An American Indian or Alaska Native tribal entity that is recognized as having a government-to-government relationship with the United States, and is eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Federally recognized tribes are also recognized as possessing certain inherent rights of self-government (i.e., tribal sovereignty) and are entitled to receive certain federal benefits, services, and protections because of their special relationship with the United States.  At present, there are 566 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and villages.