An American Indian reservation is an area of land recognized by the U.S. government where a Native Nation exercises authority and self-governance under federal trust. These lands are home to sovereign tribal nations that have a distinct political and legal relationship with the United States, established through treaties, federal law, and a complicated history.
At Running Strong for American Indian Youth®, founded by Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota), we work alongside Native communities that continue to steward these lands today. Our organization was built from firsthand experience within the reservation system and a belief in the strength, resilience, and sovereignty of Native Nations across the country.
In this guide, we explore the complex history and present-day realities of Native American reservations, from their origins in forced relocation and broken treaties to their modern role as centers of community, culture, and self-determination. You’ll learn how reservations were established, what sovereignty means for tribal nations, and key facts about the hundreds of recognized reservations across the United States.
By understanding how these unique locations came about and how they function, we can better aid and honor the Native Peoples who continue to live on and steward these lands.
A Brief History: Why Do Indian Reservations Exist?
The history of American Indian reservations in the United States is rooted in the federal government’s early treaty-making era and later policies of forced relocation and assimilation. In the 18th and 19th centuries, treaties such as the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 established specific lands for Native Nations in exchange for vast territories taken by the U.S. government. These treaties were meant to protect tribal sovereignty and good relations between the U.S. and Tribal Nations. Instead, many treaties were broken, violated, or weaponized, leading to widespread loss of lands, tribal autonomy, and destruction of cultures.
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 authorized the forced displacement of tens of thousands of Native people from their ancestral homelands to lands west of the Mississippi River. This period marked the beginning of the reservation system, as tribes were relocated to confined areas often far from their original territories.
Later, the Dawes Act of 1887 further reshaped tribal lands by dividing communal holdings into individual allotments. “Surplus” land was sold to non-Native settlers, resulting in the loss of millions of acres and deep disruption to tribal governance and culture.
By the early 20th century, the U.S. had formalized the reservation system as a way to manage its relationship with Native Nations. Yet despite the immense hardships imposed by these policies, tribal communities maintained their traditions, languages, and self-determination, laying the foundation for today’s era of renewed sovereignty and cultural revitalization.
Understanding Tribal Sovereignty and Self-Governance
Tribal sovereignty and self-governance are hard-won, long-protected rights upheld by Native Nations in the face of centuries of U.S. interference. For Native communities, sovereignty is about far more than governance; it is the right to live as a people in ways that honor traditions, values, and knowledge passed down through generations. Sovereignty means making decisions for the well-being of the community without interference from outside forces. It is not something that was given to tribes; it is something they have always carried as nations that existed long before the United States.
At its core, sovereignty creates the space for Native people to care for their homelands, families, and cultures in ways that remain true to who they are. It is essential for survival and flourishing, ensuring that Native Nations can thrive into the future.
Sovereignty also looks different across Indian Country. Each Nation operates its own government and systems; there is no single model for governance. Some have constitutions and elected leaders, while others follow traditional councils or community-based decision-making rooted in cultural values. What they share is the right to make choices that protect the welfare of their citizens, preserve cultural traditions, and guide community development according to their own priorities.
While many reservations today are not located on a Nation’s original homelands, they remain vital centers of cultural, political, and spiritual life. These lands, often a fraction of what was once held, serve as places of community and continuity where tribes continue to exercise leadership, resilience, and stewardship of their people and resources.
The relationship between tribal nations and the United States is a government-to-government relationship, recognized in treaties, the U.S. Constitution, and federal law. States generally do not have authority within reservation boundaries, which allows tribes to maintain control over their land, people, and resources.
There are also many kinds of sovereignty, each reinforcing the other.
- Political sovereignty safeguards self-governance and decision-making power.
- Cultural sovereignty protects traditions, stories, and spiritual practices.
- Economic sovereignty builds independence and resilience.
Together, these forms of sovereignty strengthen Native communities, preserve identity, and ensure that generations to come will continue to live as self-determined nations.
Key Facts About American Indian Reservations Today
American Indian reservations represent a living expression of sovereignty, resilience, and cultural continuity. Each reservation has its own government, traditions, and history, reflecting the diversity of more than 500 federally recognized Tribal Nations across the country. While some reservations are rural and isolated, others are located near major cities.
It’s also important to recognize that many Tribal Nations do not have reservation lands or federal recognition, yet continue to preserve their cultures and exercise self-determination within their communities. Together, these nations form a complex network of tribal lands and peoples that protect Native identity and self-governance in the modern era.
How Many Indian Reservations Are in the United States?
- There are approximately 326 federal Indian reservations in the United States, according to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
- These reservations are home to 574 federally recognized tribes with unique histories and governing systems.
- Not every tribe has its own reservation, and many Native Nations are still fighting for federal recognition.
- Some tribes are state-recognized, while others continue to live on ancestral homelands without formal recognition.
For a more comprehensive look at Native lands and Nations, including those that are not federally recognized, visit the Native Land Digital map.
What Is the Largest Indian Reservation?
- The Navajo Nation is the largest Indian reservation in the country.
- It covers more than 27,000 square miles across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.
- The reservation is larger than Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont combined.
- This vast land base supports thriving communities, protects sacred landscapes, and sustains the Navajo language and culture.
Where are Most Reservations Located?
- Most Indian reservations are located west of the Mississippi River, including large areas in Arizona, New Mexico, South Dakota, Montana, and Alaska.
- This western concentration reflects 19th-century federal policies that forcibly removed tribes from the East to make way for European settlement.
- The Indian Removal Act of 1830 authorized these displacements, pushing Native peoples onto less-developed western lands.
- Today, these territories remain vital centers of community, economic development, and cultural revitalization.
