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
Conclusion
This paper offers an overview of traditional Indian leadership and some of the major differences from the U.S. model of governance. It briefly describes how Europeans imposed their system of governance on American Indians when the two came into contact, and lends clarity to the conflict in values between the dichotomous systems. The U.S. government has failed to understand American Indian traditions and culture and this has resulted in policies, such as the IRA (1934), that did not incorporate American Indian ways of life. Given the significant differences between American Indian leadership and European-based governance it is understandable why American Indian people continue to struggle with IRA governments, and why there are many non-Indians and policy makers who do not support them.
This report is not intended to serve as the final word on the dichotomy between traditional American Indian leadership and U.S. governance. It does, however, clarify areas which warrant further exploration. Areas for further consideration include the following:
- American Indian elders, with their knowledge of traditional culture
and history, need a place to legitimately participate in the tribal
government decision-making process. Some American Indian tribes, such
as the Ho-Chunk Nation, have recognized this need and have instituted
elders councils.
- Whether or not American Indian tribes choose to institute traditional
leadership practices, they may serve future generations by recording
information about their unique traditional leadership. This would entail
working with elders and others who possess this knowledge.
- Along with the need to more accurately record the history of traditional
American Indian leadership is the need to disseminate accurate information
on this subject within mainstream educational institutions. It has been
pointed out that the most widely known example of American Indian leadership,
the Iroquois Confederacy, is known only for its features that fit with
the European-American understanding of governance. Most knowledge about
American Indian leadership remains hidden and misunderstood. With a
more accurate and complete history we can work toward changing misconceptions.
- A new relationship is needed between American Indian and non-Indian cultures where the two cultures can respectfully exchange knowledge. Those who possess roles in U.S. federal, state and local governments must become better educated about the history, culture and values of American Indian peoples so that policies and decisions which affect American Indians are considerate of the American Indian way of life.
This report is intended to serve as a first step toward providing missing information about American Indian leadership and how it is driven by American Indian traditions, spirituality and culture. Our hope is that this information will benefit American Indians and non-Indians alike as they expand their knowledge of the history and the contemporary situation of American Indians.
Traditional American Indian Leadership: A Comparison with U.S. Governance Contents
The
Well-Being of American Indian Children in Minnesota: Economic Conditions,
1994
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