Wendell George
Wendell George, a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes of Washington and Little Joe share a conversation about sovereignty, self-determination and the trust responsibility:
“Uncle, haven’t tribes regained some of their sovereignty?” “Yes, but it’s been slow. When the Feds allowed the tribes to reorganize in 1934 they wanted them to be just like the U.S.” “What’s wrong with that? “Everything the tribal government did was subject to approval of the Feds. They discouraged tribal government autonomy, independent actions and self-sufficiency. Later when tribes asked for return of land for their successful claims the commission only offered payment in 1850 dollars. States were unilaterally given jurisdiction on the Reservations. Grand Coulee Dam flooded farmland and towns but didn’t provide everyone on Reservation with electricity. The Feds allowed tribal resources to diminish without compensation. Many wanted to terminate the Feds or even liquidate the remainder of the Reservation. Eventually the tribes hired attorneys to protect their resources.” “Didn’t the Indian Civil Rights Act help?” “Yes, but only for protection of the individual. It did add consent of tribes to allow state jurisdiction and retrocession.” “How about the Indian Self-Determination Policy?” “That was a 180-degree reversal of previous policies. Major achievements such as restoration of previously terminated reservations and tribal initiatives like the first CCT lumber mill happened. That Act enabled tribes to contract for government services so tribal employment increased significantly.”Get the Story:
Wendell George: Little Joe and self-determination (The Wenatchee World 10/3)
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