American Indian Tribes by State: Complete List
Readers, have you ever wondered about the diverse tapestry of American Indian tribes that call the United States home? It’s a fascinating journey through history, culture, and resilience. The United States is a nation of amazing diversity, and its indigenous peoples have a rich and complex history. Throughout the country, there are hundreds of federally recognized tribes. I’ve analyzed the amazing diversity of American Indian tribes across the country, and I’m ready to share what I’ve learned.
Native American Tribes in the United States
The United States is home to a diverse array of Native American tribes, each with its own unique culture, language, and history. The tribes have a long and rich history in the United States, dating back thousands of years. They have faced many challenges, but have also made significant contributions to the country’s culture and society.
The federal government recognizes over 570 tribes. This means that the tribes meet the requirements needed to receive federal services and funding, but not all tribes are federally recognized. Some tribes have limited services or funding as their recognition is at a state or local level, or they are working to gain federal recognition.
Federally Recognized Tribes
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) maintains a list of federally recognized tribes. The process of getting recognition is very long and complex. The BIA uses a variety of criteria to determine whether a tribe is eligible for recognition. This includes evidence of a tribe’s history, culture, and government.
Federally recognized tribes have certain rights and benefits. These include the right to self-government, the right to operate casinos, and access to federal programs. The rights that tribes have help them to preserve their cultures and traditions, and to build strong communities.
State-Recognized Tribes
Some tribes are not recognized by the federal government but are recognized by the state in which they live. State-recognized tribes may receive some benefits from the state, but they typically do not receive the full benefits of federal recognition. Some states have their own process for recognizing tribes. This may involve different criteria, such as the tribe’s historical ties to the state, the tribe’s present-day cultural practices, and the tribe’s organizational structure.
American Indian Tribes by State
The American Indian tribes are spread across the country. Each state has its own unique history and relationship with the tribes within their borders. The tribes have lived in these areas for generations and have a deep connection to the land. The following is a list of American Indian tribes by state, including their locations, history, and culture.
Alabama
The state of Alabama has three federally recognized tribes: the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians, and the Kialegee Tribal Town. These tribes are part of the larger Creek and Choctaw nations, which are some of the oldest and most influential Native American tribes in the southeastern United States.
Alaska
Alaska is home to 229 federally recognized tribes, making it the state with the most. The tribes in Alaska are diverse, reflecting the vastness and beauty of the state. They are known for their unique languages, traditions, and subsistence way of life. There are numerous Alaskan Native languages, including Inupiaq, Yup’ik, and Aleut. Many of the tribes rely on subsistence hunting and fishing for their livelihoods, which is a way of life that is deeply ingrained in their culture.
Arizona
Arizona has 22 federally recognized tribes, with the largest being the Navajo Nation, which spans across three states. The tribes in Arizona are known for their rich cultural heritage, including their traditional arts and crafts, their ceremonies, and their connection to the land.
Arkansas
Arkansas has four federally recognized tribes: the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, the Cherokee Nation, the Osage Nation, and the Choctaw Nation. Each tribe has its own history in Arkansas. The Quapaw Tribe was one of the first tribes to be contacted by Europeans, and they were known for their peaceful nature. The Cherokee Nation was forced to relocate to Arkansas during the Trail of Tears, while the Osage Nation came to Arkansas during the 19th century. The Choctaw Nation is the largest tribe with a reservation in Oklahoma, with a smaller one in Arkansas.
California
California has 109 federally recognized tribes, and historically was home to numerous Native American groups. The tribes in California are known for their diverse cultures and languages, and their unique connections to the land. Some of the most well-known tribes in California include the Chumash, the Miwok, and the Yurok. The Chumash are known for their intricate rock art and their sophisticated knowledge of the natural world. The Miwok are known for their basketry, which is considered some of the finest in the world, and their traditional stories.
Colorado
Colorado has 14 federally recognized tribes, including the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Arapaho Tribe. The Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute share a history as descendants of the Ute people, while the Arapaho have a different story, coming from the Northern Plains region. The tribes in Colorado are known for their resilience and their strong cultural traditions.
Connecticut
Connecticut has two federally recognized tribes, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe. These tribes are significant in Connecticut’s history. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe is known for its highly successful casino, Foxwoods Resort Casino. The Mohegan Tribe also operates a popular casino, Mohegan Sun. Both tribes are important cultural and economic resources for the state.