To explore current locations, view the United States Indian reservations map from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Understanding Life on Reservations Today
Life on Native American reservations is rich, complex, and deeply rooted in cultural identity. Each reservation has its own government, traditions, and history, reflecting the diversity of hundreds of sovereign nations. From language revitalization and community celebrations to education and entrepreneurship, life on these lands continues to evolve while staying grounded in ancestral values and connection to the land.
To truly understand what an Indian reservation is, it’s important to see beyond any single narrative. Life within these communities varies greatly, shaped by geography, governance, and culture. Each nation defines its own path, guided by both tradition and innovation, preserving the spirit of sovereignty that has endured for generations.
At the same time, many communities continue to face systemic challenges shaped by centuries of broken treaties and underinvestment. These issues cannot be separated from the broader historical context that shaped reservation life. To better understand the realities, resilience, and innovations happening across Indian Country, explore our full resource on Life in Native American Reservations.
A Closer Look: The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in southwestern South Dakota is one of the largest and most historically significant Indian reservations in the United States. Spanning roughly 2.1 million acres, it is home to the Oglala Lakota Nation, a people whose culture, language, and traditions continue to define life across the region. Pine Ridge was established after the signing of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, which recognized parts of the Great Plains as Lakota territory. Despite centuries of hardship and broken promises, the Oglala people have preserved their sovereignty, values, and sense of community with remarkable strength.
For anyone asking what an Indian reservation is, Pine Ridge serves as a powerful example. It is both a homeland and a hub of cultural preservation, education, and governance, where Lakota traditions guide everyday life while modern programs build toward a stronger future.
Today, Pine Ridge stands as both a testament to resilience and a focal point for renewal. The reservation faces significant challenges rooted in generations of systemic neglect, yet it remains a vibrant center of culture, family, and self-determination. We work closely with Oglala Lakota partners to support programs that meet critical needs and foster long-term sustainability. From cultivating community gardens to providing clean water access and youth mentorship, each initiative is guided by the community’s vision for its own future.
For a deeper look into the history, geography, and daily life of this remarkable community, visit our comprehensive guide to The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. To understand how Running Strong for American Indian Youth® is helping to confront and overcome economic and social barriers, explore our resource on Poverty on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Answering Common Questions About Indian Reservations
Understanding Indian reservations begins with recognizing that each one is unique. No two tribes govern, live, or engage with visitors in exactly the same way. Reservations vary widely in size, population, economy, and geography, from vast rural lands in the Southwest to smaller communities near major cities. What they share is a foundation of sovereignty, culture, and community that continues to shape Native life across the country.
What Does a Reservation Mean for Native Americans?
A reservation represents land where a Native Nation exercises its inherent right to self-governance and cultural preservation. It is not simply a place of residence, but a homeland where tribal governments, languages, and traditions continue to thrive. For Native Americans, reservations are centers of identity and sovereignty; living nations with their own laws, leaders, and community institutions.
Are People on Indian Reservations US citizens?
Yes. All Native Americans born in the United States are U.S. citizens under the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. However, citizenship does not diminish tribal sovereignty. Native people hold unique dual status as both citizens of their respective tribes and citizens of the United States. This means they are governed by their tribal governments and maintain the political rights and responsibilities that come with their U.S. citizenship.
Can Anyone Visit an Indian Reservation?
In most cases, yes. Visitors are welcome to explore many Native American reservations that open their lands for cultural experiences, museums, guided tours, or historic sites. However, it is essential to remember that reservations are sovereign nations and, more importantly, people’s homes. Many areas, such as battlefields or memorials, are sacred spaces that honor lives lost in defense of Native culture and sovereignty.
Respectful tourism can provide economic support while fostering understanding. Always follow tribal guidelines, support Native-owned businesses, and approach visits with humility. For instance, parts of Palm Springs lie within the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation, where cultural sites and hiking trails are open to visitors.
Can a Non-Native Person Live on a Reservation?
Generally, non-Native individuals may live or work on a reservation only with permission from the tribal government. Housing, land use, and business activities are governed by tribal law, not state jurisdiction. Some reservations lease land to non-Native residents or businesses under strict regulations, but all activity occurs at the discretion of the tribe.
Living on a reservation is a privilege extended through cooperation and respect, not an entitlement. Each tribal nation determines its own rules for residency and engagement within its community.
Do All Reservations Have Casinos?
No, not all reservations have casinos. While some tribes operate gaming facilities under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, many others do not participate in gaming at all. The decision to open a casino is made by each tribal government, based on the community’s needs, land location, and available resources.
Casinos are allowed on reservations because tribes are recognized as sovereign nations with the right to regulate economic activities on their land. Gaming can serve as a form of economic development, helping fund essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing. However, only a small percentage of tribes benefit significantly from casino revenue, as most reservations are in rural areas where large-scale gaming operations are not feasible.
It’s important to understand that tribal sovereignty extends far beyond gaming. For many communities, the focus is on preserving culture, revitalizing language, and creating sustainable opportunities that strengthen the nation for generations to come.
Supporting Sovereign Nations and Future Generations
Across the United States, Indian reservations represent living nations built on strength, resilience, and self-determination. From the Navajo Nation in the Southwest to the Oglala Lakota lands of Pine Ridge, these communities continue to protect their cultures while shaping a future defined by hope and progress.
At Running Strong for American Indian Youth®, we are honored to stand alongside Native Nations as partners in that journey. Our programs support food sovereignty, youth leadership, clean water access, education, and cultural revitalization; each led by and for the communities we serve.
To learn more about how we are empowering Native youth and strengthening tribal sovereignty across Indian Country, explore our programs today.