Under the American legal system, Indian tribes have sovereign powers separate and independent from the federal and state governments. However, the extent and breadth of tribal sovereignty are not the same for each tribe.
In this section, the professional legal perspective on sovereignty from University of Montana law professor Ray Cross is followed by perspectives on what sovereignty means for various tribal members.
Introduction
Videos
What is Indian Sovereignty? - Ray Cross
Legal Basis of Sovereignty - Ray Cross
Examples of Cultural-Spiritual Sovereignty: Devil's Tower & Bighorn Medicine Wheel - Ray Cross
Thick and Thin Sovereignty - Ray Cross
Sovereignty, in Theory and in Practice - Emory Champagne
The Reservation is Our Sovereignty - Nadine Morsette
Sovereignty in Action - Ray Cross
Sovereignty, Self-determination and Right Relationship - Ray Cross
Legal Cases Pertinent to Montana Tribes and Sovereignty - Ray Cross