Dawes Rolls?

[Red Willow Hawk]

Hi everyone, pleased to finally find an active site for native quanderings. It was always rumored in my family that we were cherokee (because of our features) but up until yesterday I thought that was myth. I found my greatgrandfather on the Dawes Rolls and wondered if any of you knew what the "Type" and "Misc." catagories were for. My GGFather's type was "M" and misc. was "MOODY". What the heck does that mean???

I also had a question about regalia. I'd like to dance at my next powwow but am unsure if the regalia has to be specific for the event or tribe. And how do I find what clan of cherokee I am (i.e.wolf, deer, bird?, etc) or do I just pick one? Do I just pick myself an Indian name or does a tribal elder usually do that?

Sorry for asking so many questions, just very excited continue the traditions of my ancestral lineage.

Thank you so much!

[between2worlds]

I found my greatgrandfather on the Dawes Rolls and wondered if any of you knew what the "Type" and "Misc." catagories were for. My GGFather's type was "M" and misc. was "MOODY". What the heck does that mean???

Type - M or MCR were used to stand for minor
Misc - this is a "catchall" field and you have to look at the actual card to see what this is referring to.

As for the rest, take things slowly, listen to learn, and above all balance in all things.

~b2w

[NancyJo]

You need to contact the Cherokee Tribal offices to get an application (which will also tell you all the paper work you'll need to turn in to prove direct relationship to the ancestor on the rolls.......birth certificates or death certificates for each person in your direct lineage). If you have a family member that is already on the rolls then you need to prove your descendancy from that family member.
Good luck.

[msix04]

to answer your first question the minor part is correct and the moody is most likely the town the he lived in or near cause there is a town called moody near talequah as for your second question about clan it is passed down on your mothers side so no you cant just pick a clan. and for your last question your cherokee name is given to you at birth usually by the grand father of your father

[Red Willow Hawk]

Thank you so much. I guess beyond the questions you answered for me, I'll have to learn as I go. Perhaps it is best to merely observe my next powwow, make a few contacts, and learn the traditions so I'll be ready for the next one. :)

Again, I really appreciate you all taking the time to help out a newbie:)

Blessings

[Wojapi4Me]

I see you live in Pennsylvania...don't learn anything about Cherokees from people up there...just don't...

Go out to Tahlequah...look up some relatives and go from there...you start learning about Cherokees from people in your area and you'll end up a skunk-fur wearing, dreamcatcher making, singing on beat weirdo...lol

[kiowakat]

I see you live in Pennsylvania...don't learn anything about Cherokees from people up there...just don't...

Go out to Tahlequah...look up some relatives and go from there...you start learning about Cherokees from people in your area and you'll end up a skunk-fur wearing, dreamcatcher making, singing on beat weirdo...lol

AHHH not the skunkman we had one of those back in the early 80's running around here LOL