State-recognized tribes in the United States

{{Short description|none}} {{Administrative divisions of the United States}} '''State-recognized tribes in the United States''' are Native American tribes or heritage groups that do not meet the criteria for federally recognized Indian tribes but have been recognized by state government through laws, governor's executive orders, or state commissions legally granted the power to recognize tribes for varying purposes. State recognition does not dictate whether or not they are recognized as Native American tribes by continually existing tribal nations.

Individual states confer "for their various internal state government purposes".<ref>{{cite web |title=American Indians and Alaska Natives - What are State Recognized Tribes? |url=https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ana/fact-sheet/american-indians-and-alaska-natives-what-are-state-recognized-tribes |website=Administration for Native Americans |publisher=U.S. Department of Health & Human Services |access-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615171417/http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ana/fact-sheet/american-indians-and-alaska-natives-what-are-state-recognized-tribes |archive-date=June 15, 2023}}</ref> State recognition confers few benefits under federal law; it is not the same as federal recognition. Members of a state-recognized tribe are still subject to state law and government, and the tribe does not have sovereign control over its affairs. Some states have provided laws related to state recognition that provide some protection of autonomy for tribes that are not recognized by the federal government. Some states have provided laws related to state recognition that provide some protection of autonomy for tribes that are not recognized by the federal government. For example, in Connecticut, state law recognizing certain tribes also protects reservations and limited self-government rights for state-recognized tribes.

Non-recognized tribes is a term for "groups that have no federal designation and are not accepted as sovereign entities under U.S. law," which includes state-recognized tribes. Within this category are "federally non-recognized" tribes, which includes tribes that were previously recognized by the federal government or other governments that preceded the U.S., and tribes that no longer meet the criteria for federal recognition.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hurst |first1=Nicole |title=Bureau of Indian Affairs: Terminology and Language |url=https://libguides.usu.edu/biacollection/terminology |website=Bureau of Indian Affairs: Collection Information |publisher=Utah State University Libraries |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref> Other groups that identify as being Native American tribes but lack federal or state recognition are listed in the List of organizations that self-identify as Native American tribes.

Some federally recognized tribes, such as the Cherokee Nation and the Delaware Nation,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.delawarenation-nsn.gov/history/ |title=The History of the Delaware Nation |publisher=Delaware Nation |accessdate=2026-04-06}}</ref> have opposed state recognition, either in the case of individual tribes or as a whole.<ref name="LA Times">{{cite news |last1=Elmahrek |first1=Adam |last2=Pringle |first2=Paul |title=Two tribes aren't recognized federally. Yet members won $500 million in minority contracts |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-12-31/native-american-tribes-alabama-minority-contracts |access-date=16 November 2024 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=31 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="Cherokee Nation">{{cite web|title=What is a real Indian Nation? What is a fake tribe?|url=http://tribalrecognition.cherokee.org/ |publisher=Cherokee Nation |access-date=15 May 2014|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112024604/http://tribalrecognition.cherokee.org/|archive-date=12 November 2014}}</ref> Journalists Adam Elmahrek and Paul Pringle wrote, "Many Native Americans have long opposed allowing states to recognize tribes, arguing that the federal government should make the decision because states often fail to properly screen groups."<ref name="LA Times"/>

== Demographics and geography == thumb| {{legend|#ffed6f|Federally recognized tribes}} {{legend|#fdb462|State recognized tribes}} {{legend|#fb8072|Both state and federally recognized tribes}} Most state-recognized tribes are located in the Eastern United States, including the two largest state-recognized tribes in the US, the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama and the United Houma Nation of Louisiana, each of which has more than ten thousand members.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Greer |first1=Caroline |title=Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama |url=https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/echota-cherokee-tribe-of-alabama/ |website=Encyclopedia of Alabama |access-date=10 January 2025 |date=October 26, 2020 |quote="There are more than 32,000 members across the state ..."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Jade |last2=Wetzel |first2=Addie |title=The Lost Bayou: The United Houma Nation |url=https://gardevoirci.nicholls.edu/2021/the-united-houma-nation/ |website=GradeVoirCi |access-date=10 January 2025 |quote="The six parishes where most of the 19,000-member tribe now lives line the Gulf of Mexico..."}}</ref>

Sources disagree on how many states have state-recognized tribes. No government agency or nonprofit organization tracks the total of state-recognized tribes in the United States.<ref name="donahue">{{cite news |last1=Donahue |first1=Bill |title=Blood Feuds: The Fight Over Who Gets to Be Native American |url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2025/07/13/rhode-island-seaconke-wampanoag/ |access-date=15 July 2025 |work=City Life |agency=Boston Magazine |date=13 July 2025}}</ref> In late 2007, about 16 states had recognized 62 tribes.<ref name="stein">Alexa Koenig and Jonathan Stein, [https://digitalcommons.law.scu.edu/lawreview/vol48/iss1/2/ "Federalism and the State Recognition of Native American Tribes: A Survey of State-Recognized Tribes and State Recognition Processes across the United States"], ''Santa Clara Law Review'', Vol. 48, November 2007</ref> According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, only 13 states recognized tribes at the state level in 2022.<ref name=ncsl>{{cite web |title=State Recognized Tribes |url=http://www.ncsl.org/research/state-tribal-institute/list-of-federal-and-state-recognized-tribes.aspx |publisher=National Conference of State Legislatures |access-date=6 April 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901061023/https://www.ncsl.org/legislators-staff/legislators/quad-caucus/list-of-federal-and-state-recognized-tribes.aspx |archive-date=1 September 2022 }}</ref> Likewise in 2022, the ''Reference Encyclopedia of the American Indian'' reported that there were 66 state-recognized tribes among 13 states, which includes 8 tribes that are also federally recognised (7 in Virginia and 1 in New York).<ref>{{cite book |title=Reference Encyclopedia of the American Indian |date=2022 |publisher=Todd Publications |location=Delray Beach, Florida |pages=89–90 |isbn=978-0-873400-626 |edition=28th |url=https://www.law.berkeley.edu/library/resources/isbn9780873400626.pdf |access-date=7 October 2025}}</ref>

{{Asof|2024}}, the Native Nations Institute of the University of Arizona lists 15 states as having state-recognized tribes.<ref name="nni-az">{{cite web |title=Governance Under State Recognition |url=https://nni.arizona.edu/our-work/research-policy-analysis/governance-under-state-recognition |website=Native Nations Institute |publisher=University of Arizona |access-date=17 July 2024}}</ref> In 2025, journalist Bill Donahue wrote in Boston's ''City Life'' that more than 100 organizations are state-recognized as tribes.<ref name=donahue/>

== State-recognition processes == State recognition can vary in meaning and impact, from granting a tribe legitimacy within the state to simply recognizing its existence as a state might recognize a business.<ref>Riall, Rebecca L. ''In the absences—state recognition of American Indian nations and U.S. racial and legal consciousnesses'' (PhD thesis). Indiana University ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, 2014. 3611166.</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Sheehan |first=Breanne |title=Presentation: An Overview of the VCNAA & the Vermont State Tribal Recognition Process |url=https://vcnaa.vermont.gov/cultural-resources/recognition |website=Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs}}</ref> According to Alexa Koenig and Jonathan Stein, state recognition may serve "as a means for states to acknowledge the longstanding existence of tribes within their borders and to establish a government-to-government relationship to coordinate and communicate with tribes".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Governance Under State Recognition {{!}} Native Nations Institute |url=https://nni.arizona.edu/our-work/research-policy-analysis/governance-under-state-recognition |access-date=2026-02-12 |website=nni.arizona.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3" />

