TRIBAL PROGRAM
TRIBAL ENROLLMENT
Genevieve Fields, Enrollment Officer
435.234.1267
genevievefields@goshutetribe.com
This department is responsible for the enrollment and updating of tribal membership for the tribe issuing and receiving enrollment applications, issuing tribal identification cards, researching and gathering information, sending correspondences to various tribes and applicants, and preparing completed applications to present to the Goshute Enrollment Committee.
Upon receipt of an application, it is reviewed for completeness. The documents required to complete an application is the applicant's original birth certificate and a copy of his/her social security card. In the case of an adoption, the original birth certificate with the name(s) of the biologic parent(s) is required as proof of lineage. If an applicant possesses more than one tribal blood degree, the other tribe(s) is contacted for dual membership information and CDIBs on the parent(s) and grandparents. Once all information is received, the application is presented to the Enrollment Committee for their recommendation to the Goshute Business Council who makes the final decision and notifies the applicant and/or sponsor of their decision by certified letter.
Information on newly enrolled members is sent to the Eastern Nevada Agency to be added to the roll that is maintained by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Information on minors is sent to the Western Nevada Agency, as well, so they can set up an Individual Indian Monies (IIM) Account in the minor's name at the next dividend distribution.
In March 2007, the blood degree requirement for membership was lowered to 1/8 Goshute with the exception of adoption. According to the Enrollment Ordinance, to be adopted by the tribe an individual needs to be 1/4 Goshute. In the future, the Enrollment Committee plans to amend the Ordinance so that it coincides with the tribe's Constitution and By-Laws, and to lower the blood degree require under Adoption to 1/8 Goshute.
To receive a tribal identification card, the tribal member needs to appear in person. The reason for this is that the software does not accept a signature that is emailed, nor does it accept any information from Microsoft Word. The ID is valid for 4 years and the cost is $15 for your first card and $5 thereafter. This applies to all members, including the newly enrolled.
Throughout the year, notices are sent to the membership. If we do not have a current address, your name is left off the mailing list. Therefore, it is important that you keep the tribe informed of any address changes that occur. Sharla is an enrolled Western Shoshone
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