From Wikipedia:

Indian reservations are sovereign, independent nations.

The U.S. federal government holds the legal title to this land in trust, but the tribes hold the beneficial title. This means the tribes have the right to use the land, govern themselves, and largely avoid state control.

Indian reservations are not standard federal property like a military base or national park. They are treated as distinct entities under Federal Indian Law. Key details define their unique status:

Nation-to-Nation Status: Tribes have a political relationship with the U.S. government. Treaties and the U.S. Constitution recognize them as self-governing "domestic dependent nations".

No State Control: State governments generally have no power over tribal lands. State taxes and state laws usually do not apply within reservation borders.

Tribal Jurisdiction: Tribal councils have the power to create laws, set up tribal courts, run police forces, and regulate businesses.

Federal Power: Only the U.S. Congress has the authority to limit tribal power.

Are Native Americans on reservations considered U.S. citizens?

Yes. Native Americans living on reservations are U.S. citizens. They were granted blanket U.S. citizenship by Congress in 1924 through the Indian Citizenship Act.

Because Native American tribes are recognized as sovereign governments, Indigenous people hold a unique dual status: they are simultaneously citizens of their specific Tribal Nation and citizens of the United States.

Dual Citizenship Details:

Political Status: They are citizens of three sovereign entities: their Tribal Nation, the United States, and the state where the reservation is geographically located.

Voting Rights: As U.S. citizens, they have the right to vote in all federal, state, and local elections, as well as tribal elections.

Benefits: Native Americans, including those on reservations, are fully eligible for U.S. state and federal programs (like SNAP/food stamps, TANF, and SSI) provided they meet standard eligibility requirements