Tribal sovereignty is the nation-to-nation relationship between the U. S. government and tribes, and that this relationship was established by more than 600 treaties ratified by the U.S. Congress and repeatedly reaffirmed by the Supreme Court and various Executive Orders. Today Native American cultures meld the past with the present, and that many of the things which are a part of the past continue to be extremely important – things such as family structure, tribal values, traditional spirituality, languages, songs and dances. Today tribes (or Indian nations as they are being called more and more) have many issues that they are dealing with regarding all aspects of their lives and affecting their reservations. Tribal sovereignty is the nation-to-nation relationship between the U.S. government and tribes, and that this relationship was established by more than 600 treaties ratified by the U.S. Congress and repeatedly reaffirmed by the Supreme Court and various Executive Orders. Tribal sovereignty is constantly threatened. Through better educational opportunities, more Native American leaders became poised to prevent continuing attacks on tribal sovereignty. Tribes have successfully used the legal system to advance their causes.

1. Students will review the last section of From the Second Wounded Knee.

2. Students will discuss tribal sovereignty as a basis for talking about all other contemporary issues..

3. Students will develop an understanding to Native American cultures meld the past with the present, and that many of the things which are a part of the past continue to be extremely important – things such as family structure, respect for elders, traditional spirituality, songs, dances and languages.

Native Americans continue to face many obstacles but have also made progress in regard to many aspects of their lives. For example, they have developed various economic strategies

to generate tribal revenue. Casinos have provided a great deal of hope for many tribes across America, but at the same time have contributed to the popular stereotypes about casino rich Native Americans when, in fact, only a small number of tribes are taking in significant amounts of revenue. Tribal governments have to deal with many issues today. The following are some national Native American issues and issues of Minnesota tribes: contemporary indian issues development of political influence and economic self-sufficiency, restoration of tribal lands, artifacts recognition, reclamation of U.S. treaty rights, trust responsibilities, culture, language, health, education, identity issues, water rights, and sacred-site protection. 

4. Students will be able to choose and read about various tribes in Minnesota in contemporary times, detail related facts, and share-out with group members.  

MINNESOTA SOCIAL STUDIES CONTENT STANDARD(S): 16. Rivalries among European nations and their search for new opportunities fueled expanding global trade networks and, in North America, colonization and settlement and the exploitation of indigenous peoples and lands; colonial development evoked varied responses by indigenous nations, and produced regional societies and economies that included imported slave labor and distinct forms of local government. 

9.4.4.18.2 Analyze how the expansion of United States territory and redefinition of borders affected the relationship of the United States with other nations, provided land for settlement, and resulted in political conflict.