One of the most important things to do when researching Native American ancestors, is to avoid the temptation to abandon all standard a proven genealogy methodology in order to find an ancestor on an Indian “roll”. All families are important and should be researched with the same discipline, procedures and planning that are used when documenting other nationalities.
It is critical as a researcher that you follow standard genealogical methods, cite your sources properly and learn the resources that are available for you. And, like all genealogical procedures–-you will utilize those records already available among the family artifacts and documents, and you will begin by asking the right questions of members of the family who can speak about the family history.
Among the records that you need to become acquainted with are, vital records, Federal Census records, and local courthouse records. Contrary to what is often believed, there are many records that document persons of native ancestry, and cases where there were blended families can be located.
As you begin to outline the project to document the family history begin the right way, cite your sources properly, and allow each new set of data direct you to another one.
Some of these steps are outlined for you:
Oral History–-Ask the Right Questions
Document the family in the 20th century records:
Vital Records–Birth/Death/Marriage
Federal Census 1930, 1920, 1910, 1900, 1880, 1870, 1860.
Utilize Other critical records:
Military Records -
World War I Draft Cards
Civil War & Spanish Am. War
American Revolution
After you have used these records and documented the family well you will be ready to begin to use Indian Documents. Among some of those records are the well known Dawes Rolls &Guion Miller Rolls.
The most important thing to do is to take your time, document the family thoroughly.