OF THE BLOOD
For individuals who are enrolled members or documented descendants of a federally recognized, state-recognized, or historically documented Native American tribe or Indigenous community.
Membership
MEMBERSHIP.
PRESERVATION • COMMUNITY • RESPONSIBILITY
Apache Bronco is an independent cultural and historical preservation organization dedicated to safeguarding the history, heritage, records, photographs, oral histories, family knowledge, and cultural memory connected to the Apache Broncos of California.
Membership brings together descendants, relatives, community members, researchers, preservationists, and trusted supporters who share responsibility for protecting this history and carrying it forward with dignity.
Organizational Scope
APACHE BRONCO MEMBERSHIP IS ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIP ONLY.
Apache Bronco does not claim to represent, govern, or speak on behalf of all Apache Nations, federally recognized tribes, state-recognized tribes, bands, communities, Indigenous governments, or Apache people.
Membership does not constitute tribal citizenship, tribal enrollment, federal or state recognition, governmental status, CDIB status, tribal-government authority, proof of Native ancestry, or entitlement to tribal or government benefits.
The authority to determine citizenship or enrollment in a Native Nation belongs to the applicable Native Nation under its own laws and governing authority.
Leadership
LEADERSHIP.
Apache Bronco leadership is responsible for protecting the integrity of the organization, its historical record, its membership standards, and the cultural responsibilities associated with the Apache Bronco community.
Pathways to Membership
THREE ORGANIZATIONAL PATHWAYS.
Relationships to Indigenous community and to the work of Apache Bronco can arise through ancestry, family history, community relationships, adoption, service, sponsorship, and sustained commitment. Applications are evaluated individually.
BY THE BLOOD
For individuals who can document or reasonably establish Indigenous ancestry through family lineage, historical records, recognized relatives, genealogical documentation, or other credible evidence considered through Apache Bronco's review process.
Where Apache-specific ancestry is claimed, applicants should provide the strongest information reasonably available.
FOR THE BLOOD
For individuals who may not qualify through documented ancestry but have demonstrated meaningful and sustained commitment to Indigenous people, history, culture, preservation, community, or the mission of Apache Bronco.
This may include adoption, honorary recognition, sponsorship by a recognized community member, or sustained service that has earned Apache Bronco leadership's trust.
Acceptance under every pathway remains subject to review and formal approval by Apache Bronco. These pathways are Apache Bronco organizational classifications, not tribal-enrollment classifications. No pathway independently establishes Native ancestry or citizenship in another Native Nation.
Membership Responsibility
BELONGING CARRIES RESPONSIBILITY.
Members are expected to conduct themselves with dignity, honesty, accountability, respect for Indigenous peoples, and responsibility toward the history and community Apache Bronco exists to preserve.
Members are expected to:
- support Apache Bronco's preservation mission;
- treat members, families, elders, leadership, partners, and the public with dignity and respect;
- protect confidential family and membership information;
- preserve photographs, records, oral histories, documents, and cultural material entrusted to the organization;
- accurately represent Apache Bronco;
- respect sovereign Native Nations and communities;
- distinguish documented evidence from family testimony, interpretation, and continuing research;
- refrain from claiming organizational authority they do not possess;
- comply with approved Apache Bronco policies and standards.
Membership must never be used to falsely claim:
- ancestry, tribal citizenship, or tribal enrollment;
- government authority or recognition;
- ceremonial standing;
- authority over another Native Nation;
- affiliation with a Native Nation that has not recognized such affiliation.
Safety, Conduct & Organizational Integrity
REVIEW RELEVANT FACTS. PROTECT PEOPLE AND THE RECORD.
Apache Bronco may consider conduct materially relevant to membership eligibility, organizational safety, preservation responsibilities, community trust, protection of records, protection of members, and the legitimate interests of the organization.
Membership decisions should be based upon relevant facts and the approved Membership Policy rather than rumor, personal dislike, unsupported accusation, political disagreement, or arbitrary discrimination.
Where serious safety concerns arise, Apache Bronco may conduct an individualized review. Reasonable temporary protective action may be taken where immediately necessary while review is pending. Permanent adverse action remains subject to the review procedures in this policy.
Application Requirements
PROVIDE WHAT IS RELEVANT. PROTECT WHAT IS SENSITIVE.
