What does Federally Recognized mean?
A federally recognized tribe means that the United States recognizes a government-to-government relationship tribe. Federally recognized tribes have the rights of self-government (sovereignty) and the right to some federal benefits, services, and protections.
For more information on how a tribe becomes federally recognized or other questions visit the U.S. Department of the Interior: Indian Affairs.
To learn more about Indigenous governments we suggest the book listed below. It is a print book that can be requested at the University of Minnesota Libraries or at many local libraries. Find a copy near you by searching Worldcat.
- American Indian Politics and the American Political System byISBN: 9781442252653Publication Date: 2017-04-13American Indian Politics and the American Political System is the most comprehensive text on the subject written from a political science perspective. The authors analyze the structures and functions of Indigenous governments (including Alaska Native communities and Native Hawaiians) and the distinctive legal and political rights these nations exercise internally. They also examine the fascinating intergovernmental relationship that exists between native nations, the states, and the federal government. The fourth edition reflects the latest developments in American Indian politics and current statistical data, including Analysis of the impacts of new legislation and recent Supreme Court decisions in Indian country, increased attention to the impact of media, assessing both Indigenous responses to cultural appropriation and mascots, and the use of social media for political organizing and activism, New coverage of Indigenous responses to climate change and environmental justice, Discussion of continued contestation about land and knowledge, with particular attention to conflicts between Indigenous epistemology and science, An examination of how transnational activism impacts and shapes indigenous relations with the U.S. government Book jacket.
The 11 Federally Recognized Tribes in Minnesota
Listed below are the 11 federally recognized tribes. If you are interested in learning more about where these tribes are geographically located visit the Minnesota Employment and Economic Development and or the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC).
- Zagaakwaandagowininiwag (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa)Zagaakwaandagowininiwag is located in northern Minnesota.
- Nah-gah-chi-wa-nong (Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation)Nah-gah-chi-wa-nong is located in Northeastern Minnesota in Carlton and St. Louis counties near Cloquet, MN.
- Gichi-Onigaming (Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa)Gichi-Onigaming is located in the northeast corner of Minnesota in Cook County.
- Gaa-zagaskwaajimekaag (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe)Gaa-zagaskwaajimekaag is located in north-central Minnesota and covers parts of four counties: Beltrami, Cass, Itasca, and Hubbard, within most Cass County.
- Cansa'yapi (Lower Sioux Indian Community)Cansa'yapi is located on the south side of the Minnesota River in Redwood County.
- Misi-zaaga'iganiing (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe)Misi-zaaga'iganiing is located in east-central Minnesota near Minneapolis/ St. Paul, MN.
- Tinta Wita (Prairie Island Indian Community)Tinta Wita is located on an island in the Mississippi River. However, most of the members reside in Welch, Minnesota.
- Miskwaagamiiwi-Zaagaiganing (Red Lake Nation)Miskwaagamiiwi-Zaagaiganing is located in northern Minnesota within Beltrami County and a little within Clearwater County.
- Mdewakanton (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community)Mdewakanton is located within Prior Lake and Scott County, Minnesota.
- Pezihutazizi Oyate (Upper Sioux Community)Pezihutazizi Oyate is located in Yellow Medicine County.
- Gaa-waabaabiganikaag (White Earth Nation)Gaa-waabaabiganikaag is located in northwestern Minnesota within the counties of Mahnomen, Becker, and Clearwater.
Tribal Communities and Governments
- Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal CommunityMendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribe is not yet federally recognized but is continuing to fight to get recognized. They are located centered in Mendota, Minnesota.
- Minnesota Chippewa TribeThe tribal government union of six reservations comprised of the Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, and White Earth reservations.
- Minnesota Indian Affairs CouncilContact information for the recognized tribal nations in Minnesota. Cultural legislation, language revitalization, and education resources.