Same thing happened to my wife’s kin. Her ancestors did not register and get on the Indian Roles as back then many were ashamed to be part Cherokee.
When the government started doling out money to those on the roles, all of a sudden there was a rush of “Indians” flushed out of the woodwork.
I go to church with blond haired bearded people who have Cherokee license plates on their vehicles. Put a horned helmet on their heads and they would pass for VIKINGS.
It’s interesting how genetics play out at times. You’d think blond hair and blue eyes, being recessive, would lose out with indian ancestry, but not necessarily so. I’ve got a little Cherokee on both sides. I have cousins who are blond with blue eyes and tan very well. I have cousins who have straight almost black dark brown hair and brown eyes, but with very fair complexion. I’m that way myself, get mistaken for a Scot or Castilian Spanish when out of the country, until I open my mouth.