How Does Native Sovereignty Express Itself Legally as Well?

American Indian Studies Native American Sovereignty Sovereignty, in the truest definition of the word, is that which has complete independence and self-government. In a nutshell, it is a territory existing as an independent state, free to govern its self with dignity and justice. For the nation of Native American tribes in the United States, it is a dangling carrot held up by a government notorious for its broken promises, and centuries of lying and civil abuse. Things weren't always like this for the Native American nation.

"During the British colonial period, Indian tribes were considered foreign nations by the British crown and were dealt with by treaty. This relationship worked so well that the majority of the tribes allied with the British during the Revolutionary War" (Bulzomi, 2001). After the colonists won the war, and in turn gained their independence, they continued to respect the tribes as sovereign nations, but over time, this respect grew into a greed driven by necessity.

Lands that were considered sacred to the sovereign tribes were also eyed by the colonists as valuable for resources, and their own populous growth. It is this greed that continues to create a rift between the U.S. Administration and Native American leaders. "For instance, when an oil billionaire and major funder of the Bush campaign was granted rights to drill in an area sacred to scores of Northern Plains tribes only 12 days after Bush's election, it galvanized opposition from Indians and non-Indians alike" (Taliman, 2002).

There is an unique spirituality associated with these sacred lands and places that are not only present to many Native Americans, but also non-Native Americans. Perhaps the most noteworthy evidence of the U.S. Administration caring very little about Native American beliefs is the fact that "No other religious leaders or practitioners are pressured to define the sacred in their religions or to identify what is central or indispensable to their beliefs and ceremonies.

Native American religions were outlawed under the federal Civilization Regulations from the 1880s to the 1930s, and traditional Native peoples were not allowed to go to or pray at their sacred places" (Taliman). This constant uphill battle to gain independence has led to many Native Americans feeling abandoned by the government, as they try to improve their Reservations and preserve their history and ancestors' way of life. They have come to the conclusion that their own sovereignty will only be achieved through their own means, and while the U.S.

Administration may hold the door shut to their independence, it is through current laws and Constitutional rights that they will find the way to gain what is rightfully theirs. One step towards legal sovereignty was the creation of a secure financial institution that catered directly towards Native Americans and their communities. In 2001, Native American Bancorporation paved the way for the availability of financial services and banking for Native American communities that specialized in the financial needs of Native Americans across the United States.

"The concept for Native American National Bank was born out of the recognition that Indian communities throughout the nation lack access to the financial capital necessary for the development of their communities which are characterized by exceptionally high levels of unemployment and poverty" (Indian Life, 2001). Native American communities not only struggle with high levels of unemployment and poverty, but are also affected by alcoholism, depression, obesity, and other health and mental health related issues that far exceed any other minority in the United States.

This is startling to imagine that a whole community of people is affected by such difficulties, solely because they are unable to gain their own independence. Some may argue that there are other factors that contribute to these facts, but it is a vicious circle, enabled by a system of government that is more interested in their own economic gains and livelihood. It has only been recently that Native American communities have been able to supplement their federal aid and dependence through gaming and gaming laws governing casinos on Reservations.

"During the last decade, gaming has given Native people an avenue to enter higher education, develop tribal enterprises, tribal courts and health and mental health programs that meet the needs of their communities. Most importantly, Native people have reclaimed their independence" (Napoli, 2002). Culturally, Native Americans have managed to educate the rest of the American population on their beliefs - and the atrocities committed to them in the past and present - through various means.

From Pow-Pows held on Reservations, to PBS specials and Hollywood films, Native American history and beliefs have become widely known and revered. Sweat lodges and 'animal medicine' are commonly associated with the New Age movement, that has excelled their popularity through the decades, nevertheless, they are traditional aspects of Native Americanism that are given new life and sustained existence in a world where the old ways and stories are fading away.

Nevertheless, the most common present day association non-Indians have in regards to Native Americans is gambling and the advance of casinos on Reservations. "Native gaming is active in twenty-eight states across America sustaining a $9.6 billion industry that is growing three times faster than non-Indian gaming (Useem, 2000). Of the 556 federally recognized tribes, 361 have no gambling operations" (Napoli, 2002). Gambling provides Native American communities with the necessary funding to not only provide communities with proper healthcare and education, but give them a strong direction towards sovereignty.

This in turn leads to the development of businesses that amplify Native American lifestyles and traditional businesses. "Many tribes have been successful in developing competitive businesses and advanced training for professional leadership that are congruous with tribal lifestyle, such as hunting and fishing" (Napoli). More importantly, profits from casinos have allowed for the creation of higher education institutions geared towards Native Americans.

In 1998, "more than a third of the surveyed students had previously attended a non-Indian college or university: of those, 88% agreed that tribal college faculty are friendlier, and 93% agreed that more individual attention is shown to students at a tribal college. Finally, 72% agreed that the quality of instruction was higher at their tribal college" (McCarthy). This creation of an educational system that is not only perceived as 'friendly' towards students, but manages to achieve a high ratio of attendance is an integral part in Native Americans achieving sovereignty.

It is a political and economic statement where.