(Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs)
(no source [Director was Luvenia Butler at the time], no date [sometime between 1990 and 1991, and definitely before 1997])
background:
  • original 1990 TNCIA Recognition Criteria for Native American Indians (6 pages, .pdf)
  • amended 1991 TNCIA Recognition Criteria for Native American Indians (3 pages, .pdf)
  • 1991 TNCIA Recognition Criteria administrative history (1 page, .pdf)

    "commission" = Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs
    "director" = Executive Director of the Commission of Indian Affairs (paid government staff)
    Luvenia H. Butler, Executive Administrative Assistant/Director (1988? - August 1998)
    Toye Heape, Executive Director (8 August 1998 - 6 July 2001)
    "chairman" = chairperson of the Commission of Indian Affairs (unpaid volunteer)
    "applicant" = person, organization or tribe seeking recognition as Native American Indian
    from the state Commission of Indian Affairs (see "Recognition Criteria" above)
    "application" = information provided by a person, organization or tribe seeking recognition
    as Native American Indian from the state Commission of Indian Affairs
    "enrollee" = a person, organization or tribe recognized as Native American Indian
    by the state Commission of Indian Affairs
    "roll" = the official record of persons, organizations and tribes recognized as
    Native American Indian by the state Commission of Indian Affairs


    CONTENTS
    I.Application for Enrollment form
    II.Disposition of Application for Enrollment form
    III.Initial Decision-Making Process
    IV.Post-Decision Procedures
    A.Accept Applications
    B.Applications Requiring Further Information
    C.Denied Applications
    V.Letters of Notification
    A.Letter of Acceptance
    B.Letter Requesting Further Information
    C.Letter of Denial
    VI.Filing System
    VII.Enrollment Card


    APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT FORM










    Listed below is the Recognition Criteria for Native American Indian Individuals in Tennessee.
    If you believe you meet the criteria and wish to seek enrollment, complete the enclosed
    application and return it and your documentation to the address indicated. Thank you!

    (1) All applicants must have maintained a permanent residence in Tennessee for 
    at least six (6) months prior to their date of application.
    
    (2) Individuals may be enrolled with the State by satisfying any of the 
    following means of documentation:
    
        (a) The applicant has a roll number or certificate of Indian blood from a 
    federally-recognized tribe; or
    
        (b) the applicant's birth certificate shows the applicant or applicant's 
    parent(s) to be Native American Indian; or
    
        (c) The applicant has a family tree which shows a direct ancestor of the 
    applicant to appear on a roll of a federally recognized Native American Indian 
    tribe. All family trees will be subject to verification by professional 
    genealogists at the applicant's expense; or 
    
        (d) The applicant signs an affidavit stating he/she is a Native American 
    Indian. If the applicant has a living relative at least ten years older than 
    the applicant, the relative must also sign the affidavit. In addition to the 
    affidavit, the applicant shall provide at least one of the following:
    	
    	1. A family Bible or hymnal showing that the applicant and/or the 
    applicant's direct ancestors were Native American Indian.
    	2. Death records of the applicant's direct ancestor(s) showing the 
    ancestor(s) to be Native American Indian.
    	3. Records of direct ancestor(s) from the Indian Court of Claims.
    	4. School, church or health records, or other compelling documentation 
    which shows the applicant to be Native American Indian.
    
    

    [ 0785-1-.05 RECOGNITION CRITERIA FOR NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN INDIVIDUALS IN TENNESSEE.
    Authority: T.C.A. §4-34-103. Administrative History: Original rule filed July 3, 1990; effective August 17, 1990. ]


    
    APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT OF NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN INDIVIDUALS	
    
    Please complete the appropriate section(s) and return
    this application and your supporting documentation to:
    Director, Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs, Department
    of Conservation, 701 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0435.
    
    Name of Applicant: _________________________________________________
    
    Address: ___________________________________________________________
    
             ___________________________________________________________
             
    Phone: ____________________________
    
    
    If you are filing this application on behalf of a minor
    or disabled individual, please answer the following:
    
    Your Name: _______________________ _________________________
    
    Address: ___________________________________________________
    
             ___________________________________________________
             
    Phone: ____________________________
    
    Your relation to applicant: ____________________________
    
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Please check the form(s) of documentation you are
    submitting with your application. Be sure to attach the
    documents before submitting the application.  If a document
    such as a record from a family Bible is being submitted,
    please send a photocopy of the applicable page(s).
    All information submitted is subject to verification.
    
