Separate, But “Unequal”: The Meaning of Recognition
The constitutions of both the Seminole and Miccosukee Tribes were approved in 1957. The ratifications, however, were accomplished by different entities and with differing results.
Seminole Tribe:
The Reservation Indians—now officially called the Seminole Tribe of Florida—received federal recognition in 1957. Federal recognition was essentially an assertion by the United States that the Miccosukee and Muskogee speakers who lived on the Seminole reservations comprised Florida’s only official tribe. They could continue to build upon state and federal programs operated on tribal land, in addition to administering tribal funds held in trust for them by the U.S.
Miccosukee Tribe:
By contrast, the Miccosukee Tribe was only granted recognition by the state of Florida. This sanctioning did not provide the same level of benefits as federal recognition. Without recognition from the United States, the Miccosukee Trail Indians’ self-governance and land rights were not perceived to be fully protected. The Tribe, asserting that they had followed the requirements set forth by the U.S., protested the lack of federal approval.