Tribal Name Change
There is a process Tribal Governments can use to request that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) update their name on the Federal Register’s list of federally recognized tribes to reflect an accurate cultural name. The Tribal Name Change Toolkit helps Tribal Governments begin that process.
What’s in the Toolkit?
Tribal Name Change Resolution Template
Provides drafted language Tribal Councils can adapt to their own resolution format to formally request a name change on the Federal Register.
Tribal Name Change Letter to BIA Template
Provides drafted language Tribal Governments can adapt when submitting a request to the BIA to update their name on the Federal Register.
Each Tribe is different. Tribal Governments should review and adapt each tool provided in this toolkit to make sure it accurately reflects their Tribe’s governing documents, processes, and circumstances before using it. These tools are designed to help Tribes begin the name change process. BIA may request additional documentation to complete the process.
Have experience navigating the Tribal Name Change process? We welcome Tribes to share what they’ve learned, ask questions about the toolkit, or identify additional resources that may be useful to other Tribes interested in starting the process.
Contact us at info@aywaa.org.
