"The membership rolls at some Northwest tribes are swelling much faster than growth in the general population. Some of that increase is due to a high birth rate among American Indians. Also, rising prosperity from casinos and other businesses is luring Native Americans back into the fold. However, fast growth has strained the fabric of some tribes, while others wish they had more.

This story starts with a demographic puzzle. Take the rate of natural increase of the population. It is about one percent per year. That's births minus deaths.

Then compare that to the growth rates of Northwest tribes over the past decade. Depending on the tribe, it can be twice or three times as high. So what's going on here?

Enrolling in a tribe is not like immigrating to another country. It's also not like joining the Elks Club. Tribal citizenship is based on blood lines."

Get the Story:
Growth A Source of Pride — And Strain — At Some Northwest Tribes (Oregon Public Broadcasting 2/8)