Currently, the United States has 562 federally recognized Native American communities and more than 270 reservations. Reservations range in size from the largest, inhabited by the Navajos in New Mexico and containing approximately 16 million acres, to fewer than 10 acres, as is the case for various Native communities in states across the United States.
Native studies is a relatively new discipline. Although there is no common definition, it is generally distinguished as dialogue between Western and Aboriginal perspectives to a critique of Native-state relations. Many focus on the need for an Aboriginal perspective that encompasses Aboriginal history grounded in colonization, traditional knowledge and language, Aboriginal rights, and decolonization focusing
Native Americans of the Great Plains are an important part of popular culture. They have been represented in anthropological studies, literary works, and the cinema. Many of these representations focus on nomadic communities engaged in hunting bison, military activities, and religious practices alien to many citizens of the United States. Although the vast majority of
The study of native peoples of Central and South America addresses many scientific and humanistic debates. It is a subject of considerable intrigue for archaeologists, linguists, and cultural anthropologists. Who are these people? Are they exotic others who engage in hallucinogenic drug use and shamanistic healing? Are they remnants of lost empires, victims of Western
Just as there is no single American Indian “language” and “culture,” so there is no single American Indian “religion.” There once existed a diversity of Native peoples whose 2 million descendants today represent the heirs of many languages, cultures, and religious practices that still define Indian country. This world of experience included sacred ritual practices
Native American tribal courts are grounded in the principle of sovereignty. Many of the more than 500 tribes recognized by the U.S. federal government have courts for the adjudication of civil and criminal cases. These courts vary in their judicial range and authority and are semiautonomous, consistent with their tribes’ histories and limited right to
Native American (American Indian and Alaskan Native) tribal courts are grounded in the principle of sovereignty. Many of the more than 500 tribes recognized by the U.S. federal government have courts for the adjudication of civil and criminal cases. These courts vary in their judicial range and authority and are semiautonomous, consistent with their tribes’