Navajo Blood Quantum Rule Deemed Violative of Tribal Law and Tradition
Acting Attorney General Colin W. Bradley issued a 13-page opinion, stating that the one-fourth blood quantum requirement for tribal enrollment violates the Navajo Bill of Rights and traditional Diné principles of belonging.
“Strict enforcement of the ¼-blood-quantum requirement to deny enrollment without consideration of Navajo cultural factors violates the rights of Navajo children,”
Bradley directed the Office of Vital Records and Identification and the Enrollment Screening Committee to recognize Navajo ancestry and cultural knowledge as valid bases for enrollment when applicants cannot document one-fourth Navajo blood under federal records.
- The opinion, AG-03-25, is titled “Regarding the Use of Blood Quantum in Membership”
- Enrollment must be determined on a case-by-case basis if the applicant can demonstrate Navajo ancestry and cultural knowledge
Author's summary: Bradley rules blood quantum law violates Navajo rights.