Indian Tribal Sovereignty Many of us have not had an opportunity to learn the facts about the unique relationship between the United States and the American Indian tribes. Sovereignty is the foundation upon which this relationship is built. The purpose of this document is to provide the reader with a basic understanding abuo the sovereign status of American Indian tribes.
Sovereignty is an internationally recognized concept.
A basic tenent of sovereignty is the power of a people to govern themselves. Tribal Sovereignty American Indian tribal powers originate with the hisotry of tribes managing their own affairs. Case law has established that tribes reserve the rights they had never given away. In treaties, Indians reliquished certain rights in exchange for promises from the federal government. Trust responsibility is the government's obligation to honor the trust inherent to these promises and to represent the best interests of the tribes and their members.