Federal Recognition
/ˈfɛdərəl ˌrɛkəɡˈnɪʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) Official acknowledgment by the federal government of a tribal entity's legal status and sovereignty.
The tribe sought federal recognition to access certain benefits and protections.
- (n.) Formal acceptance of a state's or entity's status under federal law.
Federal recognition established the validity of the agreement.
Forms
- federal recognition
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Federal recognition most commonly refers to the U.S. government's acknowledgment of Native American tribes, conferring specific legal and political rights; clarity in drafting should specify the context to avoid ambiguity.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.