Processes for state-recognition of tribes include state legislation, executive orders by a state governor, or recognition by state commissions vested with the authority to recognize tribes.<ref name=reed/><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Koenig |first=Alexa |last2=Stein |first2=Jonathan |date=2008-01-01 |title=Federalism and the State Recognition of Native American Tribes: A Survey of State-Recognized Tribes and State Recognition Processes across the United States |url=https://digitalcommons.law.scu.edu/lawreview/vol48/iss1/2 |journal=Santa Clara Law Review |volume=48 |issue=1 |pages=103–8 |issn=0146-0315 |quote=We have categorized states' widely varying approaches to recognition into four groups: 1) State Law; 2) Administrative; 3) Legislative; and 4) Executive.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Street |first=James |date=2023-01-25 |title=Federal Recognition of Native American Tribes in the United States and the International Right to Self-Determination: Why Congress Should Exercise Its Constitutional Authority to Federally Recognize the Lumbee Tribe |url=https://scholarship.law.duke.edu/djcil/vol33/iss1/4 |journal=Duke Journal of Comparative & International Law |volume=33 |issue=1 |pages=121–149 |issn=1053-6736 |quote=There are four main methods of obtaining state recognition: state law recognition, administrative recognition, legislative recognition, and executive recognition.}}</ref> Typically, the state legislature or state agencies involved in cultural or Native American affairs make the formal recognition by criteria they establish, often with Native American representatives, and sometimes based on federal criteria.<ref>Sheffield (1998), p. 63</ref> Statutes that clearly identify criteria for recognition or that explicitly recognize certain tribes remove ambiguity from their status.<ref name="stein"/>

Many organizations try to assert that various congratulatory resolutions constitute recognition as a Native American tribe by a state; however, "Resolutions are statements of opinions and, unlike bills, do not have the force of law."<ref>{{cite web |title=Bills and Resolutions |url=https://uhsystem.edu/governmental-relations/tx-legislature/tx-budget-legislative-process/reading-bill/bills-resolutions/index.php |website=Governmental Relations |publisher=University of Houston System |access-date=8 December 2022}}</ref>

== Federal law == The Supreme Court has determined that the United States Constitution gives ultimate authority over matters affecting American Indian tribes to the United States federal government. Under US federal law and regulations, an American Indian tribe is a group of Native Americans with self-government authority, and this is the basis for federal recognition.<ref>25 CFR 290.2, "Definitions"</ref> {{Asof|2025}}, the federal government had recognized 575 tribes,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Herrera Carbajal |first1=Daniel |title=Lumbee Tribe becomes 575th federally recognized tribe |url=https://ictnews.org/news/lumbee-tribe-becomes-575th-federally-recognized-tribe/|work=ICT |access-date=16 February 2026 |date=19 December 2025}}</ref> often as a result of treaties setting up reservations in the 19th century.<ref>{{cite web |title=Federal Law and Indian Policy Overview |url=https://www.bia.gov/bia/history/IndianLawPolicy |website=Bureau of Indian Affairs |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs |access-date=16 February 2026}}</ref>

Four federal agencies have the authority to confer benefits to state-recognized tribes: the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nnigovernance.arizona.edu/state-recognition-american-indian-tribes |title=State Recognition of American Indian Tribes |publisher=University of Arizona |accessdate=2024-08-12}}</ref> State-recognized tribes also participate in the programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA), an independent agency of the US federal government, and there is a rebuttable presumption that members of state-recognized tribes are "socially disadvantaged" for the purposes of the SBA's 8(a) Business Development program.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nativelawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/SBA-Tribal-Consultation-Policy-2022.pdf |title=U.S. Small Business Administration Tribal Consultation Policy 2022 |publisher=Native Law Group |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/chapter-I/part-124/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR4ef1291a4a984ab/section-124.103 |title=Code of Federal Regulations |publisher=National Archives |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref>

Under the United States Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (IACA), members of certain state-recognized tribes may exhibit as identified "Native American" or "American Indian" artists.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 |url=https://www.doi.gov/iacb/act |website=Indian Arts and Crafts Board |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> In addition to citizens of federally recognized tribes and tribally designated artisans, IACA says that members of "any Indian group that has been formally recognized as an Indian tribe by a State legislature or by a State commission or similar organization legislatively vested with State tribal recognition authority" can exhibit or sell art as a "Native American" or "American Indian" artist.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 |url=https://www.doi.gov/iacb/indian-arts-and-crafts-act-1990 |website=Indian Arts and Crafts Board |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>

The Administration for Native Americans, a program office within the Department of Health and Human Services, may confer benefits to state-recognized tribes under the Native American Programs Act (NAPA).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ana/fact-sheet/american-indians-and-alaska-natives-what-are-state-recognized-tribes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209185230/https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ana/fact-sheet/american-indians-and-alaska-natives-what-are-state-recognized-tribes |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 9, 2021 |title=American Indians and Alaska Natives - What are State Recognized Tribes? |publisher=Administration for Native Americans |accessdate=2024-08-12}}</ref> Members of state-recognized tribes are unable to access support from the Indian Health Service, and may have additional healthcare needs as a result.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Liddell |first=Jessica L. |last2=Lilly |first2=Jenn M. |date=30 June 2022 |title=“There's so much they don't cover:” Limitations of healthcare coverage for Indigenous women in a non-federally recognized tribe |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2667321522000968 |journal=SSM - Qualitative Research in Health |language=en |volume=2 |issue=100134 |pages=18 |doi=10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100134 |pmc=11104764 |pmid=38770182}}</ref>

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) does not require the federal government or museums to consult with state-recognized tribes. State-recognized tribes may request the repatriation of cultural items or human remains only in cooperation with federally recognized tribes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nagpra/frequently-asked-questions.htm |title=Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=National Park Service |accessdate=2024-08-11}}</ref> Other federal Indian legislation does not apply to state-recognized tribes. For example, Indian Preference in hiring and the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 do not apply to these organizations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bia.gov/jobs/Indian_Preference |title=Indian Preference |publisher=Bureau of Indian Affairs |accessdate=2024-11-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ICWA Doesn't Apply to My Child Welfare Case. What Other Help Can I Get? |url=https://www.nicwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2021-When-ICWA-Doesnt-Apply-Updated.pdf |website=National Indian Child Welfare Association |access-date=June 16, 2023}}</ref>

==Attitudes== ===Opposition=== Some federally-recognized tribes object to state recognition.<ref name="Darbonne">{{Cite journal |last=Darbonne |first=August |date=2024-05-01 |title=Representations of State-Recognized Tribes: A Content Analysis of Social Studies Standards (PhD Thesis) |url=https://digitalcommons.xula.edu/etd/174 |journal=Xavier University of Louisiana – Electronic Theses and Dissertations |pages=7–9 |via=XULA Digital Commons}}</ref><ref name="Cherokee Nation" /> Journalists Adam Elmahrek and Paul Pringle wrote, "Many Native Americans have long opposed allowing states to recognize tribes, arguing that the federal government should make the decision because states often fail to properly screen groups."<ref name="LA Times" /> The Cherokee Nation opposes state-recognized tribes, as well as Cherokee heritage groups and others with no documented descent who claim Cherokee identity.<ref name="Cherokee Nation" />

The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes (Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, Muscogee Nation, and Seminole Nation of Oklahoma) issued a resolution in 2022 denouncing state recognition of groups as tribes or federal recognition by means other than the Office of Federal Acknowledgement (OFA). The resolution states that "fraudulent groups that appropriate our culture...often seek state recognition and other means to bolster their legitimacy and bypass" OFA.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fivecivilizedtribes.org/Docs/Resolutions/2022/ITC%20R22-14.pdf |title=Resolution No. 22-14 |publisher=Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes |accessdate=2026-04-09}}</ref>

