(WASHINGTON, D.C.) The Piscataway Elders’ Council has completed its correction of tribal enrollment and chart numbers, clearing the final hurdle to new enrollments and the issuance of new tribal identification cards. This will end an extremely long hiatas in the processing of new enrollments, which at this point have been stalled for years. It will also allow members of the tribe who submitted applications several years ago to finally know their enrollment status and apply for a tribal ID card.
For the first time in years, the enrollment process appears to be back to normal.
The Piscataway Communications Office is now setting into motion a plan presented to and approved by the Elders Council for the distribution of tribal identification cards. The cards are intended to prevent counterfeiting and provide a solid credential for those wishing to use a “Native American Document” in I-9 Employment forms. As the tribe is expected to expand rapidly now that the enrollment process is back on track (using data obtained from the Elders Council, the Communications Office estimates that the tribe’s enrollment will increase by 300% – 350% over the next ten years) , tribal ID cards may also become required for entry into tribal programs, ceremonies, festivals, and other events.
Tribal ID cards are different than the tribal enrollment cards that many tribal members already possess and are distributed when enrollment applications are approved:
Tribal Enrollment Cards:
- Are a confirmation of enrollment in the tribe
- Are not a form of identification, as they do not contain identifying information
- Contain the member’s name, enrollment number, chart number and other pertinent enrollment info
- Have no expiration date
- Are free of charge, but generally distributed only once upon enrollment confirmation
Tribal Identification Cards:
- Serve as both a confirmation of tribal enrollment, and a form of identification
- Contain all information present on Enrollment Cards, plus a photo and other identifying information
- Like all forms of identification, have an expiration date (ID’s must be renewed every five years)
- Have a small fee – expected to be $10 or less
Registration for tribal ID cards will open November 1, 2010. There will be two options available to obtain an ID card.
Option 1:
- Obtain an ID application from the tribal website, or by contacting the communications office at piscatawayconoy@gmail.com
- Read the instructions on the application and complete the application in its entirety
- Submit the application, along with a photocopy of your government-issued photo ID for verification, and your registration fee as directed in the application
- You will also be required to submit a digital photograph as specified in the application
Option 2:
- Appear at one of several Registration Fairs (these are expected to commence in late November or early December)
- At the registration fair, you will be provided with an ID application and have your photo taken, and have all necessary verification done on-site
ID cards will be mailed in batches every 4 – 6 weeks. If for any reason we are unable to provide you with a card (e.g. your enrollment could not be verified), you will receive a full refund of the registration fee and an explanation for why the card is being withheld.
Questions about this process can be directed to piscatawayconoy@gmail.com.
