- 1). Obtain a copy of your birth certificate if you don't already have one. If you were adopted you will need a document that confirms the names of your birth parents.
- 2). Conduct a genealogical search to determine your ancestry. You can try to do this yourself based on Internet searches, or you can hire a genealogist who specializes in researching Native American ancestry. A very good source of information is the Mormon Church genealogical records --- one of the most popular online genealogical services --- and it is free of charge, available at familysearch.org/. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Family History Library is the largest genealogical library in the world, located at 35 N. West Temple St., Room 344, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3440, phone 801-240-2584.
- 3). Research the enrollment criteria of the tribe you descend from. All tribes establish their own requirements for membership. There will likely be a minimum blood quantum (degree of Indian blood) required by the tribe and other requirements. The Six Nations tribes are matrilineal, which means you will likely have to trace your heritage through your mother in order to obtain tribal membership proving your Iroquois ancestry.
- 4). Contact the tribal enrollment office once you have determined the tribe you are descended from and find out what the enrollment process is. There will likely be an application to fill out and you will need to provide the required documentation. If you don't qualify for enrollment, you may qualify as a descendant, so find out if you meet those criteria. This generally does not come with the same privileges as enrollment, but still proves your Iroquois ancestry if you have documentation.
- 5). Fill out the application and wait for their response. If you qualify for enrollment, you will be given an enrollment card, and if you qualify as a descendant, you will likely be given some kind of document proving your ancestry. Either way, you will be able to prove your ancestry.
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