As an expert in the field of demography and indigenous populations, I am well-versed in the complexities surrounding the enumeration and understanding of Native American populations. It's important to note that the term "full-blooded Native American" is a bit outdated and can be considered offensive by some, as it implies a hierarchy or purity that is not in line with contemporary understandings of ethnicity and identity. Instead, we use terms like "enrolled tribal members" or "tribal affiliation" to refer to individuals who identify with and are recognized by their respective tribes.

The Native American population is diverse and spread across various tribes and nations, each with its own criteria for membership. The United States Census Bureau conducts surveys and censuses that provide estimates of the Native American population, but these figures can be difficult to interpret due to various factors such as underreporting, changes in self-identification, and the fluid nature of tribal enrollment.

In 2010, the U.S. Census reported approximately 5.2 million people identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native, either alone or in combination with other races. This number is an increase from the 4.1 million reported in 2000. It's worth noting that these figures include individuals who identify as part of this population, regardless of their degree of Native American ancestry.

Regarding the specific tribes mentioned, the Navajo and Cherokee, it's interesting to see that the Navajo population has surpassed the Cherokee in terms of self-identified full-blooded members. However, it's crucial to understand that these numbers are not static and can change over time due to various factors, including births, deaths, and changes in tribal enrollment policies.

It's also important to recognize that the concept of "full-blooded" is not a standard measure used by tribal governments or the federal government. Instead, tribes have their own criteria for determining membership, which can include factors such as lineage, residency, and participation in tribal activities.

In conclusion, while it's challenging to provide a precise number of individuals who identify as "full-blooded Native American," it's clear that the Native American population is growing and evolving. The figures provided by the U.S. Census Bureau offer a snapshot of the population at a given time but should be viewed within the broader context of tribal sovereignty and the diverse experiences of Native American communities.

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There were 5.2 million American Indians in the county in 2010, compared to 4.1 million in 2000. Navajos may be interested to hear that, for the first time, their full-blooded population surpassed that of Cherokees - 286,000 versus 284,000.Jan 26, 2012read more >>