She has claimed Oklahoma Cherokee blood. “The Cherokee Nation” may be used by all three branches, but the others must define themselves as Eastern Cherokee, and the other southeast band. The Cherokee Nation, does not recognize them as part of their nation, even though, in reality, they all came from the same base and area. Not sure why they won’t, but as I’m sure you know, it has been a bone of contention fora very long time. Probably the same as with the Loyal Shawnee vs the Eastern Shawnee and Absentee Shawnee. They know they’re all related, but have separate tribal governments.
That would depend entirely upon just how far back her purported ancestor might be. Removal occurred not long before the Civil War, within three generations potentially for someone of her age.