Tribes should focus on what is fundamental to Indian survival for future generations. He stated that culture and heritage are very important. It is who we are, where we have been and where we need to go. Moreover, it is important to focus on the essential political realities. Sovereignty, he said, is not a result of wealth, nor is it a result of power.
Sovereignty is an inherent characteristic of any government.
It exists and will continue to exist regardless of whether a tribe is rich or poor. P.L. 280 is now in effect in the states of Alaska, California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon and Wisconsin. It provides for these states to assume general criminal and some civil jurisdiction over Indian reservations within the state. Tribes retain limited criminal and general civil jurisdiction, but because of a lack of resources have generally not fully assumed these responsibilities. All rights reserved.