(A 'base roll' is the original list of members as designated in a tribal constitution or other document specifying enrollment criteria.) Other conditions such as tribal blood quantum, tribal residency, or continued contact with the tribe are common. Two common requirements for membership are lineal decendency from someone named on the tribe's base roll or relationship to a tribal member who descended from someone named on the base roll. The criterion varies from tribe to tribe, so uniform membership requirements do not exist. Tribal enrollment criteria are set forth in tribal constitutions, articles of incorporation or ordinances.
The tribes establish membership criteria based on shared customs, traditions, language and tribal blood. Tribal enrollment requirements preserve the unique character and traditions of each tribe.
What is the purpose of tribal enrollment?
