Roadblocks to Recognition

Indian tribes that gain federal recognition stand to gain substantial housing, education and health benefits. But the process isn't easy--some tribes have been waiting decades for the government to acknowledge them.

The Interior Department is taking steps to speed up that process, a government official told the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Wednesday.

Unrecognized tribes from Montana, North Carolina, Michigan and Florida testified before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, all saying they have waited years and submitted stacks of paperwork to the department. Tribal members have died waiting for better health care, the tribes' representatives said.

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So, I must ask....by not being "recognized" or "recognized yet"...does this make one less of an Indian?......The Answer: of course not. An Indian is an Indian....recognized yet or not.