Delaware
Delaware has one federally recognized tribe, the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation. The tribe is known for its unique language and culture. The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape people have lived in Delaware for centuries, and their connections to the land are deep. The tribe has faced many challenges, but it has persisted and continues to strive to preserve its culture and traditions.
Florida
Florida has eight federally recognized tribes, including the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The Seminole Tribe is perhaps the most well-known of the tribes in Florida. The tribe is known for its rich history and its resistance to removal during the 19th century. The Miccosukee Tribe is another important tribe. They are known for their unique cultural traditions and their commitment to preserving their language. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has a presence in Florida, but the main reservation is in Oklahoma.
Georgia
Georgia has three federally recognized tribes, the Cherokee Nation, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Cherokee Nation and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation are two of the largest and most influential tribes in the southeastern United States. Georgia also has several state-recognized tribes, including the Upper Creek Indian Tribe, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and the Hitchiti Tribe.
Hawaii
Hawaii has one federally recognized tribe, the Native Hawaiian people, which is made up of ten Native Hawaiian organizations. The Native Hawaiian people have lived in Hawaii for centuries and have a rich and complex history and culture. The Hawaiian people have faced many challenges, including colonization and the loss of their land. Despite these challenges, they have maintained their culture and their connection to their homeland.
Idaho
Idaho has three federally recognized tribes, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Nez Perce Tribe. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is known for its strong cultural traditions and its commitment to preserving its language. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes share a history of strong alliances and cultural exchange. The Nez Perce Tribe is known for its history of resistance to the US government. The Nez Perce Tribe is recognized for its resilience, strength, and determination.
Illinois
Illinois has 12 federally recognized tribes, the most recent of which is the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. The tribe has been fighting for recognition for decades. Each tribe has a unique history and culture, and they are working to preserve their traditions for future generations. Some of the tribes in Illinois include the Peoria, the Ottawa, the Potawatomi, and the Sauk and Fox people. These tribes are all linked to the Great Lakes region and played a vital role in the development of the area.
Indiana
Indiana only has one federally recognized tribe, the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. The Miami Tribe is known for its rich cultural heritage and its commitment to preserving its language. The tribe has faced many challenges, including removal from its ancestral homelands. The Miami Tribe is committed to preserving its traditions and building a strong future for its people.
Iowa
Iowa has four federally recognized tribes: the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, the Meskwaki Nation, and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians. Each tribe has its own history and culture in Iowa. The Sac & Fox Tribe is known for its warrior tradition and its connection to the Mississippi River. The Iowa Tribe is known for its rich cultural heritage and its commitment to preserving its language. The Meskwaki Nation is known for its traditional dances and ceremonies, and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe is known for its resilience and its strong cultural traditions.
Kansas
Kansas has eleven federally recognized tribes. Among these are the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas, the Sac & Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska, and the Cherokee Nation. The tribes in Kansas are known for their rich cultural heritage and their commitment to preserving their traditions. They are also known for their resilience and their strong connection to the land. The tribes in Kansas have faced many challenges, including removal from their ancestral homelands and the loss of their traditional way of life. However, they have persisted and continue to strive to preserve their culture and traditions.
Kentucky
Kentucky has no federally recognized tribes within its borders. However, there were several tribes in Kentucky before colonization and during the early years of the United States. The tribes in Kentucky were known for their resilience and their strong cultural traditions. They are also known for their connection to the land and their role in the history of the state.
Louisiana
Louisiana has three federally recognized tribes, the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, and the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians. The Chitimacha Tribe is one of the oldest tribes in Louisiana and has a rich cultural heritage. The Coushatta Tribe has a connection to the Great Plains region and is known for its traditional dances and ceremonies. The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians is the largest tribe with a reservation in Louisiana and is known for its commitment to preserving its culture and language.
Maine
Maine has two federally recognized tribes: the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the Penobscot Nation. The Passamaquoddy Tribe is known for its rich cultural heritage and its commitment to preserving its language. The Penobscot Nation is known for its strong cultural traditions and its connection to the land. Both tribes have made significant contributions to the state’s economy and culture. The tribes in Maine are working hard to preserve their traditions for future generations. They are also working to build strong communities and to create a better future for their people.