The federally recognized Delaware Nation regards all state-recognized Lenape tribes and Lenape heritage groups as fraudulent organizations, as they have stated that they "do not acknowledge or work with any non-federally recognized groups that claim Lenape identity or nationhood, which includes “state recognized” groups as we do not agree with state recognition."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.delawarenation-nsn.gov/history/ |title=The History of the Delaware Nation |publisher=Delaware Nation |accessdate=2026-04-09}}</ref>

The federally recognized Delaware Tribe of Indians has issued a resolution which "denounces fabricated Delaware groups and commits to exposing and assisting state and federal authorities in eradicating any group which attempts or claims to operate as a government of the Delaware people". The resolution refers to Lenape heritage groups and state-recognized tribes in Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania as CPAINs (Corporations Posing As Indigenous Nations).<ref>{{cite web |title=RESOLUTION 2021-11 |url=https://delawaretribe.org/wp-content/uploads/Res-2021-11.pdf |website=delawaretribe.org |publisher=Delaware Tribe of Indians |access-date=9 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102124825/https://delawaretribe.org/wp-content/uploads/Res-2021-11.pdf |archive-date=November 2, 2021}}</ref>

The federally recognized Narragansett Indian Tribe in Rhode Island is opposed to state recognition in general and opposes state recognition for the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe in particular.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewesterlysun.com/news/charlestown/narragansett-tribe-opposes-state-recognition-bills/article_b5528e44-c1d3-11ed-89b5-2f2a494ed7eb.html |title=Narragansett Tribe opposes state recognition bills |publisher=The Westerly Sun |accessdate=2026-04-09}}</ref>

The federally recognized Odanak First Nation in Canada opposes state recognition of tribes in New Hampshire and Vermont. Odanak regards the four state-recognized tribes in Vermont as illegitimate organizations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/abenaki-chief-odanak-quebec-u-s-tribes-1.7508360 |title='Someone's starting to listen,' says Abenaki chief, applauding defeat of New Hampshire bill |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |accessdate=2026-04-09}}</ref>

===Support=== August Joseph Darbonne suggests that state-recognized tribes are underrepresented in research and have been "accused of claiming fraudulent Native American identity to gain access to state benefits and programs". He also says that the "limited representation of state-recognized tribes contributes to negative stereotypes against Native Americans".<ref name="Darbonne" /> In an address to the Alliance for Colonial Era Tribes, Professor Patty Ferguson Bohnee and Blair Tarman argued that tribal sovereignty should not be tied to federal recognition, since this is based on the needs of colonial rather than tribal governments, and undermines the inherent rights of all tribes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferguson Bohnee |first=Prof Patty |last2=Tarman |first2=Blair |date=10 March 2021 |title=De-colonizing the Mindset |url=https://law.asu.edu/sites/g/files/litvpz156/files/2022-08/Presentation%20to%20the%20Alliance%20of%20Colonial%20Era%20Tribes%20on%20March%2010,%202021.pdf |pp=2, 20 |access-date=12 February 2026 |website=Arizona State University - Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law |quote=The modern concept of federal acknowledgement inadvertently perpetuates colonial policies by allowing the government to define the scope of a tribe's sovereignty. It operates as a threshold inquiry and places non-BIA listed tribes at the mercy of a government that formalized definitions with the primary goal of eliminating tribal authority all together.}}</ref>

The federally recognized Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe considers the state-recognized Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe to be a "sister tribe". After the Commonwealth of Massachusetts granted state recognition to the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe in 2024, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe issued a media release stating they considered it "a monumental day for the entire Wampanoag Nation".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mashpeewampanoagtribe-nsn.gov/news/2024/11/20/state-officially-recognizes-herring-pond-wampanoag-tribe |title=State Officially Recognizes Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe |publisher=Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe |accessdate=2026-04-09}}</ref>

== List of state-recognized tribes == The following is a list of tribes recognized by various states but not by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Tribes originally recognized by states that have since gained federal recognition have been deleted from the list below. The list does include state-recognized tribes that have petitioned for federal recognition.

=== Alabama === By the Davis-Strong Act of 1984, the state established the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission to acknowledge and represent Native American citizens in the state. At that time, it recognized seven tribes that did not have federal recognition. The commission members, representatives of the tribes, have created rules for tribal recognition, which were last updated in 2003, under which three more tribes have been recognized.<ref name="aiac">{{cite web|url=http://aiac.state.al.us/tribes.aspx|title=Tribes Recognized by the State of Alabama|author=Alabama Indian Affairs Commission|access-date=2015-03-28|archive-date=2014-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229174759/http://www.aiac.state.al.us/tribes.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> * '''Cher-O-Creek Intra Tribal Indians'''.<ref name=ncsl/><ref name="aiac"/><ref name=ncai_se>{{cite web|title=Tribal Directory: Southeast|url=http://www.ncai.org/tribal-directory|website=National Congress of American Indians|access-date=6 April 2016}}</ref> * '''Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama''' (formerly '''Cherokees of Jackson County, Alabama''').<ref name=ncsl/> Letter of Intent to Petition 09/23/1981;<ref name="pxst"/> certified letter returned "not known" 11/19/1997. * '''Cherokees of Southeast Alabama'''.<ref name=ncsl/> Letter of Intent to Petition 05/27/1988;<ref name="pxst"/> certified letter returned marked "deceased" 11/5/1997. * '''Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama'''.<ref name=ncsl/> * '''Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama'''.<ref name=ncsl/> Letter of Intent to Petition 06/27/1983. Declined to Acknowledge 08/18/1988 52 FR 34319,<ref name="ncsl"/> Denied federal recognition.<ref name="pxst"/><ref name="Sheffield 1998 p64">Sheffield (1998) p64</ref> * '''MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians'''.<ref name=ncsl/> Letter of Intent to Petition 05/27/1983. Final Determination to Decline to Acknowledge published 12/24/1997 62FR247:67398-67400; petitioner requested reconsideration from BIA 3/23/1998,<ref name="ncsl"/> denied federal recognition;<ref name="Sheffield 1998 p64"/> decision effective 11/26/1999.<ref name="pxst">LIST OF PETITIONERS BY STATE (as of July 31, 2012) (Accessible as of January 15, 2013 [http://www.bia.gov/cs/groups/xofa/documents/text/idc-020619.pdf here])</ref> * '''Piqua Shawnee Tribe'''.<ref name="ncsl"/> * '''Star Clan of Muscogee Creeks'''<ref name=ncsl/> (formerly Lower Creek Muscogee Tribe East, Star Clan, Southeastern Mvskoke Nation, and Yufala Star Clan of Lower Muscogee Creeks). * '''United Cherokee Ani-Yun-Wiya Nation'''<ref name="ncsl"/> (formerly '''United Cherokee Intertribal'''). Letter of Intent to Petition 11/08/2001.<ref name="pxst"/>

