Some Native American tribes may finally gain federal recognition

(Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

published 29 June 2015

Hundreds of unrecognized Indian tribes could finally gain federal recognition through new regulations instated by the Obama administration. Chiefly, groups seeking recognition will no longer have to prove that outside parties recognized them as Indians dating back to 1900 — a technicality that had previously kept many tribes from gaining recognition due to the fact that Native Americans had often attempted to hide their identities due to fear of discrimination.

If a tribe becomes federally acknowledged, it is able to set up its own government and legal system. Federal recognition also brings needed investments in medical care, housing, and education. Since 1978, the government has recognized 17 tribes and rejected 34 other groups.

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.