Maryland
Maryland has two federally recognized tribes: the Accomack Tribe and the Piscataway Indian Nation. The Accomack Tribe has a reservation in Virginia and has been working to gain recognition in Maryland. The Piscataway Indian Nation is known for its strong cultural traditions and its commitment to preserving its language. The tribe has faced many challenges, including removal from its ancestral homelands. Despite these challenges, the Piscataway Indian Nation has persisted and continues to strive to preserve its culture and traditions.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has 12 federally recognized tribes, among them the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, the Nipmuc Tribe, and the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. The Wampanoag Tribe is perhaps the most well-known of the tribes in Massachusetts. The tribe is known for its history of cooperation with the first English settlers in the region. The Nipmuc Tribe is a smaller tribe, but it has a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation has been involved in a long and complex legal battle to gain federal recognition.
Michigan
Michigan has 12 federally recognized tribes, including the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The tribes in Michigan are known for their rich cultural heritage and their commitment to preserving their traditions. Michigan is also known for being one of the states that was a stopping point for the Trail of Tears.
Minnesota
Minnesota has 11 federally recognized tribes. The tribes in Minnesota are among the largest in the country, and they are known for their rich cultural heritage and their commitment to preserving their traditions. Some of the most well-known tribes in Minnesota include the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians. The tribes are known for their strong cultural traditions and their connection to the land. They are also known for their resilience and their determination to preserve their culture and traditions for future generations.
Mississippi
Mississippi has three federally recognized tribes: the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the Choctaw Nation, and the Chickasaw Nation. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is the largest tribe in Mississippi, and the tribe has a reservation in the southeastern part of the state. The Choctaw Nation and the Chickasaw Nation are headquartered in Oklahoma, but they have historic connections to Mississippi. Mississippi was one of the final destinations for the Trail of Tears.
Missouri
Missouri has eight federally recognized tribes: the Sac & Fox Nation of Missouri, the Missouri Tribe, the Osage Nation, the Iowa Tribe, the Cherokee Nation, and the Eastern Shawnee Tribe. The tribes in Missouri are known for their rich cultural heritage and their commitment to preserving their traditions. They are also known for their resilience. The Sac & Fox Tribe is a small tribe, but it is known for its strong cultural traditions and its connection to the land. The Osage Nation is one of the largest tribes in Missouri. The tribe is known for its rich cultural heritage and its commitment to preserving its traditions.
Montana
Montana has seven federally recognized tribes, the most prominent of which are the Blackfeet Nation, the Crow Tribe, and the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. The tribes in Montana are known for their rich cultural heritage and their commitment to preserving their traditions. They are also known for their connection to the land and their role in the history of the state.
Nebraska
Nebraska has six federally recognized tribes: the Omaha Tribe, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, the Santee Sioux Tribe, the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, and the Sac & Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska. The tribes in Nebraska are known for their resilience, their commitment to preserving their cultural traditions and their connection to the land. One of the most notable events for the tribes in Nebraska during the 19th century was the removal of the tribes from Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin to their present lands in Nebraska.
Nevada
Nevada has 27 federally recognized tribes, the largest of which is the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. The tribes in Nevada are known for their rich cultural heritage and their commitment to preserving their traditions. Nevada is home to numerous Native American tribes, and these tribes have faced challenges in maintaining their cultures and traditions. The tribes are working to preserve their language, their traditions, and their connection to the land.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has no federally recognized tribes within its borders. Historically, New Hampshire was home to the Abenaki people, who had a rich culture and a deep connection to the land. The Abenaki people were forced to leave New Hampshire due to the impacts of colonization and disease. Today, there are some efforts to revive Abenaki culture and to reconnect with the land in New Hampshire.
New Jersey
New Jersey has one federally recognized tribe: the Ramapough Lenape Nation. The tribe has a long and complex history in New Jersey. The tribe has faced many challenges, including removal from their ancestral homelands and the loss of their traditional way of life. Despite these challenges, the Ramapough Lenape Nation has persisted and continues to strive to preserve its culture and traditions.
New Mexico
New Mexico has 23 federally recognized tribes. The tribes in New Mexico have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. Some of the most well-known tribes in New Mexico include the Pueblo tribes, the Navajo Nation, and the Apache tribes. The Pueblo tribes are known for their unique cultural traditions and their connection to the land. The Navajo Nation is one of the largest tribes in the United States.
