federally recognized Tribe
Last updatedWhat to know
A federally recognized Tribe (which may also be called a federally recognized Indian Nation, band, pueblo, community, or Native village) possesses Tribal sovereignty (inherent rights of self-government) and receives some federal protections, services, and benefits. There are currently 574 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and villages. Federally recognized Tribes are recognized “through treaties, acts of Congress, presidential executive orders or other federal administrative actions, or federal court decisions.” Criteria for Tribal membership varies by Tribe.
State-recognized tribes are recognized as having Tribal status within the state, but this status does not guarantee state or federal funding. Some federally recognized Tribes are also recognized at the state level.
Tribes in the United States that are not federally recognized do not have the same government-to-government relationship with the US as recognized Tribes do. The lack of eligibility for federal funding also means unrecognized Tribes lack financial support for housing, education, and health care, among other areas.
The Native Governance Center Style Guide specifies to “Capitalize the words Tribe and Tribal, regardless of whether they appear as part of a proper noun.” Understanding the terms that members of these communities use to self-identify is helpful for accuracy and clarity. Explaining a Tribe’s status as recognized or unrecognized, and how that status affects issues facing the community, adds vital context for readers.
Additional resources
- Frequently Asked Questions (US Department of the Interior)
- About Native Americans (Office of Tribal Justice: The US Department of Justice)
Summary
A federally recognized Tribe is a legal description of a government-to-government relationship with an American Indian or Alaska Native tribal entity. A federally recognized Tribe may also be called a federally recognized Indian Nation, band, pueblo, community, or Native village; understanding the terms that members of these communities use to self-identify is helpful for accuracy and clarity. Explaining a Tribe’s status as recognized or unrecognized, and how that status affects issues facing the community, adds vital context for readers.