Post a 200- to 300-word summary of a current issue between Native Americans and the federal government. Identify the legislation that you think is linked to the issue, and explain why you think there is a connection. Consult the National Congress of American Indians Web site, the Indian Country Today newspaper, or another online source for examples of pertinent issues.
This is what I have so far.
Native Americans are at risk of losing their children because of poor living conditions on the reservation, lack of food and clean water, and substance and alcohol abuse. Some Native Americans are told they are too old or not qualified to be parents. Many of their Native parents are losing custody of their children at young ages. There is a small population that is in danger of losing its next generation and therefore its heritage. Native American children are being taken away from their parents and placed with foster or adopted parents of non- Indian culture.
Preston Daniels is the director of Iowa’s Department of Human Rights. He is introducing a bill to the legislature’s spring 2011 session to make it possible to restore parental rights to those who have lose them and ensure grandparents’ rights. He is trying to give parents and grandparents a second chance.
I like the issue and it is recent.I am having problems with Identifing the legislation that I think is linked to the issue, and explain why you think there is a connection.
You have an excellent start.
The federal legislation permitting casinos on Native American reservations is an attempt to provide jobs and lift them out of poverty.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_gaming_enterprises#The_native_american_Gaming_Regulatory_Act
One current issue between Native Americans and the federal government revolves around the lack of consultation and consent regarding development projects on tribal lands. This conflict is directly linked to legislation such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), and the Tribal Consultation Policy.
NEPA requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impact of their actions and involves consultation with affected tribes. However, Native American tribes argue that the government frequently fails to adequately consult them when approving development projects on their lands. This lack of consultation disregards tribal sovereignty and violates their rights to self-determination.
The ISDEAA enables tribes to assume control of federal programs and services, supporting their self-governance and self-determination. Yet, many tribes face challenges in implementing this legislation due to limited funding and resources. The federal government's failure to adequately support tribal self-determination hampers their ability to protect and manage their lands and resources effectively.
Additionally, the Tribal Consultation Policy provides a framework for government-to-government consultation between federal agencies and tribes. However, many Native American groups argue that its implementation has been inconsistent, resulting in exclusion from decision-making processes. This lack of meaningful consultation leads to projects being approved without adequate consideration of tribal concerns, such as the protection of sacred sites or the preservation of natural resources.
These issues highlight the persistent challenges Native Americans face in exercising their rights and self-determination. The federal government's failure to prioritize consultation and consent perpetuates a legacy of marginalization and undermines the sovereignty of Native American tribes. Addressing these issues requires a stronger commitment to meaningful consultation, increased funding for tribal self-determination, and improved implementation of existing legislation.