=== Connecticut === * '''Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation'''.<ref name="ncsl"/><ref name="CT">Connecticut Law on Indian Tribes (2007-R-0475). Christopher Reinhart, Senior Attorney, on behalf of State of Connecticut General Assembly (Accessible as of July 15, 2014 [https://www.cga.ct.gov/2007/rpt/2007-R-0475.htm here]).</ref> ** '''Eastern Pequot Indians of Connecticut'''. Letter of Intent to Petition 06/28/1978;<ref name="pxst"/> Reconsidered final determination not to acknowledge became final and effective 10/14/2005 70 FR 60099.<ref name="pxst"/> ** '''Paucatuck Eastern Pequot Indians of Connecticut'''. Letter of Intent to Petition 06/20/1989.<ref name="pxst"/> Reconsidered final determination not to acknowledge became final and effective 10/14/2005 70 FR 60099.<ref name="pxst"/> * '''Golden Hill Paugussett'''.<ref name="ncsl"/><ref name=CTstaterec>{{cite web |url=https://www.cga.ct.gov/2002/olrdata/jud/rpt/2002-R-0118.htm |title=Effect of State Recognition of an Indian Tribe |author=Christopher Reinhart |date=2002-02-07 |access-date=2010-08-06 |quote=Connecticut statutes recognize five tribes: (1) Golden Hill Paugussett, (2) Mashantucket Pequot, (3) Mohegan, (4) Eastern Pequot, and (5) Schaghticoke tribe. |publisher=State of Connecticut }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_824.htm#sec_47-59a |title=CGS § 47-59a Connecticut Indians; citizenship, civil rights, land rights. |access-date=2015-07-02 |publisher=State of Connecticut}}</ref> Final Determination Against Federal Acknowledgement of the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe (2004)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-13871.htm |title=Final Determination Against Federal Acknowledgement of the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe |author=Bureau of Indian Affairs |pages=34388–34393 |date=2004-06-21 |access-date=2010-08-06 |publisher=United States |work=Federal Register }}</ref> * '''Schaghticoke Tribal Nation'''.<ref name="ncsl"/> Letter of Intent to Petition 9/27/2001.<ref name="pxst"/><ref name="CT"/> Letter of Intent to Petition 12/14/1981; Declined to acknowledge in 2002; Reconsidered final determination not to acknowledge became final and effective 10/14/2005 70 FR 60101. Also known as the '''Schaghticoke Indian Tribe'''.<ref name="pxst"/>

=== Delaware === * '''Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware'''.<ref name=ncai>{{cite web|title=Tribal Directory|url=http://www.ncai.org/tribal-directory|website=National Congress of American Indians|access-date=6 April 2016}}</ref> * '''Nanticoke Indian Association, Inc.'''<ref name=ncai/> Letter of Intent to Petition 08/08/1978; requested petition be placed on hold 3/25/1989 of limited applicability.<ref>Sheffield (1998): 66</ref>

=== Georgia === Georgia established a liaison, the Georgia Council on American Indian Concerns, in 2001, under the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, State Parks and Historic Sites Division.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Georgia Council on American Indian Concerns |url=https://georgia.gov/organization/georgia-council-american-indian-concerns |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927180751/https://georgia.gov/organization/georgia-council-american-indian-concerns |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2020 |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=Georgia.gov |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Georgia Indian Council {{!}} Georgia Indian Council |url=https://georgiaindiancouncil.com/ |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=georgiaindiancouncil.com}}</ref> In 2007, the state legislature formally recognized the following as American Indian tribes of Georgia:<ref>[http://www.legis.state.ga.us/cgi-bin/gl_codes_detail.pl?code=44-12-300 O.C.G.A. § 44-12-300 (2007) Title 44, Chapter 12, Article 7, Part 3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040919164025/http://www.legis.state.ga.us/cgi-bin/gl_codes_detail.pl?code=44-12-300 |date=2004-09-19 }}, Georgia Legislature. Quote: The State of Georgia "officially recognizes as legitimate American Indian tribes of Georgia the following tribes, bands, groups, or communities" for state purposes</ref>

* '''Cherokee of Georgia Tribal Council'''.<ref name="ncsl"/> * '''Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokees'''.<ref name="ncsl"/> (I). Letter of Intent to Petition 01/09/1979;<ref name="pxst"/> last submission February 2002; ready for Acknowledge review. Unrecognized organizations with the same name as '''Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokees, Inc.''' (II) and (III) exist. * '''Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe'''.<ref name="ncsl" /> Letter of Intent to Petition 02/02/1972; Declined to Acknowledge 12/21/1981 (46 FR 51652).<ref name="pxst" /> Denied federal recognition.<ref name="Sheffield 1998 p67">Sheffield (1998) p67</ref> Also known as '''Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe East of the Mississippi, Inc.'''

=== Louisiana === The Louisiana Office of Indian Affairs oversees state–tribal relations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indian Affairs |url=https://gov.louisiana.gov/page/indian-affairs |website=Louisiana Office of the Governor |access-date=27 May 2022}}</ref> They maintain a list of federally and state-recognized tribes headquartered in Louisiana.<ref name="la_oia">{{cite web |title=Federal and State-Tribal Contact Information |url=https://gov.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/Indian-Affairs/LouisianaTribalList.pdf |website=Louisiana Governor's Office of Indian Affairs |access-date=27 May 2022}}</ref>

# '''Addai Caddo Tribe''',<ref name="ncsl"/> also Adai Caddo Indians of Louisiana, Robeline, LA.<ref name=la_oia/> Recognized by the State of Louisiana in 1993.<ref name="LAlist">[http://www.indianaffairs.com/tribes.htm "Louisiana Governor's Office of Indian Affairs" Retrieved on 4/8/2008] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013155515/http://www.indianaffairs.com/tribes.htm |date=2008-10-13 }}.</ref> Letter of Intent to Petition 09/13/1993.<ref name="pxst"/> Also Adais Caddo Indians, Inc. # '''Bayou Lafourche Band of Biloxi-Chitimache Confederation of Muskogees''',<ref name=la_oia/> also Biloxi-Chitimacha Confederation of Muskogee,<ref name="ncsl"/> Denham Springs, LA. Separated from United Houma Nation, Inc. Letter of Intent to Petition 10/24/1995.<ref name="pxst"/> Recognized by the State of Louisiana in 2005.<ref name="LAlist"/> # '''Choctaw-Apache Community of Ebarb''',<ref name="ncsl"/><ref name=ncai_se/> also the Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb, Zwolle, LA.<ref name=la_oia/> Recognized by the State of Louisiana in 1978.<ref name="LAlist"/> Letter of Intent to Petition 07/02/1978.<ref name="pxst"/> # '''Clifton-Choctaw''',<ref name="ncsl"/> also the Clifton Choctaw Tribe of Louisiana, Clinton, LA.<ref name=la_oia/> Recognized by the State of Louisiana in 1978.<ref name="LAlist"/> Letter of Intent to Petition 03/22/1978.<ref name="pxst"/> Also known as Clifton Choctaw Reservation Inc. # '''Four Winds Tribe, Louisiana Cherokee Confederacy''',<ref name="ncsl"/> also the Four Winds Cherokees, Oakdale, LA.<ref name=la_oia/> Recognized by the State of Louisiana in 1997.<ref name="ncsl"/><ref name="LAlist"/> # '''Grand Caillou/Dulac Band''',<ref name="ncsl"/> also the Grand Caillou/Dulac Band of Biloxi Chitimacha Choctaw, Chauvin, LA.<ref name=la_oia/> # '''Isle de Jean Charles Band''',<ref name="ncsl"/> also the Jean Charles Choctaw Nation, Montegut, LA<ref name=la_oia/> # '''Louisiana Choctaw Tribe''',<ref name="ncsl"/> as the Louisiana Band of Choctaw, Ferriday, LA<ref name=la_oia/> # '''Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana''', Campti, LA<ref name=la_oia/> Recognized by the State of Louisiana in 2017 Regular Session, HR227. # '''Pointe-au-Chien Tribe''',<ref name="ncsl"/> also Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe, Montegut, LA.<ref name=la_oia/> Separated from United Houma Nation, Inc. Letter of Intent to Petition 7/22/1996.<ref name="ncsl"/><ref name="pxst"/> Recognized by the State of Louisiana in 2004.<ref name="LAlist"/> # '''United Houma Nation'''.<ref name="ncsl"/> Recognized by the State of Louisiana in 1972.<ref name="LAlist"/> Letter of Intent to Petition 07/10/1979; Proposed Finding 12/22/1994, 59 FR 6618.<ref name="pxst"/> Denied federal recognition.<ref>Sheffield (1998): 67</ref>

