NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA
November 8, 2007

IM 5020

TO:		County Social Service Directors
Economic Assistance Policy Regional Representatives
Economic Assistance Policy Quality Control Reviewers

FROM:	Blaine Nordwall, Director, Economic Assistance Policy

SUBJECT:	Acceptable forms of Verification for Canadian Indians

PROGRAMS:	Economic Assistance and Health Care Coverage Programs

EFFECTIVE:	Immediately

RETENTION: 	Until Manualized

SECTIONS 
AFFECTED:	Food Stamps – 430-05-30-60-10
		TANF – 400-17-25-60
		Child Care Assistance – 400-26-10-01
		Medicaid – 510-05-35-50
		Healthy Steps – 510-07-25-30

In determining eligibility for Economic Assistance and Health Care Coverage Programs, the following document serves as acceptable verification that an individual is an American Indian born in Canada who possesses at least 50 percent blood of the American Indian race.   

A Blood Quantum Letter – The letter will contain information from the individuals Band, Tribe, Nation stating the individual’s blood quantum, which must be at least 50% aboriginal blood.    

The document may use the following verbiage:
•	….at least 50% Aboriginal blood
•	….at least 50% Indigenous blood
•	….at least 50% North American Indian blood
•	….at least 50% American Indian blood