What is a C.D.I.B. Card? 
A C.D.I. B card, as it is commonly called, is a Certificate Degree of Indian Blood card that is issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It certifies what your degree of Indian blood is and what tribe you are affiliated with. A number of tribes still allow C.D.I.B cards to be issued to people who cannot become enrolled members of their tribe as a result of an insufficient blood quantum or any other reason. The Bureau of Indian Affairs in Cherokee must receive a document from the Enrollment Office stating that you are a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians in order to issue you a C.D.I.B card. The Enrollment Office cannot issue any statement if you cannot meet our enrollment requirements.

Can I take a D.N.A test to prove my Cherokee heritage? 
Unfortunately D.N.A testing has not advanced to the point that they can tell that a perso has lineage to a specific group of Native Americans. Testing can tell you if you have Native American blood, but can’t narrow it down as to what tribe you would belong to. The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians only accepts D.N.A testing in regards to the parentage of a child.

Can I be a member of two tribes?
The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians prohibits dual enrollment. If a member of another federally recognized tribe wants to become a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, they must relinquish their membership in the other tribe. If that person has ever accepted any benefits from a tribe other than the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, they are prohibited from becoming a member of the Eastern Band.

What is the difference in the Eastern and Western Cherokee?
The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians are descendants of Cherokees who did not go on the Trail of Tears. The Western Band of the Cherokee are descendants of Cherokees who went on the trail. The two tribes operate as two separate entities and have separate enrollment policies.

What is the Indian Child Welfare Act?
The Indian Child Welfare Act, also known as ICWA, was passed in 1978. It states that Indian children who are put up for adoption are under the protection of the tribal court of their specific tribe. This allows the child to know its Indian heritage and participate in any benefits accruing to it as a member of a tribe. This act was a result of the wholesale adoption of Indian children and the loss of their tribal rights. Also, adoptions frequently meant tribes lost touch with their adopted citizens and many adopted children searched to no avail when they sought their family roots. Preference is given to Indian adoptive parents, but non-Indian adoptive parents are allowed.

How long does the Enrollment process take? 
The length of the Enrollment process varies by applicant. It is not something that can be done in one day and in most cases can take between four to six weeks.

What documentation is necessary for me to enroll?
Once you have established that you do have a direct lineal ancestor on the 1924 Baker Roll, you must submit a completed application with your certified birth certificate and certified birth and/or death certificates linking you to your ancestor on the 1924 Baker Roll. Example: If your Baker Roll Ancestor was your Maternal Grandmother, then you would need to Submit your Certified Birth Certificate that has your mothers name on it and your mothers certified birth certificate that has her mothers name on it. 
If the Enrollment committee has any questions about your application they can request any additional information they deem necessary to prove your lineage.