=== Maryland === On January 9, 2012, for the first time the state-recognized two American Indian tribes under a process developed by the General Assembly; these were both Piscataway groups,<ref name=witte/> historically part of the large Algonquian languages family along the Atlantic Coast. The Governor announced it to the Assembly by executive order.<ref name=witte/><ref>Executive Orders 01.01.2012.01 and 01.01.2012.02 "Recognition of tribes in the state", Governor's Office</ref>

# '''Accohannock Indian Tribe'''. Governor Larry Hogan formally recognized this group on December 19, 2017,<ref>{{cite web |title=Accohannock Indian Tribe v. Tyler |url=https://casetext.com/case/accohannock-indian-tribe-v-tyler |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210172437/https://casetext.com/case/accohannock-indian-tribe-v-tyler |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |website=CaseText |date=14 December 2021}}</ref> through Executive Order 01.01.2017.31.<ref>{{cite web |title=Native Americans |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/01glance/native/html/01native.html |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |access-date=8 May 2022}}</ref> # '''Piscataway-Conoy Tribe'''.<ref name=ncsl/> It includes the following two sub-groups: ## Piscataway Conoy Confederacy and Sub-Tribes<ref name="witte">Witte, Brian. [http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/politics/Md-Formally-Recognizes-2-American-Indian-Groups-136986363.html "Md. Formally Recognizes 2 American Indian Groups."], ''NBC Washington,'' 9 Jan 2011, Retrieved 10 Jan 2011</ref> ## Cedarville Band of Piscataway Indians<ref name="witte" /> :3. '''Piscataway Indian Nation and Tayac Territory'''.<ref name="ncsl"/>

=== Massachusetts === The Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs was created by a legislative act of the General Court of Massachusetts in 1974, to advise the Commonwealth on how best to establish positive relationships with its Indigenous Tribes.<ref name=section8A>{{cite web |title=Section 8A: Commission on Indian affairs; membership; functions |url=https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter6A/Section8A |website=Administration of the Government |publisher=The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref><ref>Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 6A, § 8A.</ref> The commission lacks the authority to recognize tribes, as recognition is beyond the scope of the duties of the commission outlined in Executive Order 126<ref name="mass.gov No. 126"/> and in the administration of the Massachusetts government.<ref name=section8A>{{cite web |title=Section 8A: Commission on Indian affairs; membership; functions |url=https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter6A/Section8A |website=Administration of the Government |publisher=The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> The Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs announced in August 2023 that it would be establishing a process for state recognition to ensure protections for Native artisans under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990.<ref name="mass.gov Minutes">{{Cite web |title=Minutes of the Virtual Meeting of the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs, August 9, 2023 |url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/minutes-of-meeting-august-9-2023/download |website=mass.gov}}</ref>

In 1976, Governor Michael Dukakis issued Executive Order 126, which clarified the responsibilities of the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs and identified three historic and continuous tribes in the Commonwealth: the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Hassanamisco Nipmuc.<ref name="mass.gov No. 126">{{Cite web |title=No. 126: Massachusetts Native Americans {{!}} Mass.gov |url=https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-126-massachusetts-native-americans |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=www.mass.gov |language=en}}</ref> The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe<ref name="ncai_ne">{{cite web |title=Northeast |url=http://www.ncai.org/tribal-directory?utf8=%E2%9C%93&area=11&submit=Search |access-date=6 June 2018 |website=Tribal Directory |publisher=National Congress of American Indians}}</ref> have federal recognition as of 1987 and 2007, respectively.<ref>Swimmer, R. (1987). [https://books.google.com/books?id=OfhtAAAAMAAJ Final determination for federal acknowledgment of the Wampanoag Tribal Council of Gay Head, Inc]., FR Doc. 87-2877. US Government Printing Office: Washington, D.C.</ref><ref>Carson, J., U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs. (2004). [http://www.bia.gov/cs/groups/xofa/documents/text/idc-001338.pdf Summary under the criteria of evidence for final determination of federal recognition of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council, Inc.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921194905/http://www.bia.gov/cs/groups/xofa/documents/text/idc-001338.pdf|date=2012-09-21}}. (71 FR 17488). U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, D.C.</ref>

On November 19, 2024, Governor Maura Healey issued Executive Order No. 637, which recognized the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe alongside the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, and the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Tribe. The order also recognized Tribal Council of the Herring Pond as its governing body, all in accordance with Dukakis' Executive Order No. 126, for all relevant purposes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2024 |title=Governor Healey Signs Executive Order Granting State Recognition to Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe |url=https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-executive-order-granting-state-recognition-to-herring-pond-wampanoag-tribe |access-date=November 20, 2024 |website=Commonwealth of Massachusetts}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cole |first=Katie |date=2024-11-20 |title=Healey grants Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe state recognition |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/11/20/herring-pond-wampanoag-recognition-executive-order |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=www.wbur.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2024 |title=By Her Excellency Maura T. Healey Governor Executive Order No. 637 |url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/executive-order-herring-pond-wampanoag-tribe/download |access-date=November 20, 2024 |website=Commonwealth of Massachusetts}}</ref>

* '''Hassanamisco Nipmuc'''.<ref name="ncsl" /> Letter of Intent to Petition 04/22/1980; Declined to acknowledge on 6/25/2004, 69 FR 35667.<ref name="Federal Register-2004">{{cite web |title=Final Determination Against Federal Acknowledgment of the Nipmuc Nation |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2004/06/25/04-14394/final-determination-against-federal-acknowledgment-of-the-nipmuc-nation |website=Federal Register |publisher=Indian Affairs Bureau |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=25 June 2004}}</ref> The Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band petitioned for federal acknowledgment in 1980. After receiving preliminary approval, they were ultimately denied due to its failure to meet criteria for federal acknowledgment.<ref name="Federal Register-2004" /><ref>{{Cite web | title=Indian Affairs {{!}} Mass.gov | url=https://www.mass.gov/info-details/indian-affairs?_gl=1*12qoc2m*_ga*NjcxNzM5MDIyLjE2OTA5NTA0MzU.*_ga_MCLPEGW7WM*MTcyOTc0MDAyMi4zLjEuMTcyOTc0MDA0Mi4wLjAuMA.. | access-date=2025-08-22 | website=www.mass.gov}}</ref> * '''Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe'''<ref name=":0" />

=== Mississippi === The state of Mississippi has offered congratulatory resolutions to unrecognized organizations identifying as Native American descendants, such as the MS HR50 in which the legislators "commend and congratulate" Vancleave Live Oak Choctaw Tribe for recognition;<ref>{{cite news |title=MS HR50, 2016 |url=https://legiscan.com/MS/text/HR50/2016 |access-date=27 May 2022 |work=LegiScan |date=15 March 2016}}</ref> however, no laws outline formal state-recognition for this or any other group by the State of Mississippi.

