Skip to content

Indian Tribes Gave Record Amount

Indian tribes gave $17.2 million in contributions to federal candidates and committees during the 2011-2012 cycle. This is $4.8 million more than the $12.4 million they gave in the 2009-2010 cycle. In the 2007-2008 presidential cycle they gave $13.1 million.  In 2003-2004 they gave $11 million.  View multiple-cycle chart and rankings of Indian tribe contributions.

In the 2012 presidential race Barack Obama received $2.9 million from Indian tribes (up from the $316,600 he received in 2007-2008).

Here are the top ten Indian tribes giving in the 2011-2012 cycle:

Chickasaw Nation (OK) $1,349,400 (up from $1,185,651 in 2009-2010).

Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians (CA) $899,600 (up from $588,792).

San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians (CA) $806,600 (up from $691,700).
Poarch Band of Creek Indians (AL) $760,500 (up from 682,400).
Morongo Band of Cahuilla Mission Indians (CA) $717,666 (up from $610,700).
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (MN) $681,654 ( up from $176,800).
Yocha Dehe Wuntun Nation (CA) $659,700 (up from $357,400).
Choctaw Nation (OK) $638,300 (up from $306,449).
Gila River Indian Community (CA) $590,390 (up from $320,356).
Sycuan Band of Diegueno Mission Indians (CA) $546,207 (up from $363,468).
Indian tribes spent $47,009,824 on lobbying in the 2011-2012 cycle, up 8% from the $43,356,952 they spent in the 2009-2010 cycle. The top spender on lobbying in the 2011-2012 cycle was the Gila River Indian Community. They spent $3,690,000. View Indian tribe lobbying figures and reports for 2012.

Recent Stories

Hillraisers and Spam dunks — Congressional Hits and Misses

Federal court dismisses challenge to TikTok ban

Photos of the week ending December 6, 2024

Trump publicly backs embattled DOD pick

Rep. Suzan DelBene will continue as DCCC chair for 2026

Seniority shake-up? House Democrats test committee norms