A non-exhaustive list of common terms relevant to tribal engagement and Native American affairs.
Eligible — An entity that is authorized (e.g., via statute, regulation) to use a GSA source or GSA sources. See eligibility determinations for more information.
Indian tribe — As defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304, means “any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.” This definition is related to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, which is codified in 25 U.S.C. Chapter 46.
Tribally controlled school — As defined under 25 U.S.C. 2511, means a school that: “(i) is operated by a tribe or a tribal organization, enrolling students in kindergarten through grade 12, including a preschool; (ii) is not a local educational agency; and (iii) is not directly administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.” This definition is related to the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of 1988, which is codified in 25 U.S.C. Chapter 27.
Tribally designated housing entities — As defined in 25 U.S.C. 4103, means “an entity meeting the criteria prescribed by 25 U.S.C. 4103(22).” This definition is related to the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996, which is codified in 25 U.S.C. Chapter 43.
Tribal government — As defined in 40 U.S.C. 502(c)(3)(B): “(i) the governing body of any tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community located in the continental United States (excluding the State of Alaska) that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians, and (ii) any Alaska Native regional or village corporation established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).” This definition applies to our Cooperative Purchasing Program, Disaster Purchasing Program, and Public Health Emergencies Program.
Tribal organization — As defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304, means the “recognized governing body of any tribe; any legally established organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities: Provided: That in any case where a contract is let or grant made to an organization to perform services benefiting more than one tribe, the approval of each such tribe shall be a prerequisite to the letting or making of such contract or grant.” This definition is related to the ISDEAA, which is codified in 25 U.S.C. Chapter 46.
Urban Indian organization — As defined in 25 U.S.C. 1603, means a “nonprofit corporate body situated in an urban center, governed by an urban Indian controlled board of directors, and providing for the maximum participation of all interested Indian groups and individuals, which body is capable of legally cooperating with other public and private entities for the purpose of performing the activities described in 25 U.S.C. 1653(a).” This definition is related to the Indian Health Care Improvement Reauthorization and Extension Act of 2009, which is codified in 25 U.S.C. Chapter 18, subchapter IV.
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