What does federal recognition actually mean, and what does it not mean?

This episode explains what federal recognition is in legal and political terms, how it is granted, and why it does not create a tribe or its people. We clarify the difference between recognition and sovereignty, explain the government-to-government relationship it establishes, and outline why unrecognized tribes can still be real governments while nonprofits can never be recognized as tribes.

By understanding federal recognition correctly, listeners can avoid common misconceptions and better evaluate claims of tribal authority made by organizations, institutions, and public figures.

New episodes drop every Monday.

Why does enrollment matter, and why isn’t self-identification enough?

This episode explains why tribal enrollment is a core function of sovereign tribal governments. We break down how enrollment establishes citizenship, continuity, and political accountability, and why real tribes maintain formal rolls that connect living members to their ancestors. The episode also clarifies how nonprofits and informal groups often avoid enrollment entirely, and why that absence is a critical red flag when evaluating claims of tribal authority.

Understanding enrollment helps allies, institutions, and funders recognize legitimate tribal governments and avoid supporting structures that lack accountability or continuity.

New episodes drop every Monday.

What actually makes a tribe a government, and why does that distinction matter?

This first episode lays the foundation for the entire series. It explains what defines a sovereign Tribal Nation and why tribes are governments, not cultural groups or nonprofits. We break down core elements like citizenship, governance, continuity, and political authority, and explain how these differ from nonprofit organizations, even when nonprofits use Indigenous language or imagery.

Understanding this distinction is essential for recognizing legitimate tribal authority, avoiding misinformation, and supporting Indigenous sovereignty responsibly.

New episodes drop every Monday.