My readings in US history, and my experience this year at a school
with a 25% Native American student body, have raised some questions
for me on the use of the terms "tribe" and "native" in African
studies. Neither seems to be objectionable regarding indigenous
Americans, either among the people designatied, or among academics
who study them.
I think the reasons for embracing the term "native" in contemporary
North America, and why there is no similar sentiment in Africa, are
clear. However, the differing perspectives among academics studying
different continents for the use of "tribe" to designate
ethnic/language/political groups living under a modern state are less
easily explained.
Perhaps it would be worth some exploration, looking at these terms
and reactions to them around the world.