from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
INDIAN TRIBE. A separate and distinct community or body of the aboriginal
Indian race of men found in the United States.
2. Such a tribe, situated within the boundaries of a state, and
exercising the powers of government and, sovereignty, under the national
government, is deemed politically a state; that is, a distinct political
society, capable of self-government; but it is not deemed a foreign state,
in the sense of the constitution. It is rather a domestic dependent nation.
Such a tribe may properly be deemed in a state of pupilage and its relation
to the United States resembles that of a ward to a guardian. 5 Pet. R. 1,
16, 17; 20 John. R. 193; 3 Kent, Com. 308 to 318; Story on Const. Sec. 1096;
4 How. U. S. 567; 1 McLean, 254; 6 Hill, 546; 8 Ala. R. 48.