What are the requirements for tribal membership?

In California, tribal membership requirements vary from tribe to tribe. Generally speaking, a person must be of Native American ancestry to become a member of a California tribe. Some tribes require that a person can trace their ancestry back to a certain time period or possess specific blood quantum requirements. Other tribes have a more liberal membership criteria and accept anyone who can demonstrate a connection to the tribe through family or other means. Individual tribes may have their own additional membership criteria, such as minimum age limits, tribal residency requirements, or a requirement to attend tribal government meetings. The process of becoming a tribal member also differs from tribe to tribe. Some tribes require a written application and some require that a person go through a rigorous review process before they can become a member. To become a tribal member, individuals must also meet citizenship requirements. For example, a person must be a United States citizen or have permanent resident status in order to join most California tribes. They must also be able to demonstrate their ancestral connection to the tribe through documents such as birth and marriage certificates. Finally, the final membership decision rests with the tribal government. Some tribes are closed to new members, while others may periodically accept applications for membership. It is important to understand that every California tribe is a sovereign nation and as such, they have their own traditional laws and customs that they follow when determining membership requirements.

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What are the requirements for tribal membership?

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