Enrollment Requirements of the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation

The Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation, a federally recognized tribe with a rich history and enduring culture, maintains a specific process for determining tribal membership. This article delves into the intricacies of these Enrollment Requirements of the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation, providing a comprehensive overview of the application process, required documentation, blood quantum stipulations, and the decision-making bodies involved. Understanding these requirements is crucial for individuals seeking to establish their lineage and connection to the Goshute people.

The Enrollment Department: Gatekeepers of Tribal Membership

The Enrollment Department serves as the central hub for all matters pertaining to tribal membership. Headed by the Enrollment Officer, a position currently held by Genevieve Fields (contactable at (435) 234-1267 or genevievefields@goshutetribe.com), the department plays a multifaceted role in maintaining the integrity of the tribal rolls.

The responsibilities of the Enrollment Department encompass a wide range of tasks, including:

• Receiving and Processing Applications: The department is the first point of contact for individuals seeking to enroll as members of the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation. They receive applications, meticulously review them for completeness, and guide applicants through the necessary steps.
• Maintaining Tribal Membership Records: The department is responsible for keeping accurate and up-to-date records of all enrolled tribal members. This includes managing personal information, tracking lineage, and documenting any changes in membership status.
• Issuing Tribal Identification Cards: Upon successful enrollment, the department issues official tribal identification cards, which serve as proof of membership and grant access to various tribal benefits and services.
• Conducting Genealogical Research: A significant aspect of the enrollment process involves verifying the applicant’s lineage and connection to the Goshute people. The department undertakes extensive genealogical research, gathering information from various sources to substantiate claims of ancestry.
• Communicating with Applicants and Other Tribes: The Enrollment Department maintains regular communication with applicants, providing updates on the status of their applications and requesting additional information as needed. They also liaise with other tribes, particularly in cases of dual membership or when verifying blood quantum.
• Preparing Applications for Committee Review: Once all necessary information has been gathered and verified, the department prepares the completed applications for presentation to the Goshute Enrollment Committee.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of applying for membership with the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation involves several key steps. Adhering to these steps and providing the required documentation is essential for a successful application.

1. Obtaining an Application: The first step is to obtain an official enrollment application from the Enrollment Department. This can typically be done by contacting the department directly via phone or email.

2. Completing the Application: The application must be completed accurately and thoroughly. All required fields must be filled in, and all supporting documentation must be attached.

3. Submitting Required Documentation: The following documents are typically required to complete an application:

   • Original Birth Certificate: The applicant’s original birth certificate is required as primary proof of lineage. This document establishes the applicant’s parentage and connection to the Goshute bloodline.
   • Copy of Social Security Card: A copy of the applicant’s social security card is also required for identification purposes.
   • Adoption Records (if applicable): In cases of adoption, the original birth certificate with the name(s) of the biological parent(s) is required as proof of lineage. This ensures that the applicant’s biological connection to the Goshute tribe is established, even in cases where they were raised by adoptive parents.

4. Review by the Enrollment Department: Upon receipt of the application, the Enrollment Department reviews it for completeness and accuracy. If any information is missing or unclear, the department will contact the applicant to request clarification or additional documentation.

5. Verification of Blood Quantum: A critical aspect of the review process is the verification of the applicant’s blood quantum. The Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation, like many Native American tribes, has specific blood quantum requirements for membership. This refers to the degree of Goshute blood that an individual possesses, typically expressed as a fraction (e.g., 1/4, 1/8). If an applicant possesses blood from more than one tribe, the Enrollment Department will contact the other tribe(s) to obtain information on dual membership and Certificates of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIBs) for the applicant’s parents and grandparents.

6. Presentation to the Enrollment Committee: Once all information has been received and verified, the application is presented to the Goshute Enrollment Committee for their review and recommendation.

7. Final Decision by the Business Council: The Enrollment Committee’s recommendation is then forwarded to the Goshute Business Council, the tribe’s governing body. The Business Council makes the final decision on all enrollment applications.

8. Notification of Decision: The applicant (or their sponsor, if applicable) is notified of the Business Council’s decision by certified letter. This letter will inform the applicant whether their application has been approved or denied.

Blood Quantum Requirements: Defining Tribal Membership

The Enrollment Requirements of the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation are intrinsically linked to blood quantum. The concept of blood quantum, while controversial in some circles, has historically been used by many tribes to define membership and preserve their unique cultural heritage.

As of March 2007, the blood degree requirement for membership in the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation was lowered to 1/8 Goshute. This means that an individual must possess at least one-eighth of Goshute blood to be eligible for membership.

However, there is an exception to this rule in cases of adoption. According to the Enrollment Ordinance, an individual must be 1/4 Goshute to be adopted by the tribe. This higher blood quantum requirement for adoption reflects the tribe’s desire to ensure a strong connection to the Goshute bloodline for individuals who are formally adopted into the tribal community.

The Enrollment Committee and Business Council: The Decision-Making Bodies

The decision-making process for enrollment applications involves two key bodies: the Enrollment Committee and the Business Council.

• The Enrollment Committee: This committee is responsible for reviewing completed applications and making recommendations to the Business Council. The committee carefully examines all documentation, verifies blood quantum, and assesses the applicant’s connection to the Goshute community. Their recommendation plays a significant role in the final decision.
• The Business Council: As the governing body of the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation, the Business Council has the final authority on all enrollment matters. They review the Enrollment Committee’s recommendations and make the ultimate decision on whether to approve or deny an application. The Business Council’s decision is based on a variety of factors, including the applicant’s blood quantum, their connection to the Goshute community, and the overall needs and priorities of the tribe.

Future Amendments: Adapting to Changing Circumstances

The Enrollment Requirements of the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation are not static; they are subject to change and amendment as the tribe evolves and adapts to changing circumstances.

In the future, the Enrollment Committee plans to amend the Enrollment Ordinance to align it more closely with the tribe’s Constitution and By-Laws. One specific area of focus is the blood degree requirement for adoption. The committee intends to lower the blood degree requirement for adoption to 1/8 Goshute, bringing it in line with the general membership requirement. This change would make it easier for individuals with a smaller degree of Goshute blood to be formally adopted into the tribe.

These planned amendments demonstrate the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation’s commitment to regularly reviewing and updating their enrollment policies to ensure that they are fair, equitable, and consistent with the tribe’s overall goals and values.

Understanding the Enrollment Requirements of the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation is paramount for those seeking to connect with their heritage and become officially recognized members of this vibrant and resilient tribal community. By adhering to the outlined procedures and providing the necessary documentation, individuals can navigate the enrollment process effectively and contribute to the continued strength and prosperity of the Goshute people.