There is no single “tribal gun law.” Federally recognized Tribal Nations are sovereign governments with their own constitutions, codes, courts and enforcement systems, while federal and sometimes state law can also apply depending on land status, parties, conduct and jurisdiction.
Start with the tribe’s own code
The National Indian Law Library’s Tribal Law Gateway collects constitutions, codes, ordinances and related legal materials for Tribal Nations. Researchers should identify the specific Nation and search its current criminal code, weapons chapter, court rules and restoration or pardon provisions.
Weapons provisions can be detailed
Published tribal codes illustrate how specific these rules can be. The Cherokee Nation code includes provisions addressing carrying weapons, weapons in liquor establishments, minors, public buildings, convicted felons, pointing weapons and use of firearms in crimes. The Turtle Mountain Band code includes a chapter on unlawful possession or use of weapons, persons prohibited from possessing firearms, handgun rules, carrying, concealed weapons and forfeiture.
Federal law can still apply in Indian country
Federal firearm prohibitions such as 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) do not disappear merely because conduct occurs in Indian country. Questions can also require analysis of federal Indian-country jurisdiction, the status of the defendant and victim, and the location of conduct.
Do not generalize from one Nation to another
A weapons rule in one Tribal Nation is not the law of another. Use tribal codes as primary research for the specific Nation and confirm amendments with the tribe or its court when possible.