You can have sovereignty defined by the dictionary, by the Federal Government, by the Tribal Council, by the Tribal Chairman, by the Tribe's General Council, or by its individual Members--but first there must be an entity to exercise that sovereignty and that is where the crux of the matter lies.
       Is it the general voting membership council of the Tribe
                 (does one still really exist?) or
       Is it the federally recognized tribal government
                 (does it represent its People?) or
       Is it the social unit that is related by race, history, language, culture and social connection (does that imply blood quantum or historical membership, and does
such a relationship still exist?)

        The question central to all of this is what constitutes or defines a tribe or band.  What sets it apart from any other American ethnic or interest group.  And if the answers all revolve around treaties and federal government recognition then you know which of the above, in the first sentence, will ultimately define the legal reality of sovereignty for our Nations.
 

With Indin self-government still unprotected, in its present form, from corruption and despotism...
       and with many tribes rushing to amend their constitutions to give their tribal councils more and more power to make "quick" decisions--(supposedly to streamline the business processes)...
       and with some Tribes operating illegally, adding non-residents and others to rolls to create a body to form the 30% ( paying those for meeting attendance) necessary for ratification of constitutional changes...
       and with many Tribal councils still not representing their under-involved and resentful fullblood communities, or uninformed and apathetic general populations--

we often forget that the main thrust of the early "movements" were
        to return power and representation to the People,
        to change our forms of government to reflect and protect our lands and traditional values and
        to protect our Peoples from those who would abuse their power solely for economic gain at the expense of their lands, values and ideals of the general councils!

       These traditional general councils still exist even if they reluctantly attend meetings and committees. Many of our tribal governments councils are so arrogant they take the view that those who do not participate in the IRA imposed systems of government have voluntarily given up their Voice.
       I resent that point of view. It hasn't done americans much good, and it won't help us either.  Money and materialism do not unite people.  Though they may at first appreciate it, in the end it will divide them.   If the sole purpose of maintaining our present Tribal governments is to facilitate economic growth, while only making token efforts to encourage spiritual, cultural and tribal unity, then we will ultimately lose much of what makes us distinct and special.
       The search for wealth is demeaning, divisive and devouring..
       In the 70's the issues revolved around Traditionals intent on defending traditional values from Progressive tribal council systems,  in order to achieve Sovereignty--
       meanwhile the Progressives stood for maintaining their legal but corrupt or self-serving tribal govts in the name of the Federal government programs, economic growth and -- Sovereignty.
 
      To these two very different perspectives, Indin values and Sovereignty stood for entirely different things.

      The word sovereignty is used so frequently now, you must know the person using it to be sure which context it reflects.  Despite the lack of a clearly accepted definition, traditional values  are still important.

      I believe in the Sovereignty of our Nations; that sovereignty includes;
the power to decide tribal enrollment,
the power to expand land bases,
the power to have our own laws and judicial districts,
the power to teach our own values in our own schools, with freedom from State and local control,
the power to develope economically, as independent government entities within the envelope of the United States.
      But that Sovereignty must also guarantee the old rights of expression and individual voice (within our Nations) that our relatives once had. That includes our power to determine our own forms of government, not just go with what has been.

       I am fearful that the push to redefine our systems of representation and build in protection from abuse, (empowering more people rather than fewer), has been diminished in a mad rush to share in the pie of economic development.   With gaming, resorts, and big business development being rammed through by small groups of tribal council business committees interested only serving the economic interests of themselves and their immediate families, the welfare and opinions of the rest of the Tribe are left unconsidered.
       These "new" constitutions are still reflections of failed american political plagarisms; pale representations of a general councils' Voice.
       Present day concepts of sovereignty are a two edged sword-- one that may be used to deprive rights and divide Peoples--as well as guarantee rights and unify them.
 

      With all the good press about our "victories" and newly found successes, you don't hear too many people shouting, "Not that much has changed."  But it's true.
      Yes there are good signs, and much to be optimistic about-- but all it takes is an Administration change and a new group of Supreme Court justices to wipe away all these "victories" and put us right back where we started. Don't think it can't happen.
       Tribal government is the key to effective and representative Sovereignty-- but it requires that Tribes be Tribes!  That implies that they act together, with conscience and compassion, to serve all of their interests--because they care for one another.  If that doesn't exist-- the word Traditional can't have much meaning.

 
 
       Perhaps these changes need to be made in the same way they were 30 years ago- with people resisting the progressive mood for materialism above all else.  So where are the fiery young radicals looking for change?  They're working now for casinos, or for tribal government, or in other Indin programs. They don't remember how many died or went to prison struggling for those "changes".  Focus them on our history from 1934 to 1973. Then maybe they'll understand it's time for another Alcatraz.
        Or is the lure of "having", for those who have never had, just too great?
 
        One hundred years from now, what will be left beyond our watered down racial characteristics and special government status, that will define us as distinct and unique peoples and not just another Race for the american melting pot with anglo american ideals and values?
       Seven generations from now, how will our descendant children think of us? Will they be proud, as we are, of the names of their struggling ancestors?
       Stand up with a loud voice and a Warriors Heart, and be counted for the things that make us what we are: Our Lands, Spirit, Ceremonies, Languages and Culture !
       The time is not past.  It is now.

              James BlueWolf