Reservation

Definition

A reservation is a designated area of land managed by a Native American tribe, where the tribe has certain rights to self-governance and autonomy. This concept is rooted in treaties made between tribes and the federal government, establishing areas for tribes to live and operate independently while maintaining a relationship with federal authorities. Reservations often serve as a foundation for tribal sovereignty and cultural preservation, reflecting a complex history of negotiation, conflict, and legal recognition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reservations were created primarily through treaties negotiated between Native American tribes and the U.S. government, especially during the 19th century.
2. The size and location of reservations vary greatly across the country, with some tribes occupying large territories while others have very small land bases.
3. Tribes on reservations have the authority to establish their own laws and regulations, which can differ significantly from state laws.
4. Federal funding and resources are often crucial for tribal governments to provide services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure on reservations.
5. The establishment of reservations was part of a broader policy aimed at assimilating Native Americans into American society, often resulting in loss of traditional lands and cultural practices.

Review Questions

• How do reservations contribute to the concept of tribal sovereignty?
  • Reservations play a critical role in affirming tribal sovereignty by providing tribes with a defined territory where they can exercise self-governance. The ability to create and enforce their own laws within these areas allows tribes to maintain cultural practices and social structures that are distinct from those of state governments. This autonomy is essential for preserving tribal identity and fostering community resilience in the face of external pressures.
• Discuss the historical significance of treaties in establishing reservations and their impact on Native American communities.
  • Treaties are foundational to the establishment of reservations, as they served as legal agreements between Native American tribes and the U.S. government. Many treaties involved promises from the federal government to respect tribal lands in exchange for ceding larger territories. However, many treaties were violated or not honored over time, leading to ongoing struggles for rights and recognition among Native American communities. The legacy of these treaties continues to shape contemporary issues surrounding land use, sovereignty, and cultural preservation.
• Evaluate how current policies regarding reservations affect the economic development opportunities for Native American tribes.
  • Current policies regarding reservations can significantly influence economic development opportunities for Native American tribes. While some tribes leverage their reservation status to engage in successful enterprises like gaming or tourism, others face challenges due to limited access to resources or restrictive regulations imposed by state or federal governments. Evaluating these policies reveals disparities in economic outcomes among tribes, highlighting a need for reforms that recognize tribal sovereignty and promote equitable opportunities for growth and sustainability within reservation boundaries.

Related terms

Tribal Sovereignty: The inherent authority of indigenous tribes to govern themselves within the borders of the United States, allowing them to create their own laws and manage their affairs.

Treaty: A formal agreement between two or more sovereign entities, often used to define the terms of land cessions, rights, and responsibilities between Native American tribes and the U.S. government.

Trust Land: Land held in trust by the federal government for the benefit of Native American tribes, providing legal protections and recognition of tribal rights to that land.