The Cherokee Nation once encompassed parts of eastern Kentucky and Tennessee, western West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, western North Carolina, northern Alabama, northwestern South Carolina and northern Georgia. Genealogy issues are further complicated by the infamous removal of the Cherokee to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears in the late 1830s.
Enrollment in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is governed by tribal ordinance #284 dated June 24, 1996 and restricts enrollment to the following:
Direct lineal ancestor must appear on the 1924 Baker Roll of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. (Note: The Baker Roll is the base roll of the Eastern Cherokee and contains the name, birth date, Eastern Cherokee Blood quantum and roll number of the base enrollees.
Blood Quantum:
Must possess at least 1/16th degree of Eastern Cherokee blood
All criteria must be met in order to be eligible with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Enrollment is CLOSED to all people who cannot meet the above requirements.