Understanding the Number of Officially Recognized Native American Tribes in the United States

When discussing the number of Native American tribes in the United States, it's important to understand that this is not a straightforward figure. The total number can change based on federal recognitions and more complex state recognitions. As of the latest data, there are over 500 officially recognized tribes, with the exact count varying due to the fluctuating nature of these recognitions.

The Current Official Federal Total

According to the latest official federal documentation, as of July 2018, there are 573 tribes that are federally recognized. Federal recognition confers significant benefits to these tribes, such as access to federal services and resources.

State Recognition and Its Significance

However, the story doesn't end there. Some tribes are recognized by states but not by the federal government. The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that there are 64 such state-recognized tribes, adding another 64 to the total recognized entities. This means the combined total of federally and state-recognized tribes is around 637.

The Gray Area: Unrecognized Tribes

Beyond federally and state-recognized tribes, there are also hundreds of unrecognized tribes. A hand count of unrecognized tribes on Wikipedia lists 532, though this number might be an underestimation. Some of these unrecognized tribes have peculiar or even questionable legitimacy, as indicated by their odd names. The criteria for recognizing a tribe as legitimate can be unclear, making it difficult to determine the exact number of unrecognized tribes.

The Largest Unrecognized Tribe: The Lumbee

One of the largest unrecognized tribes is the Lumbee tribe in North Carolina, which has roughly 55,000 members. This tribe's status as unrecognized highlights the complexity of the recognition process.

Factors Influencing Recognition

The process of federal recognition is not simply a matter of filing an application. Several factors can influence a tribe's recognition, including the tribe's history, its treaties with the federal government, and how well the tribe has maintained its cultural and political autonomy. Some tribes that are mixed-race, with varying proportions of white, black, and Native American ancestry, face additional challenges in attaining recognition.

Conclusion

The number of officially recognized Native American tribes in the United States is a dynamic and nuanced figure. As of the latest available data, there are around 637 recognized tribes, with a considerable number of unrecognized tribes as well. The recognition process is complex and can change over time. Understanding these variables is crucial for comprehending the current landscape of Native American tribes in the United States.

br /br /br /br /br /br /

Keywords: Native American tribes, federally recognized tribes, state recognition