Frequently Asked Questions

These represent some common questions that are often asked to the Chamber about American Indian people. This section will grow to include questions from business owners, tourists, and those interested in Minnesota's American Indian Community.

1. How does the Constitution address Indian tribes?
The US Constitution recognizes Indian tribes as sovereign entities, along with "foreign nations and the several states." The Supreme Court has consistently upheld this view.

2. How many tribes are there in the U.S., and how many members do they represent?
There are 562 federally recognized tribal governments located in 35 states. They represent about 2.3 million tribal members.

3. What does it mean if a tribe is "federally recognized?"
It means the tribe is recognized by the U.S. Department of Interior as a sovereign tribal government, and is eligible to receive federal aids.

4. What is tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty is the right to govern yourself. When tribes gave up their lands in treaties with the U.S., they retained the right to continue governing themselves as they had for centuries.

5. What government powers do tribes possess?
Like states, tribes make and enforce their own laws; provide services for citizens; raise and spend revenues; regulate commerce; establish citizenship rules and negotiate with other governments.

6. Why are tribes allowed to operate casinos?
In 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a sovereign tribal government could conduct gambling without state interference as long as gambling in some form was legal in the state.