TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — A task force empaneled by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. in 2024 recommends a range of legal, technical and procedural changes to the tribe’s citizenship registration process.
In two reports the Registration Code and Process Reform Task Force, chaired by Cherokee Nation Secretary of State Shella Bowlin, examined the tribe’s citizenship system as outlined in Principal Chief Hoskin’s December 6, 2024, executive order.
The Task Force recommendations, which Chief Hoskin and other tribal leaders may choose to implement through policy or legislation, aim to protect tribal sovereignty, improve the registration process and improve photo ID technology. The Task Force does not have the power to implement any changes.
“I appreciate Secretary Bowlin and the entire task force and support staff for taking the first comprehensive review of our registration laws, process and technology in many years,” said Chief Hoskin. “Citizens and tribal leaders can use the task force reports to better understand opportunities to make accessing the citizenship process easier, more secure, using the modern technology and protecting tribal sovereignty in the process.”
Some of the Task Force recommendations include:
- Digitizing Applications: Implementing online, user-friendly portals for CDIB applications, allowing citizens to securely upload necessary documents without relying solely on physical mail or in-person visits.
- Updated Cherokee Nation Photo IDs with designs including expiration date, veteran status, Cherokee Speaker status.
- Online ID Renewals: Creating an efficient online renewal process for photo IDs, saving time and reducing the burden on citizens who live far from tribal offices.
- Enhanced Mobile Capabilities: Expanding mobile and community outreach to bring registration services directly to the Cherokee people, especially those in rural areas or with limited mobility.
- Offer upgraded “enhanced IDs” through tribal federal agreements for boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings and some travel within North America.
- Reform the citizenship relinquishment process to discourage frequent changes in tribal citizenship status
The Task Force also recommended eliminating dual tribal citizenship, except where dual citizenship is required by agreements with the United States regarding certain Shawnee and Delaware tribe descendants.
The recommendations on dual enrollment would not impact the tribe’s authority and obligations to issue Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) cards under an agreement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The Task Force warned that citizenship “audits” conducted by a contractor from 2011 to 2019, before Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner took office, may raise due process issues and that future audits should be improved with policies and procedures and due process protections.
The primary recommendations focus on enhancing the accuracy of citizenship records while streamlining the application timeline for new applicants. The task force also recommends digitization of Citizenship Photo ID application processes.
“By implementing these strategic reforms, the Cherokee Nation ensures that its citizenship processes remain secure, transparent, and highly efficient for future generations,” Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said.
Secretary Bowlin led the seven-member task force, which issued its first report on March 3, 2025, and a second report on January 8, 2026. The reports are available on the tribe’s Cherokee.org website.
“I’m proud that our work on the task force gives both citizens and tribal leaders insight on the Cherokee Nation citizenship registration process and clear recommendations as to how to make that process more accessible and secure,” said Bowlin.
Chief Hoskin said his leadership team is reviewing the Task Force’s report to determine whether and to what extent his administration will work to implement the proposed reforms administratively or through proposed Council legislation.
Cherokee Nation is the largest tribe in the United States with over 470,000 citizens and exclusive tribal jurisdiction over the 7,000 square mile Cherokee Nation Reservation located within northeast Oklahoma.
For information on applying for citizenship, visit https://www.cherokee.org/all-services/tribal-registration/.