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State Recognition of Indian Tribes
description
The Virginia Council on Indians is responsible for determining whether a tribe meets the criteria for state recognition. Currently, there are eight state-recognized tribes. Tribal recognition grants rights relating to self-government and financial status. Tribes who are federally recognized receive more rights than tribes who are only recognized by the state.
How does the state government relate to tribes seeking state recognition? What criteria must be met in order to receive state recognition? What are some potential difficulties tribes might encounter in seeking recognition? Why might tribes want to be recognized by the state or federal government?
Source: Virginia Council on Indians, Tribal Recognition Criteria, State Recognition of Indian Tribes (accessed November 4, 2008).