Federal Recognition

Federal recognition is the official acknowledgment by the U.S. government that a Native American or Alaska Native tribe exists as a sovereign entity with specific rights and privileges. This recognition affirms the tribe’s government, legal standing, and relationships with federal agencies, enabling access to funding, services, and protections. Achieving recognition involves a detailed process demonstrating the tribe’s historical continuity, community, and political sovereignty. Once recognized, tribes can govern themselves, manage reservations, and participate in federal programs designed to support their communities.