The Alabama Indian Affairs Commission is a state agency created by the Alabama Legislature in 1984. It replaced the Southwest Alabama Indian Affairs Commission, which lost funding in 1982 after disputes among tribes. Headquartered in Montgomery, the commission acts as a liaison between Native Americans in Alabama and local, state and federal agencies [1]. It also sets the rules for state recognition of tribes. This entry explains what the commission does, who sits on it and which tribes the state recognizes.
| Created | 1984 |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Southwest Alabama Indian Affairs Commission (defunded 1982) |
| Headquarters | Montgomery |
| Members | 13 |
| Term | Four years, reappointable |
| State-recognized tribes | Nine |
Purpose
The commission links tribal communities with funding and resources for social and economic development. It works as a point of contact between tribes and government departments, and it shares information about legislation that affects Native Americans in Alabama [1].
Membership
The commission has 13 members: one representative from each of the nine recognized tribes; a state senator appointed by the lieutenant governor; a state representative appointed by the speaker of the House; an at-large member appointed by the governor; and a member from a federally recognized tribe not otherwise represented, appointed by the commission. Members serve four-year terms, can be reappointed and receive no pay beyond travel and expense reimbursement [1].
Recognized tribes
The state recognizes nine tribes: the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama, the Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama, the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama, the Star Clan of Muscogee Creeks, the Cher-O-Creek Intra Tribal Indians, the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians, the Piqua Shawnee Tribe and the United Cherokee Ani-Yun-Wiya Nation. Only the Poarch Band is federally recognized [1]. Profiles include Poarch Band of Creek Indians, MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians and the Cherokee groups described in Cherokee in Alabama.
Duties
The commission pursues government grants and funds for eligible Native Americans, manages its own administrative, financial and personnel matters and shares information on legislation. It offers annual scholarships to tribal members attending in-state colleges, sponsors economic development workshops and keeps a list of Indian-operated businesses. It also works with state historical agencies on preservation efforts [1].
Powers
The commission may recognize Indian tribes and set the rules and criteria for recognition, and it may advocate for and promote Indian rights. State recognition is different from federal recognition, which comes from the U.S. government and carries different legal consequences. Tribes recognized by the state may be eligible for some state programs and services, but not for those reserved for federally recognized tribes [1].
Why it matters
The commission gives smaller communities a formal voice in state government. It also helps keep the record of who the state’s tribes are, a topic that connects to the history in Indigenous Peoples of Alabama (Overview) and the profile of Alabama [1].
FAQs
When was the commission created? In 1984.
Where is it located? Montgomery.
How many tribes does Alabama recognize? Nine.
Which one is federally recognized? The Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Does it offer scholarships? Yes, annual scholarships for tribal members attending in-state colleges.
Sources
More in Government & Politics
Key facts
Quick checkWhen was the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission created?Show answer
In 1984.
Sources
- Encyclopedia of Alabama. Alabama Indian Affairs Commission. n.d. (accessed 2026-11-10)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue