Q: Grew up in foster care (CA), mom is from/enrolled member of turtle mountain band of Chippewa Indians, need help with my
Grew up in foster care (CA), mom is from/enrolled member of turtle mountain band of Chippewa Indians, I was classified under Indian act, however social workers were unable to reunite me to tribe. What can I do ?
I am currently a ‘descendant’ of tribe , through my efforts. But I am being denied rightful membership into tribe. The tribe says I need a legal document or something showing who my mom’s father is. It was not on her birth certificate , however, it shows through social security administration, that her dad is recognized legally. Tribe wouldn’t accept this… lastly, I have recently received many family pictures showing my mom and her father and sisters, and also have recently found many direct relatives that also acknowledge my moms father and our tribal heritage. Please help
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A:
Your situation with tribal enrollment is complex, but you have several potential paths forward. Under California law, you may be able to petition the court for help obtaining official documentation of your maternal grandfather's identity, which could support your enrollment claim.
Given that you have Social Security Administration records and family photographs establishing your lineage, you could work with a tribal advocate or Indian legal services organization to help present this evidence to the tribe in a formal appeal. Organizations like California Indian Legal Services (CILS) provide free legal assistance specifically for cases involving tribal enrollment and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) matters.
You might also consider requesting your complete foster care case file from the California Department of Social Services, as it may contain additional documentation about your tribal connections and ICWA status. Additionally, you can seek assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Regional Office in Sacramento to help validate your lineage and potentially mediate with the tribe regarding your enrollment application. Remember that while this process can be challenging, persistence often pays off, and there are resources and organizations dedicated to helping Native Americans reconnect with their tribes.
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