Treaties between the Native Americans and the United States Government have existed since 1774. However, in the 1970’s through the “Cohen’s criteria,” the Bureau of Indian Affairs began reassessing acknowledgement of tribes and revoking the treaties originally agreed upon, therefore denying benefits and rights to the Native people. Many California tribes have since the 1970’s sought to reclaim the rights and re-establish their people as recognized by the federal government without success. This article reviews the implications of this new policy and lists many tribes who seek federal recognition.