''Mississippi has no office to manage Indian affairs<ref name="state_commissions">{{cite web |title=State Committees and Commissions on Indian Affairs |url=https://www.ncsl.org/quad-caucus/state-committees-and-commissions-on-indian-affairs |access-date=27 May 2022 |website=National Conference of State Legislatures}}</ref> and no state-recognized tribes.<ref name=ncsl/><ref name=nni-az/>''

=== New Jersey === * '''Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation'''.<ref name=ncai/> Letter of Intent to Petition 01/03/1992.<ref name="pxst"/><ref name="Indian Country Today march 27,2019">[https://newsmaven.io/indiancountrytoday/news/ramapough-lenape-and-powhatan-renape-nations-of-new-jersey-have-state-recognition-reaffirmed-NUHKiCDZSU6qBoZZyJp1fg/ Indian Country Today March 27, 2019]</ref> * '''Ramapough Mountain Indians'''.<ref name="Indian Country Today march 27,2019"/> * '''Powhatan Renape Nation'''.<ref name="Indian Country Today march 27,2019"/>

=== New York === * '''Unkechaug Nation (Resides on Poospatuck Reservation)'''<ref name="ncai_ne 2">{{cite web|url=http://www.ncai.org/tribal-directory?utf8=✓&area=11&submit=Search|title=Tribal Directory: Northeast|website=National Congress of American Indians|access-date=22 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="ncai_ny_2">{{cite web|url=https://nativelongisland.com/listing/unkechaug-indian-reservation/#identifier_0_791|title=Unkechaug Indian Nation|access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

=== North Carolina === # '''Coharie Intra-tribal Council, Inc.'''<ref name="ncda">{{cite web|url=http://www.doa.state.nc.us/cia/tribes.pdf|title=North Carolina American Indian Tribes and Organizations|date=February 2007|author=North Carolina Department of Administration|access-date=2005-07-28|archive-date=2007-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070917055822/http://www.doa.state.nc.us/cia/tribes.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Letter of Intent to Petition 3/13/1981.<ref name="pxst"/> # '''Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe'''.<ref name="ncsl"/><ref name=ncai_se/><ref name="ncda"/> Letter of Intent to Petition 1/27/1979.<ref name="pxst"/> Notified of "obvious deficiencies" in federal recognition application<ref name="Sheffield 1998 p68-70">Sheffield (1998) p68-70</ref> # '''Meherrin Nation'''.<ref name="ncsl"/><ref name="ncda"/> State-recognized 1987.<ref name="pxst"/> # '''Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation'''.<ref name="ncda"/> Letter of Intent to Petition 01/06/1995.<ref name="pxst"/> # '''Sappony''' (formerly known as '''Indians of Person County, North Carolina''').<ref name="ncda"/><ref name="Sheffield 1998 p68-70"/> # '''Waccamaw-Siouan Tribe'''.<ref name=ncai_se/><ref name="ncda"/> Letter of Intent to Petition 06/27/1983; determined ineligible to petition (SOL opinion of 10/23/1989).<ref name="pxst"/> Letter of Intent to Petition 10/16/1992; determined eligible to petition (SOL letter of 6/29/1995).<ref name="pxst"/> Also known as '''Waccamaw Siouan Development Association'''.

=== Ohio === ''Ohio has no office to manage Indian affairs<ref name="state_commissions"/> and no state-recognized tribes.<ref name=ncsl/>''

In 1979 and 1980, the Ohio state legislature held hearings about state recognition of the United Remnant Band of the Shawnee Nation of Bellefontaine Ohio.<ref name=king>{{cite news |last1=Filby |first1=Max |last2=King |first2=Danae |title=What does it mean to be a Native American tribe? In Ohio, the answer is complicated |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/09/is-ohio-home-to-any-native-american-tribes-the-answer-is-complicatedwho-gets-to-decide-whos-native-a/70765014007/ |access-date=12 January 2024 |work=The Columbus Dispatch |date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127155032/https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/09/is-ohio-home-to-any-native-american-tribes-the-answer-is-complicatedwho-gets-to-decide-whos-native-a/70765014007/ |archive-date=27 November 2023 |quote=She now considers herself to be a tribal elder with the East of the River Shawnee, a non-federally recognized group that broke off from the United Remnant Band of Shawnee years ago.}}</ref> The band filed historical and genealogical documents with the state to support their claim of descent from the historical Shawnee.The Ohio General Assembly held hearings and heard testimony from numerous groups.<ref>[http://worlddmc.ohiolink.edu/OMP/Subject?subject=american&pg=3 "American Indians in Ohio"], ''Ohio Memory: An Online Scrapbook of Ohio History.'' The Ohio Historical Society, retrieved October 10, 2006{{dead link|date=November 2023}}</ref> In 1980, the 113th Ohio General Assembly passed a "Joint Resolution to recognize the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band", as adopted by the Ohio Senate, 113th General Assembly, Regular Session, Am. Sub. H.J.R. No. 8, 1979–1980.<ref name="mint">Lazarus, David. [https://www.latimes.com/la-fi-tribe021107-column.html "Tribal question a matter of dollars"], ''Los Angeles Times'', 2 November 2007, accessed 11 January 2014</ref> This is a congratulatory resolution, and Ohio attorney general's office spokesperson Leo Jennings said: "The resolution has no force of law in the state Ohio.… It was basically a ceremonial resolution."<ref name=mint/>

=== South Carolina === South Carolina recognizes three entities: "state-recognized tribes", "state-recognized groups", and "special interest organizations."<ref>{{cite web |title=South Carolina's Recognized Native American entities |url=https://cma.sc.gov/minority-population-initiatives/native-american-affairs/south-carolinas-recognized-native-american-indian-entities |publisher=South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs |access-date=30 October 2022}}</ref><ref name=sccma/> As of 2025, South Carolina recognizes ten tribes that are not recognized by the federal government.<ref name=sccma>{{Cite web|url=https://cma.sc.gov/south-carolinas-recognized-native-american-indian-entities|title=South Carolina's Recognized Native American Indian Entities |publisher=South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs|access-date=21 October 2025}}</ref> * '''Beaver Creek Indians'''.<ref name=sccma/><ref name="ncsl"/> Letter of Intent to Petition 01/26/1998.<ref name="pxst"/> State-recognized tribe in 2006.<ref name="cfma">{{cite web|url=http://www.state.sc.us/cma/pdfs/s_c_tribes_and_groups.pdf|title=SC tribes and groups|author=South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102201038/http://www.state.sc.us/cma/pdfs/s_c_tribes_and_groups.pdf|archive-date=2008-01-02}}</ref><ref name="sciac">{{cite web|url=http://southcarolinaindianaffairs.com/members.html|title=Members|author=South Carolina Indian Affairs Commission|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111134058/http://southcarolinaindianaffairs.com/members.html|archive-date=2013-01-11}}</ref><ref name="scig">{{cite web|url=http://scindigenousgallery.com|title=Visitors Center|author=South Carolina Indigenous Gallery|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070902045830/http://scindigenousgallery.com/|archive-date=2007-09-02}}</ref> * '''Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois and United Tribes of South Carolina'''<ref name=sccma/> * '''Edisto Natchez Kusso Tribe of South Carolina'''.<ref name=sccma/><ref name="ncsl"/> State-recognized tribe in 2010.<ref name="cfma"/><ref name="scig"/> Also known as '''Edisto Natchez-Kusso Indians (Four Holes Indian Organization)'''. * '''Pee Dee Indian Nation of Upper South Carolina'''.<ref name=sccma/><ref name="ncsl"/> Letter of Intent to Petition 12/14/2005.<ref name="pxst"/> State-recognized tribe in 2005.<ref name="cfma"/><ref name="sciac"/><ref name="scig"/> * '''Pee Dee Indian Tribe'''.<ref name=sccma/> Letter of Intent to Petition 01/30/1995.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bia.gov/sites/bia.gov/files/assets/as-ia/ofa/ofa/pdf/idc1-024418.pdf|title=List of Petitioners by State (as of 11/12/2013)}}</ref> State recognized in 2006.<ref name="cfma" /> Formerly '''Pee Dee Indian Tribe of South Carolina''' (2005).<ref name="ncsl"/> Formerly '''Pee Dee Indian Association''' (1978).<ref name="cfma" /> * '''Piedmont American Indian Association''', also '''Piedmont American Indian Association Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation'''.<ref name=sccma/> * '''Santee Indian Organization'''.<ref name=sccma/><ref name="ncsl"/> Letter of Intent to Petition 06/04/1979.<ref name="pxst"/> State-recognized tribe in 2006.<ref name="cfma"/> Formerly '''White Oak Indian Community'''. * '''Sumter Tribe of Cheraw Indians'''.<ref name=sccma/> * '''The Waccamaw Indian People'''.<ref name=sccma/> * '''The Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians'''.<ref name=sccma/><ref name="ncsl"/>

