What is a federally-recognized tribe?

“A federally recognized tribe is an American Indian or Alaska Native tribal entity that is recognized as having a government-to-government relationship with the United States.”[3366] This designation comes with specific powers and responsibilities. All federally-recognized tribes are eligible for certain federal benefits, as well as funding and services from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Most federally recognized tribes got their status through treaties, acts of Congress, administrative actions (e.g., presidential executive orders), or federal court decisions.[3367]

  1. 3366

    U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs, Frequently Asked Questions, https://www.bia.gov/frequently-asked-questions.

  2. 3367

    U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs, Frequently Asked Questions, https://www.bia.gov/frequently-asked-questions.