Native American Tribes Struggle For Recognition

More than 20,000 Native Americans are living in Maryland, but these tribes are bereft economic and cultural benefits compared to other Native American tribes who have obtained recognition. The main idea of this is to get a legal process called recognition, and this means to be able to identify themselves as Native Americans without having to worry about the regulations. To be able to get recognition you have to identify yourself as a Native American tribe that has existed before 1790 and you can not belong to any other tribe. The down fall of this is it is very expensive and time consuming because you have to hire a historian that can trace records from two centuries ago. But once you get recognition it is worth it because you will be provided help with money and essential things you need. Is this a fair process for Native Americans to do to get help? -Kendra