List of federally recognized tribes in the contiguous United States

This is a list of federally recognized tribes in the contiguous United States. It shows groups of Native American people whose cultures and histories are important parts of the country's story. As of December 18, 2025, 575 Indian tribes are recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Out of these, 348 tribes live in the 48 states that are connected together, not counting Alaska.

There are also special lists for tribes ordered by their names and by the states where they live. You can see a list ordered by state here. These tribes have special relationships with the United States government, which helps protect their traditions and lands. Learning about them helps us understand the rich and diverse history of Native American peoples.

Description

Further information: Tribal sovereignty in the United States

Federally recognized tribes are groups of Native American tribes that the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs officially acknowledges as having a special relationship with the U.S. federal government. These tribes have rights to govern themselves in certain ways.

The U.S. government has a special responsibility toward these tribes, which comes from laws and court decisions. In the past, some tribes had trouble getting their land rights recognized, which led to important laws like the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975. This law helped tribes manage their own affairs better.

Federal acknowledgment

In the 1950s, important decisions were made about how groups could become officially recognized as tribes by the U.S. government. In 1978, rules were created with seven things a group must show to be recognized. Some of these things are hard to prove, like having a community that has existed for a long time and having their own leaders.

To be recognized, a tribe can ask the government for recognition or wait for Congress to say they are a tribe. The process can take many years, sometimes even more than a decade. For example, the Shinnecock Indian Nation asked to be recognized in 1978 but were only recognized in 2010. Some people said the process was very difficult and unfair.

Recent additions

In May 2016, the number of tribes grew to 567 when the Pamunkey tribe in Virginia was recognized. Then, in January 2018, six more tribes in Virginia were added under a special law. By July 2018, the official list showed 573 tribes. Later, the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana became the 574th tribe recognized in December 2019. Finally, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina joined as the 575th tribe on December 18, 2025. The government website USA.gov keeps an updated list of these tribal governments.

Alphabetical list of federally recognized tribes

There are many tribes in the United States that are officially recognized by the government. These tribes have special relationships with the federal government and often have their own lands and governments. As of December 18, 2025, there are 575 tribes recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Some examples include:

• Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians
• Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
• Cherokee Nation
• Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah
• Yurok Tribe of the Yurok Reservation, California

These tribes have rich histories and cultures that continue to thrive today. Each tribe has its own traditions, languages, and ways of life. Learning about these tribes can help us appreciate the diversity and resilience of Native American communities.