Applicants may be asked for information reasonably necessary to evaluate the applicable organizational membership pathway.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
- completed membership application;
- electronic signature;
- three references;
- information supporting the applicable membership pathway;
- ancestry, lineage, family, historical, community, adoption, sponsorship, or service information where relevant;
- clarification or verification reasonably necessary to establish material information.
A membership photograph may be requested later through an authorized secure process.
DO NOT SUBMIT THROUGH THE PUBLIC FORM
- Social Security numbers or cards;
- driver's-license or passport scans;
- birth-certificate scans;
- CDIB or tribal-ID images or enrollment numbers;
- genetic files or medical records;
- financial-account information.
If sensitive supporting documentation is later legitimately required, it must be requested through an authorized secure process.
Providing materially false or intentionally misleading information may result in denial, suspension, or membership review.
Minor Applicants
THE PUBLIC APPLICATION IS FOR ADULTS.
The standard public Membership Application is for applicants 18 years of age or older.
Where Apache Bronco permits participation or membership by a minor, parent or legal-guardian authorization and the appropriate separate process are required.
Reference Verification
THREE REFERENCES. ONE PART OF A COMPLETE REVIEW.
References provide additional information that may help Apache Bronco evaluate an application responsibly. They are only one component of the complete application record and do not independently determine Apache Bronco membership, Native identity, tribal citizenship, or tribal enrollment.
- Community / Character
- Professional / Organizational
- Family / Cultural / Community Connection
Applicants should provide only references who have agreed to be contacted.
Application Review
MEMBERSHIP IS NOT AUTOMATIC.
Applications are reviewed to protect the integrity of the organization, its historical record, membership standards, and the community it preserves.
REVIEW MAY INCLUDE
- completeness and pathway review;
- review of material application statements;
- reference verification;
- review of relevant genealogical, historical, family, sponsorship, adoption, service, or community information;
- requests for clarification or additional supporting information;
- authorized consultation with people possessing relevant historical, genealogical, family, or community knowledge.
APPLICATION STATUS
Applicants are responsible for providing truthful information. Apache Bronco may place an application on hold while reasonably necessary information is obtained.
Approval
APPROVAL ESTABLISHES APACHE BRONCO MEMBERSHIP ONLY.
Membership is granted only after the authorized Apache Bronco review process determines that the applicant satisfies an approved organizational membership pathway and the applicable membership requirements.
Approved applicants should receive written or electronic confirmation. Upon formal approval, an official member record may be created and membership-ID production may begin.
Approval does not establish citizenship, enrollment, ancestry status, governmental recognition, or legal status within another Native Nation or government.
Denial
DENIALS SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED AND EXPLAINED.
An application may be denied when required information cannot be sufficiently established; materially relevant information is false, misleading, altered, or intentionally omitted; the applicant does not satisfy an approved membership pathway; credible evidence substantially contradicts the material basis of the claim; or materially relevant conduct conflicts with Apache Bronco's legitimate purpose, safety requirements, integrity, or membership responsibilities.
A denied applicant should receive written or electronic notice and, when appropriate, a general explanation of the basis for the determination.
Denial Appeal / Reconsideration
A DENIED APPLICANT MAY REQUEST RECONSIDERATION.
The request should be submitted in writing within 30 days of the denial notice, identify the decision being challenged, explain the basis for reconsideration, and include relevant additional evidence, clarification, testimony, records, or corrections.
Whenever reasonably possible, reconsideration should include an authorized reviewer who was not solely responsible for the original determination.
Apache Bronco may affirm or reverse the original decision, request additional information, or return the application for additional review. A denied applicant may submit a future application when substantial new documentation or materially relevant information becomes available.
Suspension or Revocation
PROTECTIVE ACTION REQUIRES PROCESS.
Membership may be reviewed after approval when credible information raises a substantial question concerning eligibility, fraud, material misrepresentation, misuse of membership or credentials, misuse of records, serious violations, or serious threats to organizational integrity or safety.
WRITTEN NOTICEREASONABLE OPPORTUNITY TO RESPONDREVIEW OF AVAILABLE INFORMATIONWRITTEN FINAL DETERMINATION
Temporary suspension is an interim protective measure and does not by itself constitute a permanent finding.
