US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

25 U.S.C. § 2902

Definitions

For purposes of this chapter—
(1)
The term “Native American” means an Indian, Native Hawaiian, or Native American Pacific Islander.
(2)
section 7491(3) of title 20 The term “Indian” has the meaning given to such term under .
(3)
section 7517 of title 20 The term “Native Hawaiian” has the meaning given to such term by .
(4)
The term “Native American Pacific Islander” means any descendent of the aboriginal people of any island in the Pacific Ocean that is a territory or possession of the United States.
(5)
section 5304 of this title The terms “Indian tribe” and “tribal organization” have the respective meaning given to each of such terms under .
(6)
The term “Native American language” means the historical, traditional languages spoken by Native Americans.
(7)
The term “traditional leaders” includes Native Americans who have special expertise in Native American culture and Native American languages.
(8)
section 1452 of this title The term “Indian reservation” has the same meaning given to the term “reservation” under .

Pub. L. 101–477, title I, § 103104 Stat. 1154Pub. L. 104–109, § 11110 Stat. 765Pub. L. 107–110, title VII, § 702(f)115 Stat. 1947Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, § 9215(iii)129 Stat. 2187(, , ; , , ; , , ; , , .)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 114–95, § 9215(iii)(1)section 7491(3) of title 202015—Par. (2). , made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to .

Pub. L. 114–95, § 9215(iii)(2)section 7517 of title 20Par. (3). , made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to .

Pub. L. 107–110, § 702(f)(1)section 7491(3) of title 20section 7881(4) of title 202002—Par. (2). , substituted “” for “”.

Pub. L. 107–110, § 702(f)(2)section 7517 of title 20section 7912(1) of title 20Par. (3). , substituted “” for “”.

Pub. L. 104–109, § 11(1)section 7881(4) of title 20section 2651(4) of this title1996—Par. (2). , substituted “” for “”.

Pub. L. 104–109, § 11(2)section 7912(1) of title 20section 4909 of title 20Par. (3). , substituted “” for “”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–95section 5 of Pub. L. 114–95section 6301 of Title 20Amendment by effective , except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see , set out as a note under , Education.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–110section 5 of Pub. L. 107–110section 6301 of Title 20Amendment by effective , except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see , set out as an Effective Date note under , Education.