White Tribe

Lore & Background

In the United States, Native American tribes are legally considered to have 'domestic dependent nation' status within the territorial United States, with a government-to-government relationship with the federal government. India adopted a republican constitution in 1950, and communities listed in a 'Schedule' to the Constitution came to be called the 'Scheduled Tribes', often abbreviated to ST.

Reader's Guide

Few tribes today remain isolated from the development of the modern state system. Tribes have lost their legitimacy to conduct traditional functions, such as tithing, delivering justice and defending territory, with these being replaced by states functions and institutions, such as taxation, law courts and the military. Most have suffered decline and loss of cultural identity. Some have adapted to the new political context and transformed their culture and practices in order to survive, whilst others have secured legal rights and protections.

Did You Know?

• The modern English word tribe stems from Middle English, which ultimately derives from Latin.
• Anthropologist Morton Fried argued in 1967 that bands organized into tribes in order to resist the violence and exploitation of early kingdoms and states.
• Pashtuns in Afghanistan and Pakistan form the world's largest tribal society, comprising over 60 million people and between 350 and 400 tribes and clans.