Dennis Puzz, Staff Attorney in the Legal Department of the Forest County Potawatomi Community since 2012, will talk about “The Evolution of Tribal Sovereignty” on Tues., Feb. 9, 2016 from 3:30-4:30pm in UC 275A. It’s part of the Native Pride Lecture Series!
The Bureau of Indian Affairs FAQ web page provides information about the history of tribal sovereignty, e.g.,
What does tribal sovereignty mean to American Indians and Alaska Natives?
When tribes first encountered Europeans, they were a power to be reckoned with because the combined American Indian and Alaska Native population dominated the North American continent. Their strength in numbers, the control they exerted over the natural resources within and between their territories, and the European practice of establishing relations with countries other than themselves and the recognition of tribal property rights led to tribes being seen by exploring foreign powers as sovereign nations, who treatied with them accordingly.However, as the foreign powers’ presence expanded and with the establishment and growth of the United States, tribal populations dropped dramatically and tribal sovereignty gradually eroded. While tribal sovereignty is limited today by the United States under treaties, acts of Congress, Executive Orders, federal administrative agreements and court decisions, what remains is nevertheless protected and maintained by the federally recognized tribes against further encroachment by other sovereigns, such as the states. Tribal sovereignty ensures that any decisions about the tribes with regard to their property and citizens are made with their participation and consent.
Andersen Library has resources for learning more. Search Books, media and more (UW Whitewater) to find books such as The rights of Indians and tribes (3rd-floor Main Collection, KF8210.C5 P48 2012), Cases and materials on Federal Indian Law (3rd-floor Main Collection, KF8204.5 .G47 2011), Re-creating the circle: The renewal of American Indian self-determination (online via Ebrary), and The struggle for self-determination: History of the Menominee Indians since 1854 (online via ACLS Humanities E-Book).
Ask a librarian (visit the Reference Desk, call 262.472.1032, or choose to email or chat) for assistance with finding additional materials.
Andersen Library is a federal and Wisconsin depository library with federal and state government documents on a variety of current and relevant issues available to you in various formats (print, DVD/CD-ROM, online). Check out your government at Andersen Library!
