Which Indian Tribe is the Largest? An Overview of Navajo and Cherokee Nations

Indigenous tribes in the United States are known for their rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Among these tribes, two prominent ones are the Navajo Nation and the Cherokee Nation. This article explores the current status and enrollment criteria of these two tribal communities, providing an in-depth analysis of which one can be considered the largest in terms of membership.

The Navajo Nation - Largest Federally Recognized Tribe

The Navajo Nation, headquartered in Arizona, holds the title of the largest federally recognized tribe in the United States. In a significant development reported by the Navajo Nation Office of the Controller, the participation and enrollment in the Navajo CARES Act Hardship Assistance Program has surged from 306,268 to 399,494 members. This substantial increase highlights the effectiveness of the program in nurturing and expanding the community's membership.

More than half of Navajo members reside within the Navajo Nation, which encompasses an expansive territory of approximately 28,000 square miles. The remainder of the population is scattered across adjacent states such as Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. Membership in the Navajo Nation is recognized if an individual can prove at least one grandparent is Navajo, or they have an equivalent of one quarter Navajo heritage. Given the typical practice of four Navajo grandparents, the majority of members can trace their lineage back to the Navajo roots more comprehensively.

The Navajo language, speakers of which number around 170,000, is one of the most spoken Native American languages in the United States. This linguistic heritage serves as a strong identifier for cultural retention and community ties within the tribe.

The Cherokee Nation - Second Largest Federally Recognized Tribe

Following the Navajo Nation, the Cherokee Nation ranks second in terms of membership among federally recognized tribes. There are three recognized Cherokee tribes: the Cherokee Nation, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. Among them, the Cherokee Nation stands out as the largest with a membership approximately exceeding 392,000.

Enrollment in the Cherokee Nation requires direct descent from individuals listed on the verified roster compiled between 1898 and 1914. This stringent selection process ensures a high level of genealogical accuracy and heritage preservation.

Other Cherokee Tribes

Two other Cherokee tribes also have significant memberships:

United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma: With an estimated 14,300 members, this band offers 76 acres of trust land in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Membership is restricted to individuals with at least one-quarter Cherokee blood, and enrollees cannot hold dual citizenship with both the UKB and the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina: Comprising approximately 14,000 members, the Eastern Band owns the 57,000-acre Qualla Boundary. Membership is conditional on having an ancestor listed on the Baker Roll of 1924 and being at least one-sixteenth Cherokee by blood.

Combining Cherokee Enrollments

When considering the total population of the three Cherokee tribes, the combined figure comes close to 420,000 members. This number slightly outweighs the Navajo Nation, making the Cherokee Nation and its affiliated tribes collectively the largest among U.S. federally recognized indigenous communities.

Both the Navajo Nation and the Cherokee Nation represent significant chapters in American history, embodying cultural richness and heritage. Their membership criteria serve as vital tools for preserving ancestral ties, cultural continuity, and historical narratives, ensuring that future generations will continue to honor and celebrate these magnificent communities.