Research Reports
Reflections on Traditional American Indian Ways, 1998
Threats to Tribal Sovereignty, 1998
Traditional American Indian Leadership: A Comparison with U.S. Governance, 1997
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to provide information so that tribal leaders may focus on and defend the sovereign status of Indian tribes. This report identifies key findings from research conducted by the American Indian Research and Policy Institute during the past year and a half. The purpose of gathering information about the current and potential threats to Indian tribes and tribal sovereignty is twofold:
- To document the current reality of American Indian tribes and the policy changes and court decisions affecting that reality, and
- To provide a concise description of recent actions which can be used by tribal leaders as they engage in day-to-day activities and broader actions with respect to tribal responsibilities.
The report outlines key findings, aspects of the threatened state of Indian tribal sovereignty, fundamental principles of tribal sovereignty, current threats to sovereignty, considerations for Indian tribes, and recommendations.
Tribal governments and individual tribal members can engage in policy discussions in a variety of ways in order to protect tribal sovereignty. The critical element is that when tribal sovereignty is challenged and causes a policy shift, any new policy must come from American Indian people. As the continued threats to tribal sovereignty emerge, adequate strategies to protect tribal sovereignty should be developed by tribal collectives. In addition to developing strategies, a united front should be formed.
A summary of recommendations include:
- Additional educational information about tribal sovereignty must be produced.
- American Indian communities should increase their capacity for solving issues internally.
- Continue a forum for creating visionary tribal governments and leadership.
- Tribal governments assess impact their decisions have on tribal sovereignty.
- Tribes continue to remind Congress of its trust responsibility with Indian tribes.
- Tribes and policy makers must acknowledge the importance treaties have in tribal sovereignty.
- Tribal leaders may want to return to traditional Indian ways and consult with elders during the decision making process.
- Tribes must remain aware of the devastating outcomes that federal devolution has on tribal sovereignty.
The
Well-Being of American Indian Children in Minnesota: Economic Conditions,
1994
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Tuesday November 1, 2005