The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs' Native American Affairs Division also has recognized "state-recognized groups" and "special interest organizations" but these are not the same as the state-recognized tribes. In 2018, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed legislation that stops the state from recognizing any additional Native American "groups."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Chloe |title=South Carolina's Native American tribes aim to protect their legacy with new legislation |date=20 May 2018 |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/news/south-carolinas-native-american-tribes-aim-to-protect-their-legacy-with-new-legislation/article_9d346b44-5788-11e8-b959-13b5a6e47d5d.html |publisher=Post and Courier |access-date=10 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref> As of 2023, South Carolina recognizes three "state-recognized groups" and one "special interest organization."<ref name=sccma/> They are: Chaloklowa Chickasaw Indian People;<ref>{{cite news |title=S.C. recognizes Chickasaw tribe |url=https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/2005/06/11/sc-recognizes-chickasaw-tribe/29760749007/ |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=Spartanburg Herald Journal |publisher=goupstate.com |date=11 June 2005}}</ref> Natchez Tribe of South Carolina;<ref name="greatspirit">{{cite news |last1=Gleaton |first1=Sonja |title=The Great Spirit... NEVER FORGETS State recognizes Natchez Tribe of South Carolina, Pee Dee Indian Nation of Beaver Creek |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/346199276 |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=The Times and Democrat |issue=71 |publisher=Newspapers.com |date=7 March 2007|volume=126 }}</ref> and the Pee Dee Indian Nation of Beaver Creek.<ref name=greatspirit/> The special interest organization is the Pine Hill Indian Community Development Initiative.<ref name=sccma/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Zaleski |first1=Gene |title=Pine Hill Indian Tribe gets state sanction for community development organization |date=27 January 2020 |url=https://thetandd.com/news/local/pine-hill-indian-tribe-gets-state-sanction-for-community-development-organization/article_f53949d6-a6c8-5689-9c25-cc5517f40397.html |publisher=The Times and Democrat |access-date=10 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Texas === Texas has no office to manage Indian affairs<ref name="state_commissions"/> and, according to several sources, no state-recognized tribes.<ref name=nni-az/><ref>{{cite web |title=State Recognized Tribes |url=https://www.ncsl.org/legislators-staff/legislators/quad-caucus/list-of-federal-and-state-recognized-tribes.aspx#State |website=National Conference of State Legislatures |access-date=30 April 2022 |archive-date=25 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025051136/https://www.ncsl.org/legislators-staff/legislators/quad-caucus/list-of-federal-and-state-recognized-tribes.aspx#State |url-status=dead}}</ref> Legal scholar J. Eric Reed (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) wrote in the November 2025 ''Texas Bar Journal'', "Despite a rich history of [I]ndigenous peoples and tribes that still remain as communities of this state, Texas currently has no state-recognized tribes."<ref name="reed"/>

Native American journalists Tristan Ahtone (Kiowa) and Graham Lee Brewer (Cherokee Nation) wrote in 2022 that Texas had "no legal mechanism to recognize tribes."<ref name="nbc">{{cite news |last1=Brewer |first1=Graham Lee |last2=Ahtone |first2=Tristan |title=In Texas, a group claiming to be Cherokee faces questions about authenticity |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mount-tabor-indian-community-texas-indigenous-rcna3746 |access-date=30 April 2022 |work=NBC News |date=27 October 2021}}</ref>

Before the Texas Commission for Indian Affairs was dissolved in 1989, it only worked with the three federally recognized tribes in the state; it did not work any state-recognized tribes.<ref name="reed">{{cite news |last1=Reed |first1=J. Eric |date=November 2025 |title=The Status of Texas Indigenous Groups |url=https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=articles&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=69547 |access-date=1 February 2026 |work=Texas Bar Journal}}</ref> The state has no codified administrative process for petitioning for state recognition of Indian tribes.<ref name="state_commissions"/><ref>{{cite web |title=The Status of Texas Indigenous Groups |url=https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=articles&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=69547 |publisher=State Bar of Texas |access-date=1 February 2026}}</ref>

Texas has frequently adopted congratulatory resolutions honoring organizations in the state, such as Senate Resolution 989 (2015) honoring the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians<ref>{{cite web |title=84th Legislature, Senate Resolution No. 989 (Enrolled) |url=https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/84R/billtext/html/SR00989F.htm |publisher=Texas Legislature Online |date=27 May 2015 |access-date=1 February 2026}}</ref> and SR 439 (2009) honoring the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas; however, "resolutions are statements of opinions and, unlike bills, do not have the force of law."<ref name=reed/>

Several sources state that Texas does have state-recognized tribes. The Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office, in the State of Texas "2022–2025 STOP Violence Against Women Act Implementation Plan" describes the Lipan Apache and Yaqui as "state recognized" tribes. <ref>{{cite web |title=STOP Violence Against Women Act Program Implementation Plan for the State of Texas 2022–2025 |url=https://egrants.gov.texas.gov/uploads/egrants_files/2022-2025_State_of_Texas_Implementation_Plan.pdf |publisher=Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office |date=2 March 2022 |access-date=1 February 2026 |page=15–16 |quote=The plan states: “Lipan Apache – The Lipan Apache reside in South Texas…The Lipan Apache are a state recognized tribe…” and “Yaqui – The Texas Band of Yaqui Indians are headquartered in Lubbock… and became a state recognized tribe in 2015.”}}</ref> In a 2024–2025 Department of the Interior consultation summary on the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony (STOP) Act, the Bureau of Indian Affairs described the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians as “state‑recognized.”<ref>{{cite web |title=Summary of Consultation Comments: STOP Act Proposed Rule |url=https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/final_stop_act_consultation_summary_1.14.24_final508.pdf |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs |date=14 January 2025 |access-date=1 February 2026 |page=8}}</ref> Texas educational and governmental materials similarly refer to the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas and the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians as “state‑recognized tribes,” and explaining that state‑recognized tribes “have a relationship with state governments, but they do not have sovereignty like federally recognized tribes.”<ref>{{cite web |title=Changes for the American Indian Tribes of Texas |url=https://cdn.studiesweekly.com/online/student_editions/5159/7.pdf |website=Studies Weekly, Texas Edition |access-date=1 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Yaqui – History of Research |url=https://100.ttu.edu/research/yaqui.php |publisher=Texas Tech University |access-date=1 February 2026}}</ref>

The National Congress of American Indians list the Tsalagiyi Nvdagi Tribe and the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas as being state-recognized tribes in Texas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tribal Directory: Southern Plains Region |url=https://www.ncai.org/tribal-directory/region/southern-plains-region/ |website=National Congress of American Indians |access-date=19 February 2026}}</ref>

