Enrollment

Membership in the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe

It is the goal of Tribal Operations to assist individuals who are seeking enrollment into the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Membership in the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe is based on specific eligibility criteria outlined in Article II of the Revised Constitution and Bylaws of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Here’s what you need to know:

Enrollment Requirements

  • Applicant must be born to an MCT tribal member
  • Applicant must possess at least one-quarter MCT Indian Blood
  • Applicant must be a U.S. citizen

Additional Requirements

Individuals are not eligible for enrollment if they are already enrolled in another Tribe or are not U.S. citizens.

Appeals Process

If your application for enrollment is denied, you have the right to appeal the denial within 30 days of the decision to the Executive Director of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe and request a hearing before the Enrollment Review Committee.

Enrollment Forms

Enrollment Form

Apply for membership with the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe by completing the Enrollment Application. This form ensures eligibility based on lineage and blood quantum, connecting you to the resources, services, and community of the Tribe.
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Document Request Form

Need official records or certifications? Use the Document Request Form to obtain essential documents such as certifications of Indian Blood, enrollment verification, or other tribal records.
Download the Form

Enrollment Data Request Form

From Enrollment Blocks to Voter’s Lists and Special Requests, if you need to request data, please use this form.
Download the Form

Enrollment Ordinance and Tribal Operations

In 2003 by Resolution 116-03, the Tribal Executive Committee approved the Enrollment Ordinance, which provides clear guidelines for applying, eligibility requirements, and the appeals process. If you have questions about enrollment, this ordinance is a great resource to guide you through the process.

The Tribal Operations Program is here to assist with all things related to membership. Their responsibilities include:

  • Processing enrollment applications and appeals.
  • Maintaining and updating membership records, including births, deaths, name changes, and address updates.
  • Issuing membership ID cards, Certificates of Indian Blood, and other documents.
  • Providing statistical data and research for enrollment purposes.

The program also manages membership records through both Tribal and Federal databases, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information. Enrollment decisions are made quarterly during Tribal Executive Committee meetings, and updates are added to the official records after approval.

Tribal Membership, Records, and Governance Services

Proof of Membership, Birth and Death Records

Tribal Operations provides certifications in the following areas:

  • Certification of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB)
  • Indian Preference (Form BIA 4432)

Enrollment Appeals

If an applicant is denied membership into the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe by official action of the Tribal Executive Committee then that individual may appeal to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Enrollment Review Committee, as established per the Enrollment Ordinance. If the Enrollment Review Committee sustains the denial of membership then the applicant may make final appeal to the Bureau of Indian Affairs as described in the Constitution and Enrollment Ordinance.

Tribal Elections

Tribal Operations assists the Tribe and member reservations with Tribal Elections as defined in the Constitution and Election Ordinance. Assistance is given to member reservations and election boards on election timetables, election training, voter’s lists, and overall membership data.

General Administration

General assistance on issues of Tribal Government is provided to membership, the Executive Director, the Tribal Attorney, and the Tribal Executive Committee.

Questions about Enrollment?

For answers to questions, or for additional information, please call Tribal Operations at 218-335-8581, or mail correspondence to: Tribal Operations, The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, PO Box 217, Cass Lake, MN 56633.