What was a reservation and why were Native Americans forced onto reservations?

The main goals of Indian reservations were to bring Native Americans under U.S. government control, minimize conflict between Indians and settlers and encourage Native Americans to take on the ways of the white man.

What did the Bureau of Indian Affairs promise if the Native Americans moved to the reservations?

The BIA promised Native Americans that they would have wonderful lives in cities: good-paying jobs, good schools and good housing.

What is the relationship between Native American reservations and the US government?

In general, Native Americans are sovereign within their territory. Tribal governments manage their own affairs with respect to their members, but lack authority over nontribal members. In 1987, the Supreme Court determined that states cannot regulate Native American gaming enterprises.

Why do we still have Indian reservations?

Reservations are the remains of the sovereign territory of the native nations. They exist either because of treaties between the United States and these nations, or because of acts of Congress.

Is Native American land sovereignty?

The US Constitution recognizes that tribal nations are sovereign governments, just like Canada or California. Sovereignty is a legal word for an ordinary concept—the authority to self-govern.

What were the main goals of Indian reservations?

The main goals of Indian reservations were to bring Native Americans under U.S. government control, minimize conflict between Indians and settlers and encourage Native Americans to take on the ways of the white man.

How is tribal sovereignty protected by the United States?

While tribal sovereignty is limited today by the United States under treaties, acts of Congress, Executive Orders, federal administrative agreements and court decisions, what remains is nevertheless protected and maintained by the federally recognized tribes against further encroachment by other sovereigns, such as the states.

How did the Dawes Act end the Indian reservation system?

In 1887, the US Congress passed the Dawes Act, which ended the reservation system by authorizing the federal confiscation and redistribution of tribal lands.

Are there any laws that apply to Native American tribes?

Yes. As U.S. citizens, American Indians and Alaska Natives are generally subject to federal, state, and local laws. On federal Indian reservations, however, only federal and tribal laws apply to members of the tribe, unless Congress provides otherwise.