Retribalization
Retribalization is a concept that focuses on the empowerment of Indigenous American Tribal organizations as legitimate governmental institutions within the United States. Historically, these organizations faced significant challenges, especially during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when federal policies aimed to dismantle their authority and independence. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 marked a pivotal moment, temporarily providing Tribal governments with limited self-rule. However, this progress was undermined post-World War II by policies of termination, which reduced federal support and, in some cases, dissolved Tribal governments completely.
The 1970s brought a shift towards self-determination, encouraging Tribal governance to expand its role in providing essential services and programs on reservations. Despite these advancements, the journey towards fully realized self-governance has been met with resistance from some state and federal entities, reflecting ongoing tensions regarding the recognition and renewal of Indigenous Nations. Retribalization thus encapsulates a broader narrative about resilience, identity, and the quest for autonomy among Indigenous American communities.
Retribalization
Retribalization refers to empowering Indigenous American Tribal organizations as governmental institutions in the United States. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the federal government attempted to destroy the authority and independence of tribal organizations. This process was temporarily halted in 1934 when the Indian Reorganization Act granted limited powers of self-rule to Tribal governments. Indigenous American communities, lacking such institutions, were urged to create them using guidelines provided by the federal government. After World War II, the federal government again undermined the authority of the Nations with the policy of termination, which decreased the amount of federal assistance available to the Tribes, dissolved some Tribal governments, and extended the power of state law enforcement agencies over reservations in some states. This policy quickly proved to be a failure, and in the early 1970s, terminated groups such as the Menominees in Wisconsin were restored to their status as federally recognized Tribes. Self-determination, implemented during the 1970s, encouraged Tribal governments to play a greater role in offering services on the reservations, including welfare programs and law enforcement. However, this process remained incomplete as some Tribes met with resistance from some state and federal officials opposed to the renewal of Indigenous American Nations.
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