States, cities & tribes
federally recognized tribe
A tribal nation the United States acknowledges as a sovereign with a government-to-government relationship, entitling it to certain programs and protections.
In full
There are more than 570 federally recognized tribes. Recognition comes through treaty, statute, executive action, or the Interior Department's administrative process, and it establishes eligibility for federal services and trust protections. Some tribes are recognized by states without federal recognition, which carries different consequences.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.