Cherokee Indian Benefits

There are three Cherokee tribes that are recognized by the federal government: The Eastern Band of Cherokee, The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee- all of which are entitled to the benefits provided by the government.The Cherokee Nation, located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, offers many benefits to tribal members. Benefits include housing, education, health and

career resources among many others. A person must register with the Cherokee Nation and be an active member plus have at least a quarter of Cherokee blood in them in order to receive benefits. A tribal card issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs is also required.The process to gaining rightful Cherokee benefits starts with an extensive and complex investigation into the family line or ancestry. The person in question must date their blood-line back several generations in order to prove that they are in fact of Cherokee blood. Documents of proof must also be obtained. This includes any documents that are found in relation to the blood or family line. A simple blood test does not suffice. One way to research the family line is to check the rolls for ancestry names. The family name of the person in question must be present on one of the official rolls of either the nation or the government. In Oklahoma, they must check the Dawes Roll. The Eastern Cherokee Indians are listed on the Baker Roll. After proof is obtained, the person can then register and become an active member of their respective tribe. Once in the tribe, the benefits can then be accessed.Cherokee Indians get special grants for school, special jobs that only they have access to, free portions of land, free health-care, housing and food. It is said to be the governments way of repaying what was taken from them many years ago. More reference links: www.cherokee.org. www.cherokeeregistry.com