| About Tribal Enrollment
U.S. tribal enrollment is a political process that is influenced by past and present federal policies, including federal definition and recognition of Indian tribes, and federal criteria for 'Indian funding.'
As a part of the B.I.A.'s administration of the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act, control over federally-recognized tribal membership has been generally turned over to tribal governments, and the requirements for tribal membership vary.
Although there are exceptions, generally you have to have 1/4 'degree of blood' from the federally-recognized 'tribal' group where you are seeking enrollment in order to qualify for federally-recognized membership in that 'tribe.' There may also be residency requirements, specific limitations in tribal membership (for example, that the names of your ancestors must be enumerated on a specific historical 'tribal roll'), etc.
for more information
U.S. Department of the Interior, "How do I trace Indian ancestry?"
U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs: List of Federally-Recognized Indian Tribes [PDF file]
1934 Indian Reorganization Act
some critical thoughts on tribal enrollment:
Wub-e-ke-niew's reunciation of tribal membership (1990)
Maxine V. Eidsvig, "The Sad Story of some Dakota tribal elders"
"Indian enrollment and the Prairie Island Tribal Court"
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