Most of the major Indian claims have been filed, lawyers for tribes say.
Recognition is required for tribes interested in seeking revenue by opening a casino.
Charles Altekruse Berkeley, Calif., Jan . 4 2010 The writer is a community relations consultant for tribes in California.
The experiment could offer a new money-making model for tribes nationwide seeking economic opportunities beyond casinos.
"It's important for tribes to have communication lines open, even though it falls on deaf ears," Archambault said.
It is an increasingly common sight for tribes across the West and Plains: Tourist spending has gone slack since the recession hit.
Some know Broadway is a former Indian trail, and that neighbourhoods, like Canarsie and Maspeth, are named for tribes long gone.
But, more importantly, recognition is the key for tribes ravaged by poverty and joblessness — and there are far more of those — to qualify for federal aid programs.
"Our hearts are full, this an historic day for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and for tribes across the nation," Archambault said.
