Starting Native American Research

National Archives. The National Archives publishes a catalog of all its holdings relating to Indian records, which can be searched for the specific records you will need to research your particular tribe. It is a good place to start. Most libraries have this catalog, or a copy can be ordered from any branch of the National Archives. Records are listed by nation (tribe), so it's a good idea to first find out which nation your ancestor may have been a member of. Look at the nations that were living in the area where your ancestor was born at that time.

Oklahoma Historical Society. Another terrific source for researching the Five Civilized Tribes is the Oklahoma Historical Society, 2100 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4997. This Society is committed to preserving Oklahoma's history and maintains a large library of documents, manuscripts, etc. They also publish a catalog of their holdings, which can be ordered by contacting them at the above address.

Additional sources include the 1932 Hopi and Navajo Census (book 970.1 B675h volumes 1-2), New York Iroquois Indian Censuses (CD-ROM 2927 volumes 1-3), Cheyenne and Arapaho Nations (film number 1,670,887), and African-Cherokee Connections (CD-ROM 2928).

The following resources are also available in the FamilySearch Library:


 * Georgia. By W. H. Wolfe (film 1,698,069 Item 5)
 * The Cherokees. By Russell Thornton (Book 970.3 C424tr)
 * Abstract of Cherokee Claims. (Book 970.3 C424ac)

The Cherokee Heritage Center, P.O. Box 515, Tahlequah, OK 74465-0515, is the Headquarters for the Cherokee Nation and can be reached by telephone at 918-456-6007 or via their E-mail at [mailto:info@CherokeeHeritage.org info@CherokeeHeritage.org]. Their website is www.CherokeeHeritage.org.

An additional Internet link is http://www.ancestralfindings.com/americanindian.htm.

Online Native American Indian Genealogy Records &amp; Databases Including Links to Dawes Commission Records &amp; Indexes for Individual Tribes

Related articles:


 * Indians of North America:A Beginner's Guide
 * American Indian Genealogy