Federal Recognition Process

Federal recognition is the official acknowledgment by the U.S. government that a Native American tribe is a legitimate, sovereign nation within the U.S. This process involves a tribe demonstrating historical continuity, community, political organization, and cultural preservation, often through extensive documentation. The tribe submits a formal petition to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), which reviews the evidence. If the tribe meets all criteria, the BIA recommends recognition, and the process includes opportunities for public comment and appeals. Federal recognition grants tribes specific rights, resources, and autonomous governance, affirming their status as a distinct, federally recognized entity.