Several bills have been introduced to create formal state-recognized tribes in Texas; however, these died in committee.<ref name=reed/> They include: * 2022: Texas Senate Bill 231 to recognize Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas<ref>{{cite web |title=Texas Senate Bill 231|url=https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/SB231/2023 |publisher=LegiScan |access-date=26 February 2024}}</ref> * 2023: Texas Senate Bill 231 to recognize the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas<ref>{{cite web |title=Texas Senate Bill 231 |url=https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/SB231/2023 |publisher=LegiScan |access-date=26 February 2024}}</ref> * 2023: Texas Senate Bill 1479<ref>{{cite web |title=Texas Senate Bill 1479 |url=https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/SB1479/2023 |publisher=LegiScan |access-date=26 February 2024}}</ref> and House Bill 2005<ref>{{cite web |title=Texas House Bill 2005 |url=https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HB2005/2023 |publisher=LegiScan |access-date=26 February 2024}}</ref> to recognize the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation

Texas SB1634, SB4988, and HB4732 to recognize the Lipan Band of Apache were introduced in 2025. The HB4732 passed in the house in May 2025 and was engrossed and sent to the senate.<ref>{{cite web |title=Texas House Bill 4732 |url=https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HB4732/2025 |website=LegisScan |access-date=2 February 2026}}</ref>

=== Vermont === As of May 3, 2006, Vermont law [http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullchapter.cfm?Title=01&Chapter=023 1 V.S.A §§ 851–853] recognizes Abenakis as Native American Indians, ''not the tribes or bands''. However, on April 22, 2011, Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin signed legislative bills officially recognizing two Abenaki Bands. The four Abenaki state-recognized tribes are also known as the "Abenaki Alliance".

*'''Elnu Abenaki Tribe'''.<ref name=ncsl/><ref name="vcnaa">{{Cite web|url = http://vcnaa.com/native/content/view/510/57/ |title= Tribal Sites VT |access-date = 2011-12-28 |author= Vermonters Concerned on Native American Affairs}}</ref> Recognition signed into statute April 22, 2011. *'''Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation'''.<ref name=ncsl/><ref name="vcnaa"/> Recognition signed into statute April 22, 2011. On May 7, 2012, Governor Shumlim signed legislative bills officially recognizing two more Abenaki Bands: * '''Koasek Abenaki Tribe'''.<ref name=ncsl/> Also known as '''Traditional Koasek Abenaki Nation of the Koas'''. * '''Missiquoi Abenaki Tribe'''.<ref name=ncsl/> Also known as '''Missisquoi St Francis Sokoki Abenaki Nations'''. Petitioned for federal recognition, denied in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=Petitioner #068: St. Francis/Sokoki Band of Abenakis of Vermont, VT |url=https://www.bia.gov/as-ia/ofa/068-sfaben-vt |website=Indian Affairs |date=October 2007 |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior |access-date=30 January 2022}}</ref>

=== Virginia === Virginia has an office to manage Indian affairs: the Virginia Council on Indians. It is composed of 13 members - eight from Virginia tribes officially recognized by the Commonwealth, two members at-large from Indian population in Virginia, one from House of Delegates, one from Senate, and one from Commonwealth at-large.<ref name="state_commissions"/>

Virginia has the following state-recognized tribes: *'''Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe'''.<ref name=ncsl/> Letter of Intent to Petition 12/30/2002.<ref name="pxst"/> Receipt of Petition 12/30/2002.<ref name="FR68">[http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-6659.htm Receipt of Petitions for Federal Acknowledgment of Existence as an Indian Tribe (68 FR 13724)]</ref> State-recognized 2010; in Courtland, Southampton County.<ref name="vci">{{cite web|url=http://indians.vipnet.org/tribes/index.cfm|title=Virginia Tribes|author=Virginia Council on Indians|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030810202754/http://indians.vipnet.org/tribes/index.cfm|archive-date=2003-08-10}}</ref> Letter of intent to file for federal recognition 2017. Currently a bill is being sponsored. *'''Mattaponi Indian Nation''' (a.k.a. '''Mattaponi Indian Reservation'''). Letter of Intent to Petition 04/04/1995. State-recognized 1983; in Banks of the Mattaponi River, King William County. The Mattaponi and Pamunkey have reservations based in colonial-era treaties ratified by the Commonwealth in 1658. Pamunkey Tribe's attorney told Congress in 1991 that the tribes state reservation originated in a treaty with the crown in the 17th century and has been occupied by Pamunkey since that time under strict requirements and following the treaty obligation to provide to the Crown a deer every year, and they've done that (replacing Crown with Governor of Commonwealth since Virginia became a Commonwealth). *'''Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia'''. Recognized 2010; in Capron, Southampton County. *'''Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia.'''<ref name="ncsl" /> Recognized 2010; in Stafford County.<ref name="vci" />

=== Washington === ''Washington has not formally recognized any tribes by statute.<ref name=nni-az/> However, the state or preceding territorial government has been a party to treaties involving a number of tribes that are not federally recognized.''{{fact|date=September 2025}}

;Canada * List of Indian reserves in Canada * List of First Nations governments * List of First Nations peoples

== Notes == {{Reflist}}

== References == * Koenig, Alexa and Jonathan Stein (2008). ''Federalism and the State Recognition of Native American Tribes: A survey of State-Recognized Tribes and State Recognition Processes Across the United States''. University of Santa Clara Law Review, Vol. 48. * Sheffield, Gail (1998). ''Arbitrary Indian: The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990''. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press. {{ISBN|0-8061-2969-7}}. * [https://www.usconstitution.net/const.html Constitution of the United States] * {{cite book |title=Reference Encyclopedia of the American Indian |date=2022 |publisher=Todd Publications |location=Delray Beach, Florida |isbn=978-0-873400-626 |edition=28th |url=https://www.law.berkeley.edu/library/resources/isbn9780873400626.pdf |access-date=7 October 2025}}

== External sources == * Miller, Mark Edwin. ''Forgotten Tribes: Unrecognized Indians and the Federal Acknowledgment Process.'' Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2004. Discusses the state recognition process, the experiences of several state-recognized tribes (the United Houma Nation of Louisiana, and the Tigua/Pueblo of Ysleta Del Sur and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas- the latter two are federally recognized), and the problems of non-federally acknowledged indigenous communities. * Bates, Denise. ''The Other Movement: Indian Rights and Civil Rights in the Deep South.'' Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 2011. Details state recognition and the functioning of state Indian commissions in Alabama and Louisiana. * [https://digitalcommons.law.scu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1123&context=lawreview Federalism and the State Recognition of Native American Tribes: A survey of State-Recognized Tribes and State Recognition Processes Across the United States] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20101111060821/http://www.bia.gov/idc/groups/public/documents/text/idc-001215.pdf "BIA list of petitioners for recognition by state as of 22 September 2008] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20080513173319/http://www.doi.gov/bia/off_fed_acknowledg/status_summary_021507.pdf BIA status summary of petitions for recognition as of 15 February 2007"] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20080917205052/http://indian.senate.gov/2000hrgs/s611_0524/jones.pdf Testimony of Leon Jones, Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and Dan McCoy, Tribal Council Chairman, on the Indian Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act of 1999] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090301052818/http://taskforce.cherokee.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=y%2BJcRrV4oDc%3D&tabid=106&mid=2118 Joint resolution of the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians opposing fabricated Cherokee "tribes" and "Indians" (acknowledges the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians)] * [http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-348 U.S. GAO - Indian Issues: Federal Funding for Non-Federally Recognized Tribes Published April 12, 2012] {{State-recognized tribes}}{{USCensus Geography}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:State Recognized Tribes}} Category:State-recognized tribes in the United States Category:Native American law Category:Native American-related lists