American Indians are unlike other racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. in that they are the only ones that have to prove, by pedigree, to be the race/ethnic group that they claim. Recognition of tribes is based on federal guidelines. Sometimes, some states will recognize tribes at the state level. There are over 500 recognized tribes in America. There are nearly 100 state recognized tribes in the U.S. that are not federally recognized. There are over 3,000 non-recognized tribes in America that are left out in the cold by both the federal government and the states that they inhabit. ONLY the federally recognized tribes have reservations and receive any federal aid for educational, medical, or other benefits/uses.

The Kaweah Indian Nation and the Pembina Little Shell Tribe are both non-recognized “tribes”. They received no benefits and have NO RESERVATION LANDS or POLITICAL POWER. These two groups go against the very nature of what a tribe is supposed to be about. Moreover, they make the true non-recognized tribes look like scam artists as well.

It is my hope that these two groups suffer greatly for trying to harm not only America but also there Amerindian brothers.

It is my hope, however, that my words will be understood by the majority reading this article and that no one will use the actions of these two scam “tribes” as an excuse to perpetuate bigoted racial/ethnic slurs.

S-gi!