Paul Spruhan posted “CDIB: The Role of the Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood in Defining Native American Legal Identity” on SSRN.

The abstract:

This essay discusses the “CDIB” or Certificate of Indian or Alaska Native Blood, a document that proves an individual’s quantum of Native American blood. The CDIB is a federal document issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or by tribal nations through a “638” self-determination contract, but without published regulations or even clear written guidelines. The essay discusses its mysterious origins, its primary purpose, and its role in defining Native American legal identity. It also suggests some provisions to be included in final regulations, should the Bureau of Indian Affairs revive its attempt to publish CDIB regulations.