New York
New York has eight federally recognized tribes: the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, the Oneida Indian Nation, the Onondaga Nation, the Cayuga Nation, the Seneca Nation, the Tuscarora Nation, the Shinnecock Nation, and the Poospatuck Nation. These eight tribes are known for their rich cultural heritage and their commitment to preserving their traditions. They are also known for their resilience in the face of colonization.
North Carolina
North Carolina has 12 federally recognized tribes. The tribes in North Carolina have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. Some of the most well-known tribes in North Carolina include the Cherokee Nation, the Lumbee Tribe, and the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe. The Cherokee Nation is one of the largest tribes in the United States and has a reservation in western North Carolina. The Lumbee Tribe is the largest tribe in North Carolina, but it is not federally recognized. The Haliwa-Saponi Tribe is a small tribe with a rich cultural heritage.
North Dakota
North Dakota has seven federally recognized tribes. The tribes in North Dakota are known for their rich cultural heritage and their commitment to preserving their traditions. They are also known for their resilience in the face of colonization.
Ohio
Ohio has three federally recognized tribes: the Cherokee Nation, the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, and the Shawnee Tribe. The tribes in Ohio have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. Ohio was a major stopping point on the Trail of Tears.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has 39 federally recognized tribes. The tribes in Oklahoma have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. Oklahoma is known as the “Native American Capitol” as many tribes were relocated to Oklahoma during the 1800s.
Oregon
Oregon has nine federally recognized tribes. The tribes in Oregon have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. They are also known for their resilience in the face of colonization. Oregon is where the first American Indian boarding schools in the United States were built.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has two federally recognized tribes: the Delaware Tribe of Indians and the Cherokee Nation. The tribes in Pennsylvania have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. Pennsylvania was one of the states that was a stopping point for the Trail of Tears.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has one federally recognized tribe: the Narragansett Tribe. The tribe has a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. The Narragansett Tribe played a significant role in the early history of Rhode Island.
South Carolina
South Carolina has seven federally recognized tribes: the Catawba Indian Nation, the Cherokee Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the Pee Dee Indian Tribe, the Santee Indian Tribe, and the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe. The tribes in South Carolina have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. South Carolina was one of the final destinations for the Trail of Tears.
South Dakota
South Dakota has nine federally recognized tribes: the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and the Yankton Sioux Tribe. The tribes in South Dakota have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. South Dakota is home to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a landmark sacred to the Lakota people.
Tennessee
Tennessee has three federally recognized tribes: the Cherokee Nation, the Chickasaw Nation, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The tribes in Tennessee have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. Tennessee was one of the states that was a stopping point for the Trail of Tears.
Texas
Texas has eight federally recognized tribes: the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Caddo Nation, the Cherokee Nation, the Comanche Nation, the Kickapoo Tribe of Texas, the Lipan Apache Tribe, the Tigua Tribe, and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. The tribes in Texas have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. Texas was one of the states that was a stopping point for the Trail of Tears.
Utah
Utah has three federally recognized tribes: the Navajo Nation, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. The tribes in Utah have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land.
Vermont
Vermont has two federally recognized tribes: the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi and the Elnu Abenaki. The tribes in Vermont have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. Vermont was a stopping point for the Trail of Tears and continues to be home to many Native Americans.
Virginia
Virginia has 11 federally recognized tribes: the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, the Eastern Chickahominy Indian Tribe, the Mattaponi Indian Tribe, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, the Rappahannock Tribe, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, the Nansemond Indian Tribe, the Cherokee Nation, the Monacan Indian Nation, the Patawomeck Tribe, and the Nottoway Indian Tribe. The tribes in Virginia have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. The tribes in Virginia are diverse, including the Powhatan Confederacy, which has a major part in the history of early colonization and relations with European settlers.
Washington
Washington has 29 federally recognized tribes. The tribes in Washington have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. Washington was once home to many Native American tribes, including the Salish, the Coast Salish, the Chinook, and the Nez Perce.
West Virginia
West Virginia has one federally recognized tribe, the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee Nation is one of the largest tribes in the United States and has a reservation in western North Carolina. West Virginia was one of the states that was a stopping point for the Trail of Tears, a forced relocation of Native Americans from their homelands to the Indian Territory in the 19th century.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has 11 federally recognized tribes. The tribes in Wisconsin have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the land. Wisconsin was home to numerous tribes, including the Ojibwe, the Potawatomi, and the Menominee.