    _______ 1.  I am a member of a federally recognized tribe.
    
                Name of Tribe: ___________________________________________
                 
                Address: _________________________________________________
                 
                Roll Number: ____________________________
                 
                Certificate of Indian Blood Number: ____________________________
                
    
    
    
    _______ 2.  My birth certificate shows my race and/or my
                parent(s) race to be Native American Indian.
    
    _______ 3.  My direct ancestor(s) appear(s) on an official
                roll of a federally recognized tribe.
                
                Tribe: ___________________________________________
                 
                Roll name and date: _________________________________
                 
                Ancestor's roll number: _____________________________
                 
                Relation to Applicant: ______________________________
                
              *Please complete the attached family tree.
    
    
    _______ 4.  I have signed an affidavit stating I am a 
                Native American Indian. I am also enclosing
                at least one of the following forms of documentation
                to support my affidavit:
                
                ____ A. My family Bible or hymnal shows my
                        direct ancestors to be Native American Indian.
                ____ B. Death records of my direct ancestor
                        show him/her to be Native American Indian.
                ____ C. My direct ancestor(s) filed claims with
                        the Indian Court of Claims.
                ____ D. My school, church, or health records show
                        I am a Native American Indian.
                ____ E. I am enclosing other compelling documentation
                        not listed above.
                        
         All information given in this application, and all documentation
    submitted to support my application, is true, accurate, and complete
    to the best of my knowledge.                 
                                        
                        
                        signed: ___________________________________________
                 
                          date: ___________________________________________
    
                
    
    


     
                                                                                          ____________________________
                                                                                          | Great Grandfather
                                                                                          |
                                                                                          |     ____________________
                                                                                          |     Indian Blood Line
                                                                                          |        Tribe
                                                             _____________________________|
                                                             | Grandfather                |
                                                             |                            |
                                                             |     ____________________   |
                                                             |     Indian Blood Line      |
                                                             |        Tribe               |___________________________
                                                             |                              Great Grandmother
                                                             |                                  ____________________
                                                             |                                  Indian Blood Line
                                                             |                                     Tribe
                                _____________________________|                                  
                                | Father                     |                                   
                                |                            |
                                |     ____________________   |                            ____________________________
                                |     Indian Blood Line      |                            | Great Grandfather
                                |        Tribe               |                            |
                                |                            |                            |     ____________________
                                |                            |                            |     Indian Blood Line
                                |                            |                            |        Tribe
                                |                            |____________________________|
                                |                              Grandmother                |
                                |                                                         |
                                |                                  ____________________   |                               
                                |                                  Indian Blood Line      |
                                |                                     Tribe               |___________________________
                                |                                                           Great Grandmother
    ____________________________|                                                         
    Applicant                   |                                                               ____________________                                                         
                                |                                                               Indian Blood Line
         ____________________   |                                                                  Tribe
         Indian Blood Line      |
            Tribe               |                                                                  
                                |                            
                                |                            
                                |
                                |                                                         ____________________________
                                |                                                         | Great Grandfather
                                |                                                         |
                                |                                                         |     ____________________
                                |                                                         |     Indian Blood Line
                                |                                                         |        Tribe
                                |                            _____________________________|
                                |                            | Grandfather                |
                                |                            |                            |
                                |                            |     ____________________   |
                                |                            |     Indian Blood Line      |
                                |                            |        Tribe               |___________________________
                                |                            |                              Great Grandmother
                                |                            |                                  ____________________
                                |                            |                                  Indian Blood Line
                                |                            |                                     Tribe
                                |____________________________|                                  
                                  Mother                     |                                   
                                                             |
                                      ____________________   |                            ____________________________
                                      Indian Blood Line      |                            | Great Grandfather
                                         Tribe               |                            |
                                                             |                            |     ____________________
                                                             |                            |     Indian Blood Line
                                                             |                            |        Tribe
                                                             |____________________________|
                                                               Grandmother                |
                                                                                          |
                                                                   ____________________   |                               
                                                                   Indian Blood Line      |
                                                                      Tribe               |___________________________
                                                                                            Great Grandmother
                                                                                          
                                                                                                ____________________                                                         
                                                                                                Indian Blood Line
                                                                                                   Tribe
    
    
    


    DISPOSITION OF APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT FORM










    DISPOSITION OF APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT FORM

    
    1. Name of Applicant: ___________________________________________
       
       Address: _____________________________________________________
       
                _____________________________________________________
       
       If applicant is a minor, complete the following:
    
       Adult's name: ________________________________________________
       
       Address: _____________________________________________________
       
                _____________________________________________________
       
       Relation to applicant:  ______________________________________
    
    
    2. Proofs Claimed:               Documentation(s) Provided?
                                         Yes          No
    
        _____ 1                          ___          ___
        
        _____ 2                          ___          ___
        
        _____ 3                          ___          ___
        
        _____ 4-A                        ___          ___
        
        _____ 4-B                        ___          ___
        
        _____ 4-C                        ___          ___
        
        _____ 4-D                        ___          ___
        
        _____ 4-E                        ___          ___
        
              Documentation provided to support 4-E:
              