Revocation Appeal
PERMANENT REVOCATION MAY BE APPEALED WITHIN 30 DAYS.
A member whose membership has been permanently revoked may submit a written appeal within 30 days after receiving the revocation decision. The appeal may include corrections, documentary evidence, witness information, relevant clarification, and other material information.
Apache Bronco may affirm revocation, modify the determination, restore membership with or without conditions, or direct additional review. The resulting determination is Apache Bronco's final internal membership decision unless significant new evidence later justifies reopening the matter.
Fairness, Documentation & Conflicts
APPLY STANDARDS CONSISTENTLY.
Apache Bronco will endeavor to apply membership standards consistently, respectfully, and without arbitrary discrimination. Material membership decisions should be documented.
A reviewer with a material personal conflict regarding an application or disciplinary matter should disclose that conflict and, when appropriate, recuse from decision-making.
Membership decisions are internal Apache Bronco organizational determinations. They do not determine or alter a person's citizenship, enrollment, legal status, or ancestry determination within another Native Nation or government.
Membership Identification Card
AN ORGANIZATIONAL CREDENTIAL — NOT GOVERNMENT ID.
Approved members may receive an official Apache Bronco Membership Identification Card confirming organizational membership within Apache Bronco.
THE CARD IS NOT
- government-issued identification;
- a Tribal Identification Card or CDIB;
- proof of tribal citizenship or enrollment;
- independent proof of Native ancestry;
- proof of federal or state recognition;
- proof of entitlement to tribal or governmental benefits.
PRODUCTION & DELIVERY
Once an application has been formally approved and membership established, allow up to 30 days after formal approval for production and delivery. The timeframe does not begin when an application is started or submitted, during reference verification, or while review is pending.
Ownership & Control of Membership Credentials
APACHE BRONCO RETAINS CONTROL OF ITS CREDENTIALS.
Membership Identification Cards, digital membership credentials, and other membership credentials issued by Apache Bronco remain the property of Apache Bronco.
Issuance or possession of a credential does not create a permanent, vested, transferable, or irrevocable right to membership. Credentials are issued solely for authorized use by the member to whom they are assigned.
They may not be transferred, sold, loaned, altered, fraudulently reproduced, intentionally duplicated for unauthorized use, represented as government or tribal identification, or represented as proof of citizenship in another Native Nation.
Subject to this Membership Policy and applicable law, Apache Bronco may suspend, deactivate, cancel, revoke, replace, invalidate, recover, or require surrender or destruction of a credential when membership status or misuse makes such action appropriate.
Temporary credential suspension may occur when reasonably necessary to protect people, records, property, confidential information, or Apache Bronco while a membership matter is under review. Permanent suspension or revocation remains governed by the notice, review, response, and appeal procedures in this policy.
Important distinction: Apache Bronco's ownership of a membership credential does not mean Apache Bronco owns a member's personal identity, ancestry, personal information, likeness, or underlying photograph.
Privacy & Record Protection
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION REQUIRES RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP.
Membership administration can involve personal, family, historical, genealogical, cultural, community, reference, and photographic information requiring responsible handling.
Apache Bronco will endeavor to collect and use membership information only for legitimate organizational purposes and in a manner consistent with this Membership Policy, published privacy notices, and applicable law.
Membership-application information is not made public merely because an individual applies for membership. Access should be restricted to authorized individuals with a legitimate organizational reason to use the information.
Our Purpose
WE PRESERVE HISTORY.
WE PROTECT CULTURAL MEMORY.
WE DOCUMENT THE PEOPLE AND STORIES THAT COULD OTHERWISE DISAPPEAR.
WE SAFEGUARD PHOTOGRAPHS, RECORDS, ORAL HISTORIES, FAMILY KNOWLEDGE, AND HISTORICAL EVIDENCE.
WE STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN GENERATIONS.
WE SUPPORT THE CONTINUED DIGNITY AND VISIBILITY OF THE APACHE BRONCOS OF CALIFORNIA.
Membership carries both belonging and responsibility.
Apache Bronco
PRESERVING THE HISTORY.
PROTECTING THE MEMORY.
CARRYING IT FORWARD.
WE TELL OUR OWN STORY.