Lena The reasons shift around like sands of the desert. There were some that applied that were not eligible but times were also very corrupt. The most likely way of finding what you want may be the Freedom of Information Act but even that is tricky. Your request would have to include the record/s you want and since you don't know that... Well! You get the idea. Our search for records will all walk a different path and there is no group I am aware to help either. If you can find a book or two where someone has documented their search, you might find the exact form name and number to request. The apps are only a part of the big picture, many more documents were created. While they were created, many are yet today being systematically destroyed in violation of court orders and more. You are also standing alone in your fight as the BIA (Bury Indian Assets) does not want more, but fewer Indians. The Indian Law organization was created for Indigenous Rights but that is only for Tribes, Bands and enrolled members of a recognized Tribe or Band. Justice does not stand the test when it comes to Indian blood, Rights or Heirship. What most do not know is that Rights are only a people thing and that corporations are not people, but artificial entities. One example is that you can appear for yourself in court, whereas, a corporation must have a licensed attorney appear for them Chartered organizations can only have Rights granted them by the powers that granted them the charter to begin with and even these are subject to the whims of the powers that be. The recognized Tribes and Bands are existing under a charter granted by the US Government based on the Indian Reorganization Act. (Reorganized?) Indian Law and other organizations of their type fight based on these charters and forget the rest of us with blood, Rights and more. In all actuality these organizations say they fight for Indigenous Rights and so they should be there for us and not for charted organizations. The Freedom of Information Act is about the best tool we individuals have but even then the government uses the Privacy Act to block as much as possible from us. It is a long road but if we each keep trying and then share what we have done, others can learn to get the records that are ours to place our trees and lives together. Best of luck! Larry Friend (Black Buffalo) friend@2z.net EDUCA'TION, n. [L. educatio.] The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties. (Webster's Dictionary 1828) ============================================ -----Original Message----- From: Lena [mailto:lena@valu-line.net] Sent: 29 November 2003 08:10 To: NISHNAWBE-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [NISHNAWBE] Five Civilized Tribes 1893-1914 I have a question that maybe you won't mind me asking privately. I have tried tracing back on Bass line for years. I have a couple of apps of family from 1907. they were rejected I have no idea why. I can not seem to get anyone to answer on a Native American line that does look ups on the rejected ones. is there some where I can check with the numbers I have to see why they were rejected? I am out of ideas, and have been searching in Michigan where one ended up and raised their children. Lena ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237