vhna digalvwisdanedii

Are you a veteran and Cherokee Nation citizen?

  • The Cherokee Nation reveres its veterans and has launched a campaign to track our Cherokee Warriors across the globe. By registering, you will receive updated information on our veteran services, invites to events and programs that include the Warrior Flight and dedications. By registering, you also help the Office of Veteran Affairs keep an accurate count that leads to more Federal funding to better serve you. To find more information, visit the Gadugi Portal at https://gadugiportal.cherokee.org/ , select "Applications" from the top, blue navigation bar, and then click "Warrior Database" from the list of available applications. Wado for your service to this country. We are proud of our Cherokee Warriors.

Cherokee Nation Office of Veteran Affairs

Cherokee Nation Medal of Patriotism Award

  • The Medal of Patriotism is for our Cherokee Veteran tribal citizens who have been honorably discharged from the military. In order to submit the Medal of Patriotism application, a veteran will need to write a short biography that highlights the veteran’s military service, a copy of Cherokee Nation citizenship card and a copy of DD214 military discharge form. For more information, contact The Office of Veteran Affairs at 918-772-4166. https://veterans.cherokee.org/cherokee-nation-medal-of-patriotism-award/

Cherokee War Memorial

  • The Office of Veteran Affairs has a Warrior’s Memorial for both living and deceased veterans who have served our country. Bricks are available for $25.00 per brick and can be purchased and placed in the Warrior’s Memorial. All Cherokee Nation Medal of Patriotism recipients are eligible for a free brick at the Cherokee Warrior Memorial. For an application, please contact The Office of Veteran Affairs at 918-772-4166. https://veterans.cherokee.org/cherokee-war-memorial

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Human Services

ᏴᏫ ᎢᏧᎾᏛᏁᏗ

yvwi itsunadvnedi

Cherokee Nation Human Services provides several assistance programs to qualifying families. These programs include assistance with housing, food and nutrition, child care and development, child support and elder assistance. Many of these programs are for emergency, short-term needs that may not be covered in other Cherokee Nation programs. The programs provided by Human Services focus on stabilization of families and promote self-sufficiency. Please carefully review eligibility as many programs are limited to those who reside within Cherokee Nation jurisdiction. - https://www.cherokee.org/all-services/human-services/

Autism Task Force - https://www.cherokee.org/our-government/autism-task-force/

Communications & Media

ᏧᎾᏓᏛᎪᏙᏗ

tsunadadvgododi

Cherokee Nation Government

ᎠᏰᎵᎤᏙᏢᎡ

ayeliudotlve

“The Cherokee Nation is the sovereign government of the Cherokee people. It operates under a ratified Constitution with a tripartite government with executive, legislative and judicial branches. Services are administered under the Executive Branch through the Principal Chief and Deputy Principal Chief and their cabinet members. Laws are enacted by and financial oversite managed by a 17-member legislative body, the Tribal Council. Cherokee Nation Tribal Courts are open to every person or entity within the 14-county jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation in northeastern Oklahoma unless specifically limited by statute. Cherokee Nation’s District Court handles civil, criminal and juvenile matters, while the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court hears cases of appeals and other matters, as may be conferred by statute.

“The positions of Principal Chief, Deputy Principal Chief, and Tribal Council representative are popularly elected by the citizens of the Cherokee Nation and serve four-year terms. Supreme Court justices and District Court judges are nominated by the Principal Chief and confirmed by the Tribal Council.” Read more at https://www.cherokee.org/our-government/

Visit Cherokee Nation

Plant and Animal Relatives

ᏚᏰᎬ ᎠᎴ ᎢᎾᎨ ᎠᏁᎯ

duyegv ale inage anehi

Origin of Disease and Medicine story -

Cherokee Nation Heirloom Garden -

Cherokee Nation Seed Bank -

Ethnobiology & names of plants and animals -

Cherokee Voices for the Land -

Cherokee Medicine Keepers -

OsiyoTV’s “Bringing Cultural Ways of Healing to Modern Medicine” - https://youtu.be/dJKo5MTk8SQ?si=33LJzmo4XmK6Trbf