The Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, a federally recognized tribe, maintains specific criteria for determining eligibility for tribal membership. These requirements, rooted in historical census rolls and blood quantum, are outlined in the tribe’s constitution and bylaws. Understanding these requirements is crucial for individuals seeking enrollment and for those interested in the governance and identity of the Absentee Shawnee people. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Absentee Shawnee Enrollment Requirements, drawing directly from the official stipulations that govern tribal membership.
The foundation of Absentee Shawnee tribal membership lies in the historical record and lineage. The core principle revolves around demonstrating direct descent from individuals listed on the official census roll of the tribe as of January 1, 1937. This initial roll serves as a cornerstone, establishing the original base of tribal membership. According to the constitutional provisions, any individual enrolled or entitled to be enrolled on that specific census is considered a member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. Furthermore, the constitution stipulates that all Indian blood documented on that roll is to be considered blood of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. This provision underscores the importance of the 1937 census in establishing and tracing tribal ancestry.
Following the establishment of the initial membership base, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe addressed the enrollment of children born to tribal members. Specifically, the constitution addresses the period between January 1, 1937, and April 17, 1954. Any child of Absentee Shawnee blood born to a member of the tribe during this period was eligible for membership. April 17, 1954, is significant as the effective date of Amendment II to the 1938 constitution and bylaws, marking a change in enrollment criteria moving forward. This provision ensured that children born to tribal members in the years following the initial census were recognized as part of the Absentee Shawnee community.
A critical component of the Absentee Shawnee Enrollment Requirements involves the concept of blood quantum. Blood quantum refers to the degree of Indian blood an individual possesses, tracing back to their Native American ancestors. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe has historically used blood quantum as a factor in determining eligibility for membership. The current requirement, established by Amendment 2 ratified on November 19, 2010, mandates that individuals possess at least one-eighth (1/8) degree Absentee Shawnee blood to be eligible for enrollment. This change is significant because it lowered the previously required blood quantum from one-quarter (1/4) to one-eighth (1/8). This adjustment reflects a change in tribal policy, potentially aimed at broadening the pool of eligible members and acknowledging the complexities of tracing ancestry over generations.
The constitutional provisions explicitly state that from the effective date of the Constitution, no person shall be enrolled as a member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe unless they possess at least one-eighth (1/8) degree Absentee Shawnee Indian blood. This requirement solidifies the blood quantum as a fundamental criterion for future enrollment. It’s important to note that demonstrating this blood quantum often requires providing documentation, such as birth certificates and genealogical records, to establish lineage and the degree of Absentee Shawnee ancestry.
The Absentee Shawnee Enrollment Requirements also address the situation of individuals who may be members of other tribes. The constitution allows for the enrollment of individuals who are already enrolled in another tribe, subject to certain conditions. Specifically, a person entitled to membership in the Absentee Shawnee Tribe who is also a member of another tribe can be enrolled, provided they have not shared in land or money as a member of the other tribe. Furthermore, the individual must relinquish in writing and officially terminate their membership in the other tribe. This provision aims to prevent dual enrollment and ensure that individuals are primarily affiliated with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe if they choose to enroll. This clause acknowledges the complexities of tribal affiliations and provides a pathway for individuals to transfer their primary tribal allegiance to the Absentee Shawnee.
For individuals not currently enrolled but who believe they meet the Absentee Shawnee Enrollment Requirements, a formal application process is in place. The constitution mandates that all persons desiring to be enrolled members of the tribe, who are not presently enrolled, must submit an enrollment application to the Secretary of the Executive Committee. This application then undergoes review and approval or disapproval by the Executive Committee. To support their application, individuals are required to provide documentation such as birth certificates or other records recognized by state or federal officials. These documents serve as evidence of their lineage and blood quantum. The Executive Committee is responsible for maintaining these documents or copies thereof as part of their permanent records. This process ensures a standardized and documented approach to evaluating enrollment applications.
Finally, the constitution grants the General Council the authority to establish further rules and regulations regarding membership. Specifically, the General Council has the power to prescribe rules and regulations by ordinance covering future membership, including matters related to adoptions and the loss of membership. This provision allows the tribe to adapt its membership criteria and policies to address evolving circumstances and needs. It provides a mechanism for the tribe to clarify and refine its enrollment requirements through ordinances that provide further guidance on specific situations, such as adoptions or circumstances that might lead to the loss of tribal membership. This delegated power ensures that the tribe can maintain control over its membership and adapt to future challenges.
In conclusion, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma has established a detailed set of enrollment requirements rooted in historical census data, blood quantum, and specific provisions for individuals with affiliations to other tribes. The core principles emphasize demonstrating descent from individuals listed on the 1937 census roll and meeting the minimum blood quantum requirement of one-eighth (1/8) Absentee Shawnee blood. The application process requires submission of supporting documentation to the Executive Committee, which reviews and approves or disapproves applications. Furthermore, the General Council retains the power to prescribe additional rules and regulations regarding membership, ensuring the tribe’s ability to adapt its policies to future circumstances. Understanding these Absentee Shawnee Enrollment Requirements is essential for individuals seeking tribal membership and for anyone interested in the governance and identity of the Absentee Shawnee people.