Federally Recognized Tribes

Federally Recognized Tribes are Native American tribes that the U.S. government officially acknowledges as sovereign entities. This recognition grants them specific rights, including self-governance, access to federal programs, and the ability to negotiate treaties. There are over 570 federally recognized tribes, each with its own unique culture, traditions, and governance structures. Recognition is based on a tribe’s historical continuity and its political relationship with the federal government, which helps preserve their heritage and supports their social and economic development within the context of U.S. law.