Us Code § 5124 - Incorporation of Indian tribes; charter; ratification by election

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 5124 — Incorporation of Indian tribes; charter; ratification by election, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5124. Incorporation of Indian tribes; charter; ratification by election

The Secretary of the Interior may, upon petition by any tribe, issue a charter of incorporation to such tribe: Provided, That such charter shall not become operative until ratified by the governing body of such tribe. Such charter may convey to the incorporated tribe the power to purchase, take by gift, or bequest, or otherwise, own, hold, manage, operate, and dispose of property of every description, real and personal, including the power to purchase restricted Indian lands and to issue in exchange therefor interests in corporate property, and such further powers as may be incidental to the conduct of corporate business, not inconsistent with law; but no authority shall be granted to sell, mortgage, or lease for a period exceeding twenty-five years any trust or restricted lands included in the limits of the reservation. Any charter so issued shall not be revoked or surrendered except by Act of Congress.

(June 18, 1934, ch. 576, §17, 48 Stat. 988; Pub. L. 101–301, §3(c), May 24, 1990, 104 Stat. 207.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 477 of this title prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

Amendments

1990—Pub. L. 101–301 substituted "by any tribe" for "by at least one-third of the adult Indians", "by the governing body of such tribe" for "at a special election by a majority vote of the adult Indians living on the reservation", and "twenty-five years any trust or restricted lands" for "ten years any of the land".

About This Section

25 U.S.C. § 5124 is part of Title 25 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 25 U.S.C. § 5124. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 5124

What does United States Code § 5124 cover?

Section 5124 ("Incorporation of Indian tribes; charter; ratification by election") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 5124?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 5124" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 5124 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.