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Obama on Native Tribal Sovereignty

nowpublic.com — "Tribal sovereignty must mean that the place to resolve intertribal disputes is the tribe itself,” Obama said. “Our nation has learned with tragic results that federal intervention in internal matters of Indian tribes is rarely productive - failed policies such as Allotment and Termination grew out of efforts to second-guess Native communities."

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  • NoDrama, on 05/03/2008, -0/+5Obama said that while he is opposed to unwarranted tribal disenrollment, congressional interference was not warranted at this point. "Discrimination anywhere is intolerable, but the Cherokee are dealing with this issue in both tribal and federal courts. As it stands, the rights of the Cherokee Freedmen are not being abrogated because there is an injunction in place that ensures the Freedman's rights to programs during the pendency of the litigation. I do not support efforts to undermine these legal processes and impose a congressional solution. Tribes have a right to be self governing and we need to respect that, even if we disagree, which I do in this case. We must have restraint in asserting federal power in such circumstances."

    Obama also reiterated his support for fulfilling the government’s treaty obligations to tribes. “The Cherokee Freedmen issue highlights the larger issue of the unfulfilled treaty promises made by the federal government to tribes.” It is these promises that the Senator is most concerned with as the future president. Sen. Obama understands that the federal government owes a legal and moral obligation to tribes to provide health care, education and other essential services to tribes. “This is not a handout, but compensation for millions of acres of land relinquished by tribes,” he said.
  • Husseinity, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Tribal leaders who truly pay attention will see that Obama is totally in a class of his own when it comes to Native American affairs. This guy GETS it.
  • thirdcoastborn, on 05/03/2008, -1/+2finally a presidential candidate with heart that reaches out and understands my people
  • skr1296, on 05/10/2008, -0/+0Barack Obama is a truly caring person for all people. He understands so many issues and cultures he amazes me. I, for one, am so thankful that he is showing "full support" and "understanding of" the Native American people and their issues. Isn't it about time we did something right for the Native American people! Thank you Barack Obama!

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