American Studies Commons^™

The Promise And Reality Of Indian Self Determination, Patricia Hornback

Faculty Publications - Department of Professional Studies

The Indian Self Determination Act was first ratified November 4, 1975, has brought about many social and economic changes for the Recognized Native American "Indian" Tribes of the United States. With this Act, the Department of the Interior, Division of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, officially recognized the right of organized "Indian Tribes" to be sovereign nations. This recognition created the opportunity for Native American Tribes to develop their own system of government, which included criminal and civil justice systems, social welfare programs, free practice of cultural and religious rituals, and the ability to contract with businesses in the private …