Kevin Gover told the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Federal recognition makes tribes eligible for several federal assistance programs and classifies them as sovereign nations. More than 550 tribes are federally recognized and about 200 cases are pending. Many more tribes have sought recognition since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1987 that tribes may open casinos on their land. The BIA requires reams of historical documentation from tribes, and sometimes takes as long as 12 years to make a decision on a request for recognition.
Critics pressing for change say that's too long.
The committee is considering legislation by Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, R.-Colo. Supporters say such a move would streamline the process. Campbell said of Gover's announcement. Gover said he would support legislation removing recognition responsibility from the BIA, though not necessarily Campbell's bill.