Native American Governance Today: Tribal Sovereignty and Federal Relations

Core Pillars of Governance

1. Tribal Governments: Each federally recognized tribe operates under its own constitution, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
2. Federal Trust Responsibility: The U.S. has a legal obligation to protect tribal lands, resources, and provide services (health, education, housing).
3. Self‑Determination: Since the 1970s, policy has shifted toward tribal control over programs and decision‑making.
4. Tribal‑State Compacts: Agreements on taxation, law enforcement, gaming, and resource management.
5. Federal Laws: Tribes are subject to most federal laws but may be exempt from certain state statutes.
6. Tribal Courts: Adjudicate civil and criminal matters under tribal law; limited jurisdiction over non‑members.
7. Gaming Compacts: Regulate casino operations, revenue sharing, and oversight.
8. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA): Federal agency administering trust assets, education, law enforcement, and land management.
9. Inter‑Tribal Organizations: Groups like NCAI and USET advocate collective interests nationally.
10. Treaties: Historic treaties remain the foundation of the government‑to‑government relationship.