Reservation

Definition

A reservation is a designated area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the U.S. federal government’s jurisdiction. These lands were established through treaties, acts, or executive orders, often as a response to the forced relocation of Native peoples. Reservations serve as both a home and a form of governance for tribes, allowing them to maintain cultural practices and establish self-determined political systems while also being intertwined with the federal trust relationship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reservations were often created through treaties that were frequently signed under duress or without full understanding by Native leaders, resulting in loss of vast amounts of ancestral land.
2. Many reservations face economic challenges due to limited resources and historical policies that have marginalized Native communities.
3. Reservations have unique legal statuses, allowing tribes to exercise sovereignty, which includes the right to govern themselves and regulate their own affairs.
4. The trust relationship between Native American tribes and the federal government means that the government has a duty to protect tribal lands and resources.
5. Despite being established for self-governance, many reservations continue to struggle with federal oversight and bureaucratic hurdles that can impede their autonomy.

Review Questions

• How do reservations illustrate the complex relationship between Native American tribes and the federal government?
  • Reservations exemplify the complicated trust relationship between Native American tribes and the federal government by highlighting both autonomy and dependency. While tribes govern themselves on reservations, they remain subject to federal laws and oversight, which can restrict their sovereignty. This dynamic reflects the historical context of forced relocation and treaty-making that shaped current land management practices.
• Evaluate the impacts of the reservation system on Native American communities in terms of cultural preservation and economic development.
  • The reservation system has had mixed impacts on Native American communities regarding cultural preservation and economic development. On one hand, reservations provide a space for tribes to maintain cultural practices and languages. On the other hand, many reservations struggle with economic challenges due to limited access to resources and opportunities. The ongoing trust relationship complicates efforts to develop economically while preserving cultural identities.
• Assess how the concept of sovereignty plays a role in shaping the governance structures within reservations, especially in relation to federal policies.
  • Sovereignty is crucial for shaping governance structures within reservations as it allows tribes to create laws and manage their affairs independently from state or federal influence. However, this sovereignty is often challenged by federal policies that impose regulations or oversight. The tension between exercising self-determination and adhering to federal requirements complicates governance on reservations, leading to ongoing debates about tribal rights and federal responsibilities.

Related terms

Trust Responsibility: The legal obligation of the U.S. government to protect the interests and lands of Native American tribes, ensuring they receive support and resources.

Sovereignty: The authority of a tribe to govern itself and make its own laws, independent from state or federal interference.

Tribal Government: The governing body established by a Native American tribe, responsible for making laws, providing services, and representing the tribe in dealings with the federal government.