A Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) is an official U.S. document issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). It certifies that an individual possesses a specific fraction of Native American ancestry (blood quantum) from a federally recognized tribe.
Blood quantum is a construct imposed by the federal government to separate indigenous people from their lands and limit the number who are eligible for benefits. The original numbers were arbitrary, and often simply guesses by white settlers based on the person’s physical appearance.
“Indian” is the legal term used by the U.S. Code in enacting legislation specific to tribes/tribal citizens. “Cherokee” as a political designation that transcends race, is often preferred over “Native American” which could be construed to mean persons other than indigenous or tribal citizens.
Here are some key points about CDIBs:
- Eligibility: To obtain a CDIB, an applicant must provide a completed genealogy with supporting legal documents (such as birth certificates) showing their descent from an enrolled ancestor.
- Blood Degree: The CDIB indicates the blood degree (fraction of all Native ancestry) based on the filer’s documented lineage. It cannot be obtained through adoptive parents.
- Tribal Membership: A CDIB does not automatically establish membership in a tribe. Tribal membership is determined by tribal laws and may require additional documentation.
- Specific Requirements: While federal benefits programs may require a minimum total Indian blood degree, the Cherokee Nation has no blood quantum requirement for citizenship.
