Criteria for Enrollment has not been Consistent with the B.I.A.

A Few Examples

On this page, we show the inconsistencies in the information provided to us by the BIA concerning tribal enrollment criterion. Between each pair of horizontal rules shown below are two inconsistent statements, both from the BIA, concerning eligibility for tribal enrollment. If you have similar entries you would like to make, please send them to the webmaster of this site.

September 4, 1997

"We have always pointed out to Ms. Walsh and others who desire to be listed on the base membership roll of the Catawba Tribe currently being compiled must, according to the statute, be either listed (or should have been listed) on the 'termination roll' of February 25, 1961, or be a lineal descendant of a person or persons listed (or should have been listed) on the 1961 roll." Franklin Keel, Director of B.I.A. Eastern Area Office, to Congressman Scott McInnis (paragraph 3)

July 25, 1997

"We would point out here that Congress,in enacting the Settlement act, had the option of providing simply that all persons of Catawba Indian descent would be included on the rolls mandated in section 7. Instead, Congress obviously intended to ensure that individuals ...evince, not only of Catawba descent, but also a history of social, cultural and political ties...." Franklin Keel to Congressman Merrill Cook (paragraph 4)

July 8, 1997

"The enrollment criteria are set forth in the federal statute, 25 U.S.C. 941e. An individual is elegible for inclusion on the base membership roll if that person was living on October 27, 1993 and (1) is listed on the 'termination roll' dated February 25, 1961, or should have been included on the 1961 role...." Franklin Keel FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) response submitted to Cynthia Walsh (paragraph 8)

September 3, 1996

"...Congress obviously intended to ensure that individuals enrolled as tribal members evince, not only Catawba descent, but also a personally and family history of close social and political ties...." Franklin Keel to Congressmen Bill Richardson (paragraph 5)