Long before Alabama became a state, it was home to thriving Native American nations whose descendants still live here today. But how many tribes are officially recognized in Alabama now?

In the U.S., there are 574 federally recognized Native American tribes and Alaska Native entities, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior.

In Alabama, there is one federally recognized Indigenous tribe and eight state-recognized tribes.

Here’s what to know.

Alabama has one federally recognized Native American tribe

The Poarch Creek Indians are the only federally recognized tribe in the state of Alabama, according to their official website.

Since they are federally recognized, the U.S. government acknowledges them as a sovereign nation, meaning that it gives the tribe the right to govern itself with its own elected officials, laws and community services.

Much like a small nation within the U.S., they manage their own affairs, from housing and healthcare to law enforcement, and they have access to federal funding and resources that aren’t available to tribes without that status.

How many state recognized Native American tribes are in Alabama?

The state of Alabama recognizes nine Indigenous tribes, in addition to the one federally recognized tribe. Alabama’s state-recognized Indigenous tribes are:

• Cher-O-Creek Intertribal Indians (Cherokees of SE Alabama)

• Cherokees of N.E. Alabama

• Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama

• MaChis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama

• MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians

• Southeastern Mvskoke Nation, Inc. (Star Clan of Muscogee Creeks)

• United Cherokee Ani-Yun-Wiya Nation

When it comes to state-recognized Native American tribes, they lack a federal relationship with the U.S. government and its associated benefits. Therefore, state-level acknowledgement does not guarantee federal funding and the tribes remain subject to state law, according to Native Nations Institute.

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@gannett.com.

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: How many Native American tribes are recognized in Alabama? There are 9