Federally Recognized Indian Tribes and Resources for Native Americans

Find information about and resources for Native Americans.

Federally Recognized Indian Tribes

The U.S. government officially recognizes more than 500 Indian tribes in the contiguous 48 states and Alaska. These federally recognized tribes are eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, either directly or through contracts, grants, or compacts.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs provides contact information for each tribe's Tribal Leader through an interactive map.

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Cultural Resources for Native Americans

Historic Preservation

The National Tribal Preservation Program is designed to help Indian tribes preserve and protect resources and traditions important to them. The program funds Tribal Heritage grants for federally recognized Indian tribes, to help them with cultural and historic preservation projects.

The program also funds Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, who:

  • Inventory tribal historic properties
  • Prepare and carry out a tribal-wide historic preservation plan
  • Assist federal agencies with reviewing undertakings on tribal lands​

When a federal agency reviews a project on tribal land, it must consult the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (for federally recognized tribes)—or a designated representative (for non-federally recognized tribes). Federal agencies also must consult with Indian tribes that attach religious and cultural significance to historic properties, regardless of their location.

Archeology

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act:

  • Requires federal agencies and museums to inventory and identify Native American human remains and cultural items in their collections
  • Requires federal agencies and museums to consult with federally recognized Indian tribes on the return of those objects to descendants, tribes, or organizations
  • Authorizes grants to assist Indian tribes, Alaska native villages, and museums to document and return human remains and cultural objects to their native people

As part of its archeology program, the National Park Service collaborates with tribes, interprets the past to visitors, and protects archeological sites.

The federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation assists tribes with critical historic preservation issues, as does the nonprofit National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers.

Other Cultural Resources

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Housing Help: Resources for Native Americans

If you are looking for housing help, contact the following offices for assistance:

You may also locate your state housing counseling agency or call 1-800-569-4287 to locate the agency nearest you.

Native American Housing Programs

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Legal Resources for Native Americans

Laws

Crime Prevention

  • Tribal and Alaskan Native Training—U.S. Department of Justice program that partners with Native American tribes and law enforcement to reduce crime on tribal lands.
  • Crime Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice—Tribal Justice and Safety initiative to support public safety, victim services, and crime prevention in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
  • Crime Prevention, Bureau of Indian Affairs—Office of Justice Services law enforcement programs in Indian communities and on reservations.

Money and Laws

  • Indian Trust Program—Consists of 55 million surface acres and 57 million acres of subsurface minerals estates held in trust by the United States for individual American Indians, Indian tribes, and Alaska Natives. If you have questions about Indian trust funds or assets, contact your local Fiduciary Trust Officer, or call the Trust Beneficiary Call Center at 1-888-678-6836 (toll free).
  • Tax Information for Indian Tribal Governments—Reviews tax issues for Native Americans, and offers FAQs and IRS contact information.
  • Social Security—Provides information about Social Security Administration programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
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Last Updated: October 31, 2017

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