Description
Book Synopsis Since the arrival of European settlers, Native American cultural sovereignty has been under attack. Self-determination is a tribal right of Native people, but colonial oppression banned their traditions and religion, purloined and misused sacred sites, and betrayed treaties when convenient. Over time, the settlers usurped Native American culture and lands, and these destructive behaviors continue today. Within the decimated Native American culture left after forced assimilation, American Indians still struggle to retain their rights. In this historical account of the despotism against Native American culture, the altercations of sovereignty, territory, and pluralistic democracy are analyzed in an effort to provide a path towards justice.
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments ix
- Preface 1
- Maps 4
- Chapter One: The Struggles Begin 9
- The Setting 9
- The American Indian View 10
- The View of the Newcomers 13
- The Meaning of Sovereignty 16
- Structure of the Book 19
- Chapter Two: The Challenges Ahead 22
- Introduction 22
- Challenges from the New Nation 32
- The Continuing Conflict 50
- Summary and Concluding Remarks 61
- Chapter Three: Sacred Sites and Culture: The Spiritual Assault 66
- Introduction 66
- American Indian Religions 70
- Supreme Court Doctrines and Tests 76
- The Sacred Site Cases 79
- The New Age Threat 94
- The Legislative Remedies? 102
- The Trust Doctrine 105
- Congressional Actions 107
- Protecting the Past 109
- Review and Conclusions 112
- Chapter Four: Environmental Sovereignty in Indian Country 116
- Introduction 116
- The Eco-Indian: Myth and Reality 117
- Indian Control of Their Environment 120
- Tribal Government 124
- Federal Environmental Laws 128
- TAS Under the Clean Water Act 130
- Waste in the Wastelands 132
- Other Environmental Challenges Facing Indian Tribes 139
- Conclusion 143
- Chapter Five: The Battles Continue 146
- Introduction 146
- The New Battles 147
- The Future of Tribal Sovereignty 158
- Realizing Sacredness? 164
- Sovereign Solutions 165
- Final Thoughts 167
- Appendix I: American Indian Religious Freedom, Public Law 95-341 183
- Appendix II: Chief Seattle's Speech 185
- Chapter Notes 189
- Bibliography 227
- Index 243
