As COVID-19 disproportionately affects Native American communities, many tribal leaders say the pandemic poses particular risks to tribes without federal recognition.
Lacking a political relationship with the United States means those tribes are denied federal coronavirus relief funding for state, local and tribal governments.
Without federal funding, tribal leaders say they are less-equipped to prevent infections and curb the significant economic toll the pandemic has had on their communities.
Tribes seeking federal recognition also face a long, expensive process that makes the designation often feel out of reach.
