Native American genealogy research follows the same path that all good genealogy research does, but it also includes some unique records along the way. It’s a fascinating journey, and in Elevenses with Lisa episode 76 professional genealogist Judy Nimer Muhn (Lineage Journeys) joins Lisa Louise Cooke to pave the way. Judy will discuss:

• Tribal and personal naming conventions
• Tribal-specific resources
• How geography impacts research
• Native American genealogical records
• and more…

Episode 76 Show Notes 

Native American genealogy research follows the same path that all good genealogy research does, but it also includes some unique records along the way. It’s a fascinating journey, and in Elevenses with Lisa episode 76 professional genealogist Judy Nimer Muhn (Lineage Journeys) joins Lisa Louise Cooke to pave the way. Judy will discuss:

• Tribal and personal naming conventions
• Tribal-specific resources
• How geography impacts research
• Native American genealogical records
• and more…

Five Tribes

• Navaho/Navajo: Diné
• Cherokee: Tsalagi or Aniyunwiya
• Sioux: Lakota, Nakota or Dakota
• Chippewa: Ojibwa
• Choctaw: Choctah or Chahta

GEOGRAPHY

Native Land Map

 Features:

• Enter a location
• Mouse and click around on the map to see the relevant territories in a location.
• Select or search from a dropdown of territories, treaties, and languages.
• Click and links will appear with nation names. Click a link to be taken to a page specifically about that nation, language, or treaty.
• Export the map to a printable image file
• You can turn map labels on or off to see non-Indigenous borders and towns
• Mobile apps available for iOS and Android.

CENSUS RECORDS

Census Records at Genealogy Websites:

• Ancestry ($)
• MyHeritage ($)
• FamilySearch

From the Article: “Native people were largely excluded from the federal census until at least 1860.”

National Archives

• Article by James P. Collins called Native Americans in the Census, 1860-1890 which will help you understand what you may be able to find during that time period.

At the National Archives you will find:

• Links to Native American records
• Download data collection research sheets for free

Visit the National Archives resource page for Native American Research

The Bureau of Indian Affairs

The Bureau of Indian Affairs was required to take an annual census of Native communities. (ex. Dawes Rolls)

• Some are available for free at Familysearch.org
• Compiled into one collection ranging from 1885 to 1940.
• Not all communities were represented.
• Collection may not be fully indexed

Free Native American Genealogy Databases

1. 1817 Cherokee Reservation Roll
2. 1880 Cherokee Census
3. 1924 Baker Roll
4. 1954 Proposed Ute Rolls
5. Armstrong Rolls
6. Dawes Commission Case Files
7. (Dawes Rolls) Final Rolls Index and Search the Final Rolls
8. Drennen Rolls
9. Guion Miller Roll
10. Kern Clifton Rolls
11. McKennon Roll
12. Old Settlers Roll
13. Wallace Roll

Library of Congress

Here you’ll find many resources including newspapers, photos and reports to congress and oral histories.

Judy found materials deep within the Library of Congress website using Googling strategies from my book The Genealogist’s Google Toolbox available exclusively at the Genealogy Gems Store.

Michigan State University

Native American Studies Research Guide: Introduction

Resources

These show notes feature everything we cover in this episode. Premium Members: download this exclusive ad-free show notes handout PDF.  Not a member yet? Learn more and join the Genealogy Gems and Elevenses with Lisa family here. 

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