Native American Government Benefits
Native Americans within the United States are subject to certain benefits. However, these benefits depend on whether a person is a member of a federally recognized tribe. As of 2009, 557 tribes were recognized that included 1.8 million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Function
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According to the U.S. government, a person can gain certain benefits for holding some degree of Native American ethnicity as long as she is recognized by a tribe or village within the country. However, the government has not given the tribes a specific mandate on what standards to use when accepting members.
Features
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One major benefit for Native American groups is the status of sovereignty within the United States. A reservation acts as an independent government in relation to the U.S. and thus has the right to establish its own government, levy taxes and practice a system of justice.
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Significance
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Despite sovereignty, each reservation is put into trust by the federal government. This means that the U.S. holds responsibility for protecting the tribal lands, resources and the rights of the tribal members.
Misconceptions
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The government does not provide financial benefits directly to individuals simply on the basis of ethnicity. However, certain treaties establish provisions for mineral rights and long-term payments, which the federal government must maintain with the tribes.
Benefits
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The Indian Health Service is a single-payer medical system established by the federal government to provide healthcare for federally recognized tribes of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Neeta Lind
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Comments
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how do I get my native american benefits? I thought this was the site? My grandmother is 100% Lumbee Indian and its a federally recognized tribe. this makes my mom 50% n me 25%. My fathers 100% Puerto Rican and they are beleived to have Indian roots as well.
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I am trying to find out if I am native american, people have told me I look navajo.
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hi was wondering if there was a way that I could get my native american benefit's sooner can you help me.
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I am a member of the St. Regis Mohawk tribe in NY. I have heard that I was entitled to certain benifits, and I was wondering what steps I needed to take. The following is my home address and if you could provide me with the information on how to go about this or to whom I must contact. I would appreciateit. Thank you! Beth Zweidinger 8931 Windsong Lane Port Richey, Florida 34668
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Heoll my name is Joshua Sanchez. I been trying to get my native american benefits. Is their any way you could help me or do you know any one that could help me.
