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For genealogical researchers, the [https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/research-individual National Archives] has an easy to use site with detailed information about how to search for Native American ancestors by utilizing Federal records such as past census data, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) records, and military records. These also include Dawes Enrollment cards.

For genealogical researchers, the [https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/research-individual National Archives] has an easy to use site with detailed information about how to search for Native American ancestors by utilizing Federal records such as past census data, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) records, and military records. These also include Dawes Enrollment cards.

Indian school records may include tribal affiliation, degree of Native American blood, names of parents, home address, dates of arrival and departure, attendance records, health cards, and letters to parents and social workers.  Enrollment records contain the name of the Indian tribe and date of validity, name (including given name, birth name, and married names), sex, date of death (when applicable), probate number (when applicable), degree of Native American blood, names of both parents, and blood degree of parents.  At times, when a person or family was denied enrollment, a court case is on file.  Allotment records of land parcels among adult Native Americans who were of at least one-half Native American blood may provide some clues.  When allotments were provided on reservation tracts, Federal government records may be tapped.  Land claims made by Indigenous peoples against the government for monies owed them for land taken away and not adequately paid for during treaty eras may provide clues.  The Bureau of Indian Affairs is another source that may provide a wealth of information to researchers.  A more detailed list of other sources may be found in ''The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy'', pages 531-571.  The IGI (International Genealogical Index) for 1988 includes one microfiche on Native Americans and the 1992 edition includes three microfiche.  Additional information may be found through the website [www.familysearch.org Family Search].

Indian school records may include tribal affiliation, degree of Native American blood, names of parents, home address, dates of arrival and departure, attendance records, health cards, and letters to parents and social workers.  Enrollment records contain the name of the Indian tribe and date of validity, name (including given name, birth name, and married names), sex, date of death (when applicable), probate number (when applicable), degree of Native American blood, names of both parents, and blood degree of parents.  At times, when a person or family was denied enrollment, a court case is on file.  Allotment records of land parcels among adult Native Americans who were of at least one-half Native American blood may provide some clues.  When allotments were provided on reservation tracts, Federal government records may be tapped.  Land claims made by Indigenous peoples against the government for monies owed them for land taken away and not adequately paid for during treaty eras may provide clues.  The Bureau of Indian Affairs is another source that may provide a wealth of information to researchers.  A more detailed list of other sources may be found in ''The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy'', pages 531-571.  The IGI (International Genealogical Index) for 1988 includes one microfiche on Native Americans and the 1992 edition includes three microfiche.  Additional information may be found through the website [[www.familysearch.org Family Search]].

Other resources commonly used to trace non-Native American ancestry may be used to trace Native Americans.  U.S. Census records indicate the race and ethnicity of the individuals included.  Vital records and obituaries may provide some clues.  Published family histories, both electronically and in book form may give information.  County and early state histories often times recount experiences with Indigenous peoples.  Various websites on the Internet should not be ignored but should be taken with a grain of salt due to the ease with which misinformation can be spread online.

Other resources commonly used to trace non-Native American ancestry may be used to trace Native Americans.  U.S. Census records indicate the race and ethnicity of the individuals included.  Vital records and obituaries may provide some clues.  Published family histories, both electronically and in book form may give information.  County and early state histories often times recount experiences with Indigenous peoples.  Various websites on the Internet should not be ignored but should be taken with a grain of salt due to the ease with which misinformation can be spread online.