To become a federally recognized tribe, a group must successfully petition the United States government to be granted the approval of becoming a federal recognized tribe. This process is completed through the federal courts in order to provide evidence that this group existed.

This process will then enable the tribe to pursue grants, contracts and additional means of self-sufficiency that can be provided through the federal government. The work does not stop there, as tribes continue to face various difficult administrative obstacles to achieve growth in their independence.

Currently, 573 sovereign tribal nations (variously called tribes, nations, bands, pueblos, communities, and Native villages) have a formal nation-to-nation relationship with the US government. These tribal governments are legally defined as “Federally Recognized Tribes.” Alaska contains 229 of these tribal nations and the remaining tribes are located in 36 other states.

In total, tribal governments exercise jurisdiction over lands that would make Indian Country the fourth largest state in the nation.

Please visit this link for more information about federally recognized tribes.