Projects
American Indian Community Data Profile, 2002
Namadji Youth and Elders Project Report, 2001
Forum Reports
1997 Fall: Tribal Sovereignty and
American Indian Leadership
1996 Fall: Tribal Governments: What will they look like in the year 2010?
1996 Spring: The Threatened State of Tribal Sovereignty
Tribal Sovereignty and American Indian Leadership
October 16, 1997
Eugene Begay
Tribal Council Member, Lac Courte d'Oreilles Reservation
Eugene Begay, a well-respected Lac Courte d'Oreilles tribal council member, was invited to share his thoughts on American Indian leadership and tribal sovereignty. Begay said he was raised by his grandparents on the Lac Courte d'Oreilles reservation, and he identifies himself as part of the wolf clan of the Ojibwe people.
Begay grounded his discussion about leadership and sovereignty in American Indian spirituality. Spirituality is at the center of traditional American Indian ways. Begay practices his spiritual traditions daily. He shared, "I spend an hour in the morning singing Ojibwe songs, talking, praying that my life can be one of honor, dignity and respect." Because spirituality is the core of traditional leadership and decision-making Begay said, "I see the need for tribes to move toward a resurrection of our spirituality."
In addition to resurrecting spiritual traditions, Begay believes that American Indian people need to "redefine sovereignty for ourselves." Sovereignty is usually defined only in terms of its non-Indian legal basis. Begay maintained sovereignty "is a concept that is broader than how it is defined in the legal field...[because] we are a unique people."
According to Begay, "We are seen as different and we are different." American Indians have a special legal relationship with the United States government. Moreover, Begay asserted, "The way of life for Native Americans is different." Tribes have worked to maintain their sovereignty because American Indians want to maintain their traditional ways. Begay related, "We're not a part of the melting pot. We are a proud people."
Many people do not understand this, creating conflict and misunderstanding. There is a lack of accurate information about American Indians in mainstream educational institutions. Schools generally do not teach about traditional American Indian values and beliefs, or about the legal and historical basis of tribal sovereignty. Often times, questions that non-Indians ask about American Indians reflect cultural, legal and historical misunderstanding. As a tribal council member, Begay related "We're continually asked by non-native people 'why don't you want to bring wealth and possession to your people?,' and 'Why do you continuously pursue and promote the treaties from so many years ago?'" Questions of this sort reveal ignorance about the relationship between Indian tribes and the U.S. government, and differences in values. This ignorance could be reduced if more schools taught accurate information about American Indians.
Tribal leaders face complex challenges. Tribes still must struggle with poverty and its associated issues, such as Indian youth involvement in gangs and drugs. To help their people survive, tribal leaders are trying creative solutions and are making progress in areas never experienced before. Begay asserted, "The gaming industry is a sophisticated business. Tribal leaders have to know how to manage a business enterprise to make it successful." Moreover, to ensure long-term survival tribes are looking at making new investments. These efforts to improve the lives of American Indians need to come from the people themselves. Traditional Ojibwe leadership got its strength from the people. This past election, Begay went door-to-door and was educated by the people. He related, "They knew what the problems were and what the solutions should be."
Begay maintained that "This is an exciting world we're living in." Tribal sovereignty is the foundation of tribes' ability to maintain traditional Indian ways. Begay asserted, "When all is said and done, maybe we will lose our land. But, people who will survive are those who cling to the traditions and the way of life."
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