This paper studies the legal aspects of relations between the State and indigenous groups. It is based on the historical revision of the main tendencies and stages which can be observed in México. The author underlines the collective nature of indigenous law and its main expressions. It particularly touches on the process of the most recent amendment to the fourth article of the Mexican Constitution, which regulates a large part of the relations between the State and the indigenous population; it also analyzes the meaning of the ratification by the Mexican government of Agreement 169 of the International Labor Organization. To conclude, the author presents an inventory of legal and political problems implicit in this regulation, which is still missing from the current legal framework, she comments on the proposals presented by different sectors, including some official ones, in regards to this regulation.