Tribes I

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Find Native American tribes beginning with the letter I. This Tribes I directory brings together tribes from all recognition statuses—federal, state, unrecognized, and extinct—providing concise introductions and links to full profiles.

The I-series index is especially useful for those studying the cultural and historical diversity of Native America.

This page is an alphabetical index of Native American tribes, Alaska Native villages, tribal councils, communities, and historical tribal groups whose official or commonly used names begin with the letter I.

Each bold tribal name is intended to link to a separate profile containing information about that nation’s history, traditional homeland, language, culture, government, and present-day community. The shorter name in parentheses is a common name you may see in books, government records, news reports, or everyday use.

Tribal names can be complicated. A tribe may use a traditional Indigenous name while an older English or Spanish name remains in federal records. Historical documents may also spell the same tribal name several different ways. When possible, use the name preferred by the tribe itself.

Federally Recognized Tribes Beginning With I

Federally recognized tribes maintain a formal government-to-government relationship with the United States. Recognition confirms a tribe’s political status and may make the tribal government and its citizens eligible for certain federal services and programs.

• Igiugig Village (Igiugig)
• Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel, California (Santa Ysabel or Iipay Nation)
• Inaja Band of Diegueno Mission Indians of the Inaja and Cosmit Reservation, California (Inaja-Cosmit or Inaja Band)
• Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope (Arctic Slope Iñupiat)
• Ione Band of Miwok Indians of California (Ione Miwok)
• Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska (Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska)
• Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma (Iowa Tribe)
• Iqurmuit Traditional Council (Iqurmuit)
• Ivanof Bay Tribe (Ivanof Bay)

Several of these names belong to Alaska Native communities. Alaska Native tribal governments may use terms such as village, community, tribe, or traditional council in their official names. These governments have the same federally recognized political standing as other tribes on the federal list, although their land arrangements and local governing structures may differ.

The two Iowa tribal governments are separate sovereign nations. The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska and the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma share historical and cultural roots, but each has its own government, citizenship requirements, programs, and present-day community.

State-Recognized Tribes Beginning With I

No current state-recognized tribes with formal names beginning with the letter I were identified during the preparation of this directory.

State recognition is determined by individual state governments. It does not create the same legal relationship that exists between a federally recognized tribe and the United States. State lists can also change when a tribe receives federal recognition, changes its official name, or when state laws are revised.

Unrecognized Tribes Beginning With I

No clearly documented present-day tribal organizations with formal names beginning with I were identified that could be reliably placed in the unrecognized category.

The word “unrecognized” should be used carefully. It generally means that a group does not currently have federal or state recognition. It does not automatically determine whether its members have Native ancestry or whether the community has maintained cultural or family traditions. Some groups are actively petitioning for federal acknowledgment, while others have never entered the federal process.

Historical Tribes and Names Beginning With I

• Illinois Confederation (Illiniwek or Illini)

The Illinois Confederation was a group of related Native peoples whose homelands included parts of present-day Illinois and neighboring areas of the Midwest. Historical records mention several constituent tribes, including the Kaskaskia, Cahokia, Peoria, Tamaroa, and Michigamea.

The Illinois Confederation should not be described as a modern unrecognized tribe. Its history continues through descendant communities, especially the federally recognized Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma.

The Illinois Tribe was once the most numerous tribe in Illinois, and the state of Illinois is named after them.

How to Use This Directory

Select a bold tribal name to open its full profile. When researching a tribe, begin with its official government, cultural department, museum, language program, or historic preservation office whenever those sources are available.

Do not assume that information about one Native nation applies to another. Tribes have their own governments, histories, languages, citizenship laws, religious traditions, and cultural practices. Even closely related communities may use different names and maintain separate political identities.

This directory will be updated as new tribal profiles are completed and as governments revise their official names or recognition status.