How to Research Native American Ancestors

You've heard stories for years about how a distant relative was Native American. You've always wondered if it was true. Curiosity about Native American ancestors is booming, with increasing numbers of people trying to trace their lineage and prove a Native American heritage. Although Native American genealogy is more challenging to research than European ancestry, you can follow these tips to get started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Determine the tribe or tribes you believe you're descended from, or at least try to narrow down your ancestry to a geographical area. There are more than 600 federally recognized tribes.
2. Check federal records. Census records are a starting point for many genealogical searches, but because of spotty record-keeping practices, U.S. census data was unreliable for Native Americans until very recently. A more reliable resource for Native American records is the National Archives Record Administration (NARA), which includes Indian agent reports by the Bureau of Indian Affair (BIA). Start with a visit to the Regional Archives of NARA. BIA field offices may be able to provide additional information. NARA also has a military records section for Native Americans who may have joined the military.
3. Look for ancestors in tribal census rolls required by Congress after 1884. The best known of these are the Dawes rolls, which list members of the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Creek and Seminole from 1898 to 1914. Tribal membership is determined if you can prove you are descended from someone listed on the Dawes rolls, which can be accessed through NARA or at ancestory.com.
4. Search for records at libraries. The Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) in Salt Lake City is the world's largest genealogical library, but even country libraries may contain helpful information. A book about a town's early families, for example, may give you information about an ancestor who migrated along the Trail of Tears.
5. Investigate state records. States with a large population of Native Americans, like Oklahoma, keep significant information in state libraries and historical societies.
6. Find out whether your ancestor might have attended one of the hundreds of Indian Boarding Schools that began in the late 19th century and operated into the 20th century, or the government-operated reservation schools that succeeded them. School records can be accessed through NARA or tribal offices. School records are a special find because they often include photographs.
7. Request information from your ancestor's tribe. Some tribes maintain genealogical and tribal information or can direct you on the best place to start. Remember that the responsibility of the research falls to you. Limit your queries to where to start, and thank anyone who gives you assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you learn what tribe is part of your family history, read more about tribal history from reliable historians. Not only will this provide you with more places to research, but a tribal history offers family history as well.
• Check the usual sources of genealogical information, including family bibles, church records and county courthouse records.
• Watch out for information found on the Internet. There are hundreds of sites about Native Americans, and many of them contain inaccurate information. Check any information with a reliable source.