Module 3 Resource

The the resource I chose to examine was Bureau of IndianAffairs- Native American and Law Frequent Questions. I thought this would be interesting to view being that perhaps there are some questions that I have that will be answered in this resource. What I really liked about this resource is that it lists various questions that people may generally have and gives in-depth answers to them. The questions are geared towards the government side of tribal affairs which also caught my interest because I am still a little confused about the relationship between the U.S. government and the Native Tribes that are still in existence today. 

One of the questions that caught my attention was about federally recognized tribes:

“What is a federally recognized tribe?

A federally recognized tribe is an American Indian or Alaska Native tribal entity that is recognized as having a government-to-government relationship with the United States, with the responsibilities, powers, limitations, and obligations attached to that designation, and is eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Furthermore, federally recognized tribes are recognized as possessing certain inherent rights of self-government (i.e., tribal sovereignty) and are entitled to receive certain federal benefits, services, and protections because of their special relationship with the United States.  At present, there are 566 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and villages.”

What I was curious about (and if anyone knows, feel free to answer) is, are there tribes here that are not federally recognized? How does that affect them? I think it’s interesting that people that were here way before us have to recognized by a government that was created by others, not them.

Another question-answer that stood out to me was:

“Must all American Indians and Alaska Natives live on reservations?

No.  American Indians and Alaska Natives live and work anywhere in the United States (and the world) just as other citizens do.  Many leave their reservations, communities or villages for the same reasons as do other Americans who move to urban centers:  to seek education and employment.  Over one-half of the total U.S. American Indian and Alaska Native population now live away from their tribal lands.  However, most return home to visit relatives; attend family gatherings and celebrations; participate in religious, cultural, or community activities; work for their tribal governments; operate businesses; vote in tribal elections or run for tribal office; retire; or to be buried.”

I thought this was also interesting being that we’ve learned that the Native Americans were once forced on to the reservations and today, it is not necessary for them to live on the reservation. What bothers me is the fact they were place onto a reservation in the first place. Although there are laws now that protect them and such, once upon a time they were forced to be there. 

Overall, this resource provided great insight in regards to the relationship between the Native American tribes and the United States government.