The following are frequent statements and questions inquired to the Membership Department. We hope some of these will help you with any questions you may have regarding our membership.

How do I know if I qualify for membership?
You must meet the criteria requirements of the tribe’s constitution and apply directly to the tribe.

I have a roll number from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
This number from the Bureau of Indian Affairs is not a tribal roll number, it is a judgment fund roll number. This number is of the California Indian Census for which California Indians applied for and had received distribution for the loss of their land. This amount was a very small percentage of the what the actual value of the land was worth. This letter also states your Indian blood but not that you are a member of a specific recognized tribe.

I have a card stating I’m Miwok.
Similar to the Judgment Fund Roll letter this card has an application and roll number but does not state specific tribal membership.

How do I search for my ancestors?
The Membership Department does not do your genealogical research. You must do your own family research or you can hire a professional Genealogist.

Start at home with family records, newspaper clippings and names on family pictures. Then continue on with your parents, grandparents and relatives. Use birth certificates, hospital records, death certificates, baptismal certificates and marriage certificates.

Next try records of cemeteries, churches, libraries, courthouses, deeds, wills, land or property titles.

The National Archives in San Bruno, CA has documents of the California Indian Census (Judgment Roll). If your relatives are listed, the application includes listed family members, degree of blood, tribal affiliation and place of residence.