              ______________________________________
    
    
    
    3. Decision: 
       
        _____ Application approved.   Roll Number ____________
    
        _____ Further documentation requested.
    
        _____ Application denied.  Reason: ______________________________
        
        
        Signature of state official: ______________________________
        
        Date: _________________________
    
    
    
    


    INITIAL DECISION-MAKING PROCESS










    Enrollment Procedure

    1. The applicant will mail his/her application to the Director in Nashville.

    2. The director will notify each applicant, in writing, of the date, place and time of the next regular commission meeting.

    3. The director will evaluate each application and make a recommendation to accept or deny the application, or to request further information from the applicant.

    4. The director will group the applications into three groups: "Accepted", "Denied", or "Further Information Requested."

    5. The director will randomly assign a number to each application.

    6. The director will complete two "Disposition of Application for Enrollment" forms for each application. One will be completed and placed in a file with the applicant's application and documentation(s). The other will be completed, omitting the applicant's name, but including the number previously assigned.

    7. The director will give the files and numbered forms to the Chairman prior to each commission meeting.

    8. The chairman will give each commissioner present a copy of the numbered forms.

    9. Each commissioner will examine the forms. If a commissioner has specific questions about an application, he/she will have an opportunity to examine the application prior to voting.

    10. If a question is raised about a specific application, the application in question will be temporarily set aside.

    11. The commission will vote to accept the director's recommendations on applications not in question.

    12. The commission will then examine each application in question and vote on each application.

    13. The chairman will group the applications into three groups: "Accept", "denied", and "Further Information Requested." The chairman will then return the forms and applications to the director.

    14. The director will notify each applicant, in writing, of the commission's decision.


    POST-DECISION PROCEDURES

    A. Accepted applications
    B. Application requiring further information
    C. Denied applications








    Accepted Applications

    1. The director will assign each accepted applicant a roll number.

    2. The director will file the enrollee's application in the "enrolled" file.

    3. The director will notify the enrollee, in writing, of the commission's decision and will send the enrollee an enrollment card.

    4. The enrollee's name will be placed on the commission's mailing list.


    Applications Requiring Further Information

    1. The director will notify the applicant, in writing, of the commission's decision.

    2. The director will place the applicant's file in the "Further Information Requested" file"

    3. The applicant will have thirty (30) days in which to provide the director with the requested information.

    4. A. If the applicant provides the director with the requested information within thirty (30) days, the application will be considered for approval at the next regularly scheduled commission meeting.

       B. If the applicant does not supply the requested information within thirty (30) days, the applicant's file will automatically be denied and placed in the "Denied-Final" file. Applicants who fail to provide requested information forfeit their right to appeal.

    5. A. If the applicant provides the requested information as described in 4-A, and the commission accepts the application, the applicant's file will be filed in the "enrolled" file, the applicant will be issued an enrollment coard, and his/her name will be placed on the commission's mailing list.

       B. If the applicant provides the requested information as described in 4-A, and the commission denies the application, the applicant's file will be filed in the "Denied-Awaiting Appeal" file. The applicant will then be required to follow the "Denied Applications" procedure.


    Denied Applications

    1. The director will notify the applicant, in writing, of the commission's decision.

    2. The director will place the applicant's file in the "Denied-Awaiting Appeal" file"

    3. The applicant will have thirty (30) days in which to file an appeal, in writing, to the director.

    4. A. If the applicant files an appeal, in writing, within thirty (30) days, the commission will consider the appeal at the next regularly scheduled commission meeting.

       B. If the applicant does not file an appeal, in writing, within thirty (30) days, the applicant's file will be filed in the "Denied-Final" file. Applicants who fail to file an appeal, in writing, within thirty (30) days, forfeit their right to appeal.

    5. A. If the applicant files an appeal, in writing, within thirty (30) days, and the appeal is accepted by the commission the applicant's file will be placed in the "Enrolled" file. The enrollee will also be issued an enrollment card and his/her name will be placed on the commission's mailing list.

       B. If the applicant files an appeal, in writing, within thirty (30) days, and the appeal is denied by the commission, the applicant's file will be filed in the "Denied-Final" file.


    LETTERS OF NOTIFICATION

    A. Letter of acceptance
    B. Letter requesting further information
    C. Letter of denial








    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
              TENNESSEE COMMISSION OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
               TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
                         701 BROADWAY
                 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37219-5237
    
                                  Date: _________________________
    
    
    Dear Enrollment Applicant,
    
         Thank you for enrolling with the State of Tennessee
    as a Native American Indian.  Your application has been
    carefully examined and has been accepted.
    
