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There are some basic requirements of membership.
To qualify, you must meet the conditions as set forth in our constitution.
We have provided a succinct account of these conditions.
(Below).
We
do not accept copies of census records from the Internet as documents of proof. (ie. ancestry.com,familytree.com; These web based documents are NOT ACCEPTED)
We
do accept
Xeroxed photocopies of the actual census record.
You must also include your photocopies of all birth certificates/death certificates connecting you to your Chikamaka Ancestor.
We
do not do
your genealogy or supply information about your Chikamaka Ancestor.
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Authority:
| The Tribal Council (Red Council) shall have the sole authority to determine individuals eligible for membership in the Chikamaka. No decree of any Court shall be recognized as a determination of membership in the Chikamaka.
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Qualification
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Individuals, who have maintained a tie to the
community and have a lineal link to an American Indian ancestor who lived in the
traditional homeland and have proven their connection by census records, land deeds,
or any other official record may apply for membership in the Chikamaka.
Individuals who falsify or knowingly misrepresent registration information are to be
permanently banished from the Chikamaka Community.
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| Proof:
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An applicant must show proof of having an American Indian
ancestor who resided before 1900 in the traditional homeland of the Chikamaka
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| Submission:
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An applicant must submit an application, a genealogical
representation of his/her proof and documentation that his/her ancestor resided in the
traditional homeland of the Chikamaka.
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Documentation:
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Documentation an applicant must submit showing links
to his/her American Indian ancestor must be in the form of copies of official birth certificate(s),
census records, land deeds showing residency and/or other verifiable records which show parent-child
lineal links to the American Indian ancestor.
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This may also include producing evidence of sworn affidavits of elder family members, neighbors, or anyone
with first-hand knowledge that your ancestor was known or recognized as an
American Indian, by displaying certified copies of family Bibles whose
histories were recorded prior to 1970 showing one's
ancestor to be an American Indian, or by documented proof of Indian blood
from another authentic source.
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Lineage:
| The Chikamaka do not recognize a blood quantum, only lineal link,
as a requirement for membership.
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Minor Child's Rights:
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The minor child of a parent or guardian is accepted with the applicant by submitting copies of the child's birth certificate to prove their lineal link to the parent.
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Interview:
| All applicants must attend a regularly scheduled meeting for a personal interview by the Chikamaka Tribal Council or a current Chikamaka member may personally vouch for said applicant. This is also to be in conjunction with a telephone interview of the applicant by the Tribal Council member responsible for Genealogy.
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Residence:
| Fifty-one (51) percent
of the total membership shall be composed of those descendants who continue to
reside in the traditional ancestral homeland of the Chikamaka
of the South Cumberland Plateau.
The other Forty-nine percent (49%) of total membership
may reside outside this region, but these non-resident individuals must
maintain a continuing connection to our traditional homeland of the Chikamaka.
Continuing Connection may be shown with sworn affidavits of
relatives who still live in the region, or by providing proof of land
ownership in the region with land that has been passed down through
family.
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As our researchers complete
our own studies, from time to time WE will be adding
names of KNOWN people of American Indian blood who resided in the region, and are the
first recognized of American Indian Blood in that family to inhabit the region.
The descendants of these we recognize need only show proof of lineal descent, or to be descended from
the sibling of one we recognize.
Submit your paperwork and proof of descent
along with a contact address/phone number or sworn affidavit from someone
who can verify you have maintained ties to the community (this particular
affidavit is only necessary if you no longer reside within the Traditional Homeland of the Chikamaka) to the Registrar.
If you meet our
requirements you will be accepted.
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