Individual tribal members also share in the money paid to the tribes by the federal government in fulfillment of treaty obligations. Money available for payments belongs either to the tribe or to an individual and is held in trust by the federal government. In this event, Government checks are issued in making payment to individuals or to the tribes. To be eligible to receive payment from tribal funds, a person, in addition to possessing Indian blood, must be a recognized member of the Indian tribe whose money is being distributed. Generally, responsibility for establishing this membership lies with the tribe and the individual.
Indian tribes establish their own enrollment criteria.
These records, identified by tribes, are dated chiefly from 1830 to 1940. Names of his parents and grandparents should also be given. If ancestry is unknown, there are private research sources that are available. The credibility of the research service should be established before securing the service by contacting local offices of the Better Business Bureau. The Central Office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs does not maintain comprehensive lists of persons possessing Indian blood or enrollment data of every federally recognized Indian tribe.