A: The Cherokee Nation Washington Office opened in 2001 and serves as the Cherokee Nation’s Government Relations Office in DC. Our office acts as a direct extension of the Cherokee Nation and as the liaison between Cherokee Nation tribal citizens and the United States Congress, White House, U.S. Agencies and Administrative Offices, National Organizations and other Tribal Governments.

Q: Can I visit the Cherokee Nation Washington Office?

A: We cordially welcome and invite all visitors to our office. We are open 8-5, Monday through Friday.

Q: Does Cherokee Nation Washington Office sell cultural art & crafts?

A: We do not sell arts & crafts. This office strictly deals with government relations and legislative issues.

Q: How can I become a citizen of the Cherokee Nation?

A: To be eligible for CDIB/Tribal Citizenship with the Cherokee Nation, you must be able to provide documents that connect you to an enrolled lineal ancestor, who is listed on the (DAWES ROLL) FINAL ROLLS OF CITIZENS AND FREEDMEN OF THE FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES, Cherokee Nation with a blood degree. This roll was taken between 1899-1906 of Citizens and Freedmen residing in Indian Territory (now NE Oklahoma).

Many applicants do not qualify for CDIB/Citizenship as their ancestors did not meet the enrollment requirements and were not enrolled. Certain requirements had to be met in order to be placed on the Dawes Roll.

CDIB/Tribal Citizenship is issued through natural parents. In adoption cases, CDIB/Citizenship must be proven through the BIOLOGICAL PARENT to the enrolled ancestor. A copy of the Final Decree of Adoption, and a State Certified, Full Image/Photocopy of the Birth Record must accompany the application. All information will remain confidential.

The Cherokee Nation DOES NOT do genealogy researching. Information is not maintained by the Cherokee Nation. Other locations for information on genealogical research may be found on the internet. Remember that there is great satisfaction in doing the research yourself and remember the burden of proof lies with you, the applicant.

A person MUST have a family member who signed the Dawes Rolls. A blood or DNA test does not qualify an individual for Cherokee citizenship.

For further information or to receive the application(s) by mail (UPS), please contact the Registration Department at:

registration@cherokee.org or 918-458-6980.

The Cherokee Heritage Center also has a genealogist available to assist people in researching their Cherokee ancestry for a fee:

918-456-6007

Q: How do I trace my Native American ancestry?

A: To conduct a trace, you must have the following information:

1. Names of ancestors
2. Dates of birth
3. Marriages and death
4. Place they lived
5. Their brothers/sisters
6. Tribal affiliation

The next step is to determine whether your ancestors are on an official tribal roll or census. For this, there are several sources:

The National Archives and Records Administration
Natural Resources Branch
Civil Archives Division
8th and Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20408

BIA, Branch of Tribal Enrollment
1849 C St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20240

Q: Where can I obtain information on Cherokee Nation scholarships and financial assistance for college/university?

A: The Cherokee Nation's College Resource Program awards scholarships to selected Cherokee Nation Tribal Citizens pursuing degrees at colleges or universities accredited with Carnegie units. To apply for these funds, new and continuing students must submit a complete application packet to the College Resource Office on or before the specified deadline. All documents must arrive together.

The Cherokee Promise Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to low-income Cherokee students pursuing higher education. The Cherokee Nation Human Services and Education Services Groups have partnered to develop and administer the Cherokee Promise Scholarships.

If you have questions or need assistance completing either the Cherokee Nation Scholarship Application or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), please contact us for help.

College Resources:1-800-256-0761