In the United States there are 481 federally recognized tribes, with over 300 non-federally recognized tribes. Throughout the long history of Native Americans new tribes have been created, as old tribes split apart for various reasons.
Cultures change and evolve as conditions and ideas change, as they always have.
When the Spaniards brought the first iron knives and horses, life was improved for many tribes, and their cultures changed significantly. A century later, the Winchester rifle improved hunting and defense capabilities. Today, the hunt for that knowledge which can provide for tribal sustainability is discovering powerful new tools on the Internet. An electronic wind of new possibilities for self-empowerment has unexpectedly changed what Native Americans can do to support themselves and their tribes. Look to the past, to see the future.