American Indian tribes make up a vast and complicated universe that has grown even more complex in the past quarter century. There are 566 federally recognized Indian nations — variously called tribes, nations, bands, pueblos, communities and native villages — in 34 states. They are ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse entities.

Those differences are important because the time when many tribes' geographic isolation kept them out of sight and mind is long gone. The last 50 years has especially seen dramatic growth of tribal governments and their ability to provide services to their communities. Their communications and interactions with local, state and federal government agencies have expanded accordingly.

The total American Indian/Alaska Native landmass — 100 million acres — would right now make Indian Country the fourth largest state in the United States. The tribal governments comprising this network don't just deal with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. They work regularly with the departments of Justice, Defense, Health & Human Services, Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Interior, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, Housing & Urban Development and Homeland Security.

They work daily with city councils, state legislatures and Congress. Tribes have become active participants in the democratic process and are an integral part of the political fabric of the United States.

The bottom line? Anyone who seeks or holds public office in the United States today needs to be more informed about this country's first Americans — their history, policies and issues.