Wyoming
Wyoming has two federally recognized tribes. The Wind River Reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, and the tribes are known for their rich cultural heritage and their strong connection to the land. The tribes in Wyoming have faced many challenges, including removal from their ancestral homelands and the loss of their traditional way of life. Despite these challenges, they have persisted and continue to strive to preserve their culture and traditions.
American Indian Tribes by State: A Table
The following table shows the number of federally recognized tribes in each state:
State | Number of Federally Recognized Tribes |
---|---|
Alabama | 3 |
Alaska | 229 |
Arizona | 22 |
Arkansas | 4 |
California | 109 |
Colorado | 14 |
Connecticut | 2 |
Delaware | 1 |
Florida | 8 |
Georgia | 3 |
Hawaii | 1 |
Idaho | 3 |
Illinois | 12 |
Indiana | 1 |
Iowa | 4 |
Kansas | 11 |
Kentucky | 0 |
Louisiana | 3 |
Maine | 2 |
Maryland | 2 |
Massachusetts | 12 |
Michigan | 12 |
Minnesota | 11 |
Mississippi | 3 |
Missouri | 8 |
Montana | 7 |
Nebraska | 6 |
Nevada | 27 |
New Hampshire | 0 |
New Jersey | 1 |
New Mexico | 23 |
New York | 8 |
North Carolina | 12 |
North Dakota | 7 |
Ohio | 3 |
Oklahoma | 39 |
Oregon | 9 |
Pennsylvania | 2 |
Rhode Island | 1 |
South Carolina | 7 |
South Dakota | 9 |
Tennessee | 3 |
Texas | 8 |
Utah | 3 |
Vermont | 2 |
Virginia | 11 |
Washington | 29 |
West Virginia | 1 |
Wisconsin | 11 |
Wyoming | 2 |
FAQ
What is the difference between a federally recognized tribe and a state-recognized tribe?
A federally recognized tribe is a tribe that has been officially recognized by the United States government. This means that the tribe meets the requirements needed to receive federal services and funding. A state-recognized tribe is a tribe that has been officially recognized by the state in which it lives. State-recognized tribes may receive some benefits from the state, but they typically do not receive the full benefits of federal recognition.
How many Native American tribes are there in the United States?
The United States government recognizes over 570 tribes. However, there are many more tribes that are not federally recognized. In total, there are likely hundreds of Native American tribes in the United States.
What is the history of Native American tribes in the United States?
Native American tribes have lived in the United States for thousands of years. They have a rich and complex history, and their cultures are diverse. Native American tribes have faced many challenges, including colonization, removal, and genocide.
Conclusion
As you can see, the United States is home to a diverse array of American Indian tribes, each with its own unique history and culture. It’s an incredible testament to the resilience and strength of these tribes that they have been able to maintain their traditions and cultures in the face of so many challenges. If you want to learn more about the specific tribes in your state, you can find more information on the websites of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the tribes themselves. This information will help you gain a deeper understanding of the rich history and culture of the tribes in the United States.
We hope this comprehensive list of American Indian Tribes by state has provided you with a greater understanding of the rich diversity and history of Native American communities across the United States. It is important to remember that this list is not exhaustive, as there are countless federally recognized and unrecognized tribes, bands, and nations that hold unique cultural traditions and identities. Further research is encouraged to learn more about the specific histories, challenges, and triumphs of each tribe.
In addition to the information provided, we encourage you to explore the resources and organizations dedicated to preserving and celebrating Native American cultures. Many tribes have their own websites and social media platforms where they share information about their history, traditions, and current initiatives. You can also find valuable information and support through organizations like the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), and the American Indian Movement (AIM).
As you engage with this information, we ask that you approach it with respect and sensitivity. Remember that the history of Native American people in the United States is marked by both resilience and struggle, and that continued efforts are being made to ensure their cultural survival and self-determination. By understanding and appreciating the diverse tapestry of Native American cultures across the country, we can work towards building a future where Native American communities are recognized, honored, and empowered.
Discover the rich history of Native American tribes across the US! Explore a complete list of recognized tribes by state and learn about their unique cultures and traditions.