List of federally recognized tribes in the contiguous United States

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== List of Federally Recognized Tribes in the Contiguous United States ==

The United States government recognizes a number of Native American tribes as sovereign entities. These tribes have a government-to-government relationship with the United States and are entitled to certain benefits, services, and protections. The list of federally recognized tribes in the contiguous United States includes tribes from various regions, each with its own unique culture, history, and governance structures.

Overview

Federally recognized tribes are those that have been acknowledged by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) as having a government-to-government relationship with the United States. This recognition confers certain legal rights and responsibilities, including eligibility for funding and services from the BIA and other federal agencies.

Criteria for Recognition

The process for federal recognition is complex and involves demonstrating continuous existence as a community, political influence, and descent from a historical tribe. The Federal Acknowledgment Process (FAP) is the primary method through which tribes can gain recognition.

Regions and Tribes

The contiguous United States is divided into several regions, each home to numerous federally recognized tribes. Below is a list of some of these tribes, organized by region:

Northeast

• Mashantucket Pequot Tribe
• Mohegan Tribe
• Narragansett Indian Tribe
• Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)

Southeast

• Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
• Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
• Seminole Tribe of Florida

Midwest

• Ho-Chunk Nation
• Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
• Ojibwe Tribes
• Potawatomi Tribes

Great Plains

• Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
• Oglala Sioux Tribe
• Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

Southwest

• Navajo Nation
• Hopi Tribe
• Pueblo of Acoma
• Zuni Tribe

Northwest

• Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
• Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
• Nez Perce Tribe
• Yakama Nation

Importance of Recognition

Federal recognition is crucial for tribes as it affirms their sovereignty and eligibility for federal assistance. It also plays a significant role in preserving their cultural heritage and ensuring their rights are protected under U.S. law.

Challenges

Despite the benefits, the process of gaining federal recognition can be arduous and time-consuming. Many tribes have faced challenges in meeting the stringent criteria set by the federal government, leading to ongoing efforts to reform the recognition process.

Related Pages

• Native American history
• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• Federal Acknowledgment Process
• Sovereignty
• Tribal sovereignty in the United States