In a message dated 1/13/2003 5:20:14 PM Central Standard Time, [email protected] writes: > Isn't it true that to claim that you are part Indian, and ancestry had to > apply to the tribe. I know I am part Indian, but not what degree, as my > A survey showed that a large percentage of Americans claim Cherokee heritage. Lots of people get into genealogy because they thing there are benefits and a pot of gold at the end of the line. Unless your people are on the Dawes Rolls you are not legally Indian. You might have full blood Indian Heritage, but you will most likely not ever be legally a Cherokee. A great lady explained it to me this way. You had to live in Indian Territory and register with the Dawes Commission to be a tribal member. If you left the Territory it was the equivalent of a German leaving his country and emigrating to the US, a foreign country.He was no longer eligible for German benefits. Hope this helps, and if anyone can explain it better or if I am wrong, please correct me.Leona