Unit author: Joe Watkins (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), Emeritus, Smithsonian Institution
Sovereignty and Stakeholders
Description
The unit provides a background for students about the unique relationship that exists between American Indian tribes and the federal government. While a great number of organizations and communities have a vested interest (or “stake”) in repatriation, American Indians have historical and political aspects that provide them a special and distinctive relationship with the federal government.
Learning Goals
- Analyze the role of tribal sovereignty in contemporary tribal communities
- Recognize the specific legal and political relationship between the federal government and federally recognized tribes
- Compare and contrast federal vs. non-federal recognition and its impact (benefits and consequences)
- Analyze the trust responsibility of the federal government to tribes
Reading Lists
Background for Instructor
D’Errico, Peter. 1997. “American Indian Sovereignty: ‘Now You See It, Now You Don’t.’” (Accessed 7/1/2017).
National Archives. American Indian Treaties.
Powerpoint: Stakeholders and More [downloadable .pptx]; Lecture Notes
Assigned for Learners
D’Errico, Peter. 1997. “American Indian Sovereignty: ‘Now You See It, Now You Don’t.’” (Accessed 7/1/2017).
Activity and Assessment Ideas
As a group, explore the Office of Federal Acknowledgment. What does this office do, and how do they go about it? Using the website, get a sense of what tribes must do to gain federal recognition. In class, select tribes that have made petitions as listed on the OFA website. Read or skim some of these petitions to become familiar with the type of information that is required and compare the information provided in some of these petitions.