Many Americans have anecdotal evidence that they are part Native American. However, it is often not enough to furnish even DNA proof that one belongs to a particular tribe. The only way to obtain any degree of membership is to show clear, documented proof that you are related to someone listed on the imperfect, imprecise, and incomplete Dawes Rolls. This keeps many part-Indian citizens from enjoying their full tribal heritage. I propose two things:
1) If DNA proof can be furnished that proves a person has Indian ancestry, then a person should be permitted full tribal membership (allotment not guaranteed);
2) If suitable documentation can be provided, a person should be able to obtain at least some degree of formal tribal membership (even f no allotment is permitted).