Indian Issues: Improvements Needed in Tribal Recognition Process

Abstract

The federal recognition of an Indian tribe can have a tremendous effect on the tribe, surrounding communities, and the nation as a whole. Recognized tribes and their members have almost exclusive access to about $4 billion in funding for health, education, and other social programs provided by the federal government. Additionally, recognition establishes a formal government-to-government relationship between the United States and a tribe. The quasi-sovereign status created by this relationship exempts certain tribal lands from most state and local laws and regulations including, where applicable, laws regulating gambling. Many recognized tribes have opened casinos and other gambling operations some of which have developed into successful enterprises. In 1999, federally recognized tribes reported more gambling revenue than the Nevada casinos collected that year. As of May 2001, there were 5612 recognized tribes with a total membership of about 1.7 million. In addition, several hundred groups are currently seeking federal recognition.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA396808

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

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  • Accounting
  • California
  • Commerce
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  • Law
  • Local Governments
  • National Governments
  • Native Americans
  • New England
  • State Governments
  • Supreme Court
  • United States
  • United States Government
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  • Government and Public Administration Law.