Native American Identity: Definition, Terminology, and Citizenship

Few topics in American identity are as layered as what it means to be Native American, shaped by federal recognition, tribal sovereignty, and centuries of legal history. With 574 federally recognized tribal nations and a population of 3.7 million according to the 2020 Census, the definitions matter more than ever.

Federally recognized tribes: 574 ·
Native American population (2020 Census): 3.7 million ·
Native Americans living outside reservations: about 80% ·
Year U.S. citizenship granted: 1924 ·
Indigenous language families: over 150

Six key facts capture the core data points that define Native American identity today.

What is considered to be Native American?

The definition of Native American identity is not a simple checklist. It rests on three pillars: tribal citizenship, federal recognition, and self-identification. Under U.S. law, tribal nations are sovereign governments that set their own membership requirements (Native American Rights Fund). The Bureau of Indian Affairs issues Certificates of Degree of Indian Blood, computed based on family lineage (Journalist’s Resource). But having Native lineage does not automatically grant tribal citizenship — each tribe also requires evidence linking an applicant to a member on a base roll (Journalist’s Resource).

What is the name of the Native American people?

There is no single name for all Native peoples. The term “American Indian” is still used legally and by many tribal members, while “Native American” gained popularity in the 1960s. “Indigenous” is a broader term that includes peoples around the world. Many prefer to be called by their specific tribal affiliation, such as Diné (Navajo) or Lakota (Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian).

What does it mean to be Native American?

Being Native American today means citizenship in a sovereign tribal nation, not a racial category. The Native American Rights Fund underscores that “tribal citizenship is a political classification defined by tribal law, not a racial status” (Native American Rights Fund). This distinction is critical for understanding federal benefits, voting rights, and cultural identity.

The implication: legal recognition carries concrete consequences for funding, healthcare, and cultural preservation.

Is Native American the same as Indian?

The two terms are often used interchangeably in conversation, but their histories differ sharply. “Indian” originated from Christopher Columbus’s mistaken belief he had reached the Indies (Smithsonian Institution). Many tribal members today still refer to themselves as “American Indian” — it appears in official names like the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service. However, “Indian American” correctly refers to people with ancestry from India, not from Native American tribes.

The following table clarifies the terminology.

What’s a slang word for Native American?

Offensive slang such as “Redskin” is widely condemned by tribal organizations and many state governments. The term originated from a practice of trading Native scalps, and its use in sports and casual speech has been the subject of legal battles (Native American Rights Fund). Respectful terminology today includes “Native American,” “American Indian,” or — best of all — the specific tribal name.

What ethnicity are most Indian Americans?

Indian Americans are people with heritage from India, a country in South Asia. According to Pew Research Center, the Indian American population is primarily of Asian Indian ancestry and has no connection to Native American tribes.

What this means: clarity in language prevents confusion and respects both Native and South Asian communities.

What is the closest DNA to Native Americans?

Genetic research has traced the origins of Native Americans to ancient populations in Siberia who crossed the Bering land bridge thousands of years ago. The closest living relatives are Indigenous peoples of Siberia, such as the Ket and Nganasan (Nature (2013)). Studies of mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome markers show that Native Americans share a common founder population with these Siberian groups.

What are the genetic origins of Native Americans?

A 2013 study published in Nature analyzed 31 ancient genomes and concluded that Native Americans descended from a single ancestral population that split from East Asians around 23,000 years ago (Nature (2013)). The first Americans then migrated south through ice-free corridors. However, some relationships to specific modern Siberian groups remain debated (Science).

The pattern: biological relationship does not equate to legal citizenship.

How do you say ‘I love you’ in indigenous languages?

More than 150 indigenous languages are still spoken across the United States today (Smithsonian Institution). Many are actively being revitalized after centuries of suppression. Here is one example: in the Mi’kmaw language, “Kesalul” means “I love you” (Mi’kmaw Language Portal).

What are some common indigenous language phrases?

Efforts to bring back languages like Cherokee, Navajo, and Lakota are underway in schools and communities. The Native Languages of the Americas website provides basic phrases, but learners are advised to seek out tribal language programs for accurate pronunciation and cultural context.

The catch: increased interest must be matched by sustained support for elder-led programs.

Are Native Americans US citizens?

Yes — the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 unilaterally granted U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans born within the territorial boundaries of the United States (Native American Rights Fund). Since then, every tribal citizen born in the U.S. is also a U.S. citizen, creating dual citizenship in both a tribal nation and the United States.

What is tribal sovereignty?

Tribal sovereignty is the inherent authority of tribes to govern themselves. It predates the U.S. Constitution and is protected by treaties and Supreme Court doctrine (MECEP). The Constitution gives authority in Indian affairs to the federal government, not to states — states have no authority over tribes unless Congress explicitly grants it (Journalist’s Resource citing National Conference of State Legislatures).

What You Need to Know About Tribal Sovereignty and Birthright Citizenship

Tribal sovereignty means tribes can establish their own governments, determine membership, enact laws, and run court systems (Journalist’s Resource citing National Conference of State Legislatures). Birthright citizenship applies to Native Americans born in the U.S. just as it does to other citizens — but that citizenship does not abolish tribal sovereignty. The Native American Rights Fund notes that “Tribal Nations are sovereign governments with inherent authority over their lands and citizens.”

The catch: dual citizenship requires navigating two legal systems, each with its own obligations.

Timeline: Key moments in Native American identity and sovereignty

The following timeline highlights critical dates that have shaped Native American identity and sovereignty.

The pattern: each event either expanded or constrained tribal self-governance.

Perspectives from experts

“Most Native Americans do not live on reservations. They live in cities and towns across the country.”

— Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

“A Tribal Nation is not a ward of the government, but an independent nation.”

— Native American Rights Fund

“Tribal citizenship is a political classification defined by tribal law, not a racial status.”

— Native American Rights Fund

The takeaway from these voices: Native American identity is a matter of tribal citizenship, not blood percentage or self-identification alone. For the millions of Americans who claim Native ancestry without being enrolled in a tribe, the path to understanding begins with respecting tribal sovereignty — and recognizing that legal definitions carry real consequences for funding, healthcare, and cultural preservation. For federal and state governments, the choice is clear: honor treaty obligations and tribal self-governance, or risk deepening the trust gap.

For a deeper look at how tribal sovereignty affects federal obligations, see this explainer on Native American identity and citizenship and taxes.

Frequently asked questions

The collective implication: tribal sovereignty and federal recognition govern access to services and rights – individual ancestry alone is insufficient.