Ask the Expert: Native American Sovereignty

Many nations share our country. There are 576 federally recognized native tribes in the United States; 27 of them are in Nevada. These tribes have sovereignty, but what does that mean?  At the simplest level, tribal members are dual citizens of two separate, but deeply entwined nations. Tribal sovereignty confers the right of American Indians and Alaskan natives to govern themselves. The federal government recognizes Indian tribes as distinct governments, with the power to regulate their internal affairs for the most part. However, civil rights, voting rights, remains and artifacts, and even food sovereignty remain issues of concern. Native American sovereignty is a “living, breathing process.” Part of that process is the hard work required to maintain an old and storied culture, and protect the rights of those who belong to that culture. Sadly, a slew of lawsuits have been necessary to maintain rights that were supposed to be guaranteed.

Executive Director of the Nevada Indian Commission, Stacy Montooth, and Advisor to Native and Culturally Responsive Education, Kellie Harry, share their knowledge and concerns on this often-misunderstood topic, as the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement presents this month’s “Ask the Expert.”