         Please find an enrollment card enclosed which you
    can carry with you and use to verify your recognition
    as a Native American Indian.
    
         Please contact this office if we can be of further
    assistance.
    
    
                               Sincerely,
    
    
    
                               Director
                               
                               
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
              TENNESSEE COMMISSION OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
               TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
                         701 BROADWAY
                 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37219-5237
    
                                  Date: _________________________
    
    
    Dear Enrollment Applicant,
    
         Thank you for applying for recognition as a Native
    American Indian with the State of Tennessee. Your
    application has been examined, and at this time, using
    the information provided in your application, a decision
    to accept or deny the application can not be made.
    
         Listed below is the information needed for a decision
    to be reached.  If you wish to pursue enrollment, you
    must contact this office, in writing, within thirty (30)
    days from the date of this letter.
    
         Upon receipt of the requested information, you will
    be notified by mail of the place, date and time of the 
    next regularly scheduled meeting of the Tennessee Commission
    of Indian Affairs, at which your updated application will be
    considered.  Please be aware that failure to respond with the 
    requested information within thirty (30) days from the date
    of this letter will result in the automatic denial of your 
    application and the forfeit of your right to appeal.
    
         Thank you for your interest, and we hope to hear from
    you soon.
    
    
                               Sincerely,
    
    
    
                               Director
    
    Requested Information: ________________________________________
    
    _______________________________________________________________
    
    _______________________________________________________________
    
    _______________________________________________________________
    
    _______________________________________________________________
                               
                               
                               
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
              TENNESSEE COMMISSION OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
               TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
                         701 BROADWAY
                 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37219-5237
    
                                  Date: _________________________
    
    
    Dear Enrollment Applicant,
    
         Thank you for applying for recognition as a Native
    American Indian with the State of Tennessee. Your
    application has been examined and we regret the application
    can not be accepted.   The reason(s) for denial will be
    listed at the end of this letter.
    
         Please be aware that you have the right to appeal
    this decision.  In order to appeal, the following procedure
    must be observed:
      1. You must notify this office, in writing, of your appeal,
         within thirty (30) days of the date of this letter.
      2. You may submit at that time any further documentation
         to support your claim for recognition.
      3. Upon receipt of your appeal, you will be notified of
         the place, date and time of the next regularly scheduled 
         meeting of the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs, 
         at which your appeal will be considered.
      4. The commission will consider the appeal and then vote
         to accept or deny the application.  The decision of the
         commission shall be final.
    
         Please be aware that failure to appeal, in writing, within
    thirty (30) days of the date of this letter will result in the 
    forfeit of your right to appeal.
    
         Please read the reason(s) listed below for the denial
    of your application, and again, thank you for your interest.
    
    
                               Sincerely,
    
    
    
                               Director
                               
    
    Reason(s) for Denial of Application: __________________________
    
    _______________________________________________________________
    
    _______________________________________________________________
    
    _______________________________________________________________
    
                               
                               
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    


    FILING SYSTEM










    Filing System

    I. Received Applications
       A. Accepted
       B. Further Information Requested
       C. Denied
       D. Further Information Submitted
       E. Appeals

    II. Finalized Applications
       A. Enrolled
       B. Further Information Requested
       C. Denied - Awaiting Appeal
       D. Denied - Final

    III. Materials
       A. Copies of Recognition Criteria
       B. Applications for Enrollment
       C. Disposition of Application for Enrollment Forms
       D. Enrollment Cards
       E. Letters of Acceptance
       F. Letters Requesting Further Information
       G. Letters of Denial

    IV. Rolls
       A. Roll of Enrolled Individuals
          1. Name
          2. Address
          3. Phone Number
          4. Roll Number
       B. List of Denied Individuals
          1. Name
          2. Address
          3. Phone Number


    ENROLLMENT CARD










    ENROLLMENT CARD

    The enrollment cards will bear the following words on the front and back.
    The wording will be centered and of smaller size, fitting in the area the size of a drivers license.
    It will also have a slightly colored background which will be very difficult to copy.

    FRONT:
    State of Tennessee
    Certificate of Indian Recognition

    This is to certify ___________________________________
    is a Native American Indian legally
    recognized by the State of Tennessee.

    Roll Number: ________________

    BACK:
    State of Tennessee
    Commission of Indian Affairs

    The Native American Indian individual shown
    on the face of this card was approved for
    enrollment pursuant to Chapter 0785-01,
    Recognition Criteria for Native American
    Indians, effective August 17, 1990.

    Any alteration or fraudulent use of this
    Certificate renders it null and void.





    tpk/15 may, 26 june 2004