A
How many federally recognized Tribes are there in Oregon?
9
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
Burns Paiute Tribe
Klamath Tribes
Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians
Coquille Indian Tribe
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
What was the Boarding School Era?
During mid-19th to 20th centuries; operated on and off reservation, by federal government, and religious groups to eliminate traditional American Indian ways of life and replace them with mainstream American culture.
How many federally recognized Tribes are there in the United States?
575 (will also accept 574 as a response, 575th Tribe was recognized Oct 18, 2025)
How many federally recognized Tribes were terminated in Oregon in the 1950s Termination Era?
68
What does it mean to be a "federally recognized Tribe"?
Inherent rights of self-government (Tribal sovereignty); Tribes possess a nationhood status and retain inherent powers of self-government.
Recognized as having government-to-government relationship with the US, grounded in US Constitution
Hold certain responsibilities, powers, and obligations with that designation
Eligible for funding and services from government because of their special relationship with US
Historically, status conferred through treaties, acts of Congress, presidential EO, other federal administrative actions, and federal court decisions
How many Tribes and Bands make up the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde?
Over 30!
What is Tribal sovereignty?
The inherent, pre-existing right of Indigenous nations to govern themselves, recognized by the US Constitution, federal laws, and treaties. Can establish their own governments, manage their lands, enforce laws, provide for their members, etc.
When did Grand Ronde regain federal recognition?
November 22, 1983
What is the Trust Doctrine?
The “trust doctrine” and “trust relationship” is established through treaty and inconsistently upheld by the federal government. The federal government has/owes obligations to tribes and has a responsibility to fulfill its commitments established through treaties and provisions of the U.S. Constitution.
“The purpose of the trust doctrine is and always has been to ensure the survival and welfare of Indian tribes and people. This includes an obligation to...self-government…” -American Indian Policy Review Commission, 1977
What makes someone a member of a Tribe?
Tribes create their own enrollment requirements
Set forth in Tribal Constitutions, Articles of Incorporation, or Ordinances
Lineal Descent
Blood Quantum
Categorized by the government according to a pedigree
Race/ethnicity versus political status
Enrolled Tribal Member, Tribal Descendant, etc. versus American Indian/Alaska Native