Native American Legal Studies

Unit 1 – Critical Native American Law & Policy Intro

Unit 2 – Federal Indian Law: Historical Foundations

Unit 3 – Tribal Sovereignty & Self-Determination

Unit 4 – Treaties and Trust: Native American Law

Unit 5 – Jurisdiction in Tribal Lands

Unit 6 – Native Land Rights & Resource Management

Unit 7 – Sacred Sites and Cultural Preservation

Unit 8 – Indian Child Welfare & Family Law

Unit 9 – Tribal Economic Development & Gaming

Unit 10 – Indigenous Rights & Environmental Justice

Unit 11 – Native American Voting Rights & Participation

Unit 12 – Native American Law: Current Challenges

Unit 13 – Indigenous Rights in International Law

Unit 14 – Native American Law & Policy: Future Trends

## What do you learn in Critical Native American Legal and Policy Studies

You'll explore the complex legal and policy issues affecting Native American communities. The course covers tribal sovereignty, federal Indian law, treaty rights, and land claims. You'll also examine contemporary challenges like environmental protection, cultural preservation, and economic development on reservations. It's a deep dive into the intersection of law, policy, and Indigenous rights in the U.S.

## Is Critical Native American Legal and Policy Studies hard?

It can be pretty challenging, not gonna lie. There's a lot of legal jargon and complex historical context to wrap your head around. But if you're into Native American issues or law in general, it's super interesting and worth the effort. The key is staying on top of the readings and engaging in class discussions. Once you get the hang of it, it's not as scary as it seems at first.

## Tips for taking Critical Native American Legal and Policy Studies in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Break down complex legal cases into simple summaries
3. Create a timeline of major federal Indian policies to understand historical context
4. Join study groups to discuss and debate key issues like tribal sovereignty
5. Keep up with current Native American legal news and court cases
6. Watch documentaries like "Broken Treaties" or "Standing Rock" for real-world context
7. Read "American Indian Law in a Nutshell" for a concise overview of key concepts

## Common pre-requisites for Critical Native American Legal and Policy Studies

1. Introduction to Native American Studies: This course provides a broad overview of Indigenous cultures, histories, and contemporary issues in North America. It lays the foundation for more specialized Native American studies courses.

2. U.S. Government and Politics: This class covers the basics of the American political system and government structure. It's essential for understanding the legal and policy frameworks that impact Native American communities.

## Classes similar to Critical Native American Legal and Policy Studies

1. Federal Indian Law: Focuses specifically on the legal relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. Covers court cases, treaties, and legislation that shape tribal rights.

2. Indigenous Environmental Justice: Examines environmental issues affecting Native American lands and communities. Explores the intersection of tribal sovereignty, federal policy, and environmental protection.

3. Tribal Governance and Leadership: Delves into the structures and practices of tribal governments. Covers topics like constitutional reform, economic development, and intergovernmental relations.

4. Native American History: Provides a comprehensive look at the historical experiences of Indigenous peoples in North America. Examines pre-colonial societies, colonization, and resistance movements.

## Majors related to Critical Native American Legal and Policy Studies

1. Native American Studies: Focuses on the cultures, histories, and contemporary issues of Indigenous peoples in North America. Students gain a deep understanding of Native American perspectives and experiences.

2. Legal Studies: Explores the foundations of law and legal systems. Students learn about various areas of law, legal research, and critical analysis of legal issues.

3. Public Policy: Examines how governments address social problems through policies and programs. Students learn about policy analysis, implementation, and evaluation in various sectors.

4. Political Science: Studies political systems, institutions, and behaviors. Students gain insights into government processes, international relations, and political theory.

## What can you do with a degree in Critical Native American Legal and Policy Studies?

1. Tribal Government Administrator: Work within Native American tribal governments to manage programs, develop policies, and coordinate with federal and state agencies. This role involves navigating complex legal and policy issues to advocate for tribal interests.

2. Native Rights Advocate: Work for non-profit organizations or legal firms specializing in Indigenous rights. You'd help protect Native American land rights, cultural resources, and treaty obligations through legal and policy channels.

3. Policy Analyst: Work for government agencies, think tanks, or research institutions focusing on Native American issues. You'd analyze existing policies, propose new ones, and assess their impact on Indigenous communities.

4. Cultural Resource Manager: Work to protect and preserve Native American cultural sites and artifacts. This job involves navigating federal and tribal laws to ensure proper management of Indigenous heritage.

## Critical Native American Legal and Policy Studies FAQs

1. How much writing is involved in this course? Expect to do a fair amount of writing, including case briefs, policy analyses, and research papers. The writing helps you develop critical thinking skills and articulate complex legal and policy concepts.

2. Are there opportunities for fieldwork or internships? Many programs offer chances to work with tribal governments or Native American advocacy organizations. These experiences can provide valuable real-world insights and networking opportunities.

3. Do I need to be Native American to take this course? Not at all! The course is open to students of all backgrounds interested in Native American legal and policy issues. It's a great way to gain cultural understanding and awareness.

Native American Studies

1.1 Defining Critical Native American Legal and Policy Studies

1.4 Intersectionality in Native American Studies

1.3 Historical Context and Contemporary Relevance

1.2 Key Concepts and Theoretical Frameworks

2.1 Pre-Colonial Indigenous Legal Systems

2.2 European Doctrines of Discovery and Conquest

2.4 Evolution of Federal Indian Policy Eras

2.3 The Marshall Trilogy and its Impact

3.2 Federal Recognition Process

3.3 Self-Determination and Self-Governance Policies

3.4 Limitations on Tribal Sovereignty

3.1 Concepts of Tribal Sovereignty

4.1 Treaty-Making Process and Historical Context

4.2 Interpretation and Enforcement of Treaties

4.3 Trust Doctrine and Federal Responsibilities

4.4 Contemporary Treaty Rights Issues

5.1 Defining Indian Country

5.5 Tribal Courts and Justice Systems

5.2 Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country

5.3 Civil Jurisdiction and Regulatory Authority

5.4 Public Law 280 and its Implications

6.1 Indian Land Tenure and Allotment

6.2 Tribal Land Acquisition and Fee-to-Trust Process

6.3 Water Rights and the Winters Doctrine

6.4 Mineral and Energy Resource Management

7.1 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)

7.2 Sacred Sites and Religious Freedom

7.3 Intellectual Property Rights and Traditional Knowledge

7.4 Language Preservation and Cultural Revitalization

8.2 Tribal-State Relations in Child Welfare

8.3 Adoption and Foster Care in Indian Country

8.4 Domestic Violence and Family Law Issues

8.1 Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)

9.1 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)

9.3 Economic Diversification Strategies

9.4 Taxation in Indian Country

9.2 Tribal-State Gaming Compacts

10.1 Environmental Regulation in Indian Country

10.2 Climate Change and Indigenous Communities

10.3 Environmental Justice Movements

10.4 Land and Water Contamination Issues

11.1 History of Native American Voting Rights

11.2 Barriers to Political Participation

11.3 Tribal Representation in State and Federal Government

11.4 Native American Political Activism

12.4 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)

12.2 Education and the Bureau of Indian Education

12.1 Health Care and the Indian Health Service

12.3 Housing and Urban Indian Issues

13.3 International Treaties and Indigenous Peoples

13.4 Global Indigenous Movements and Solidarity

13.1 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

13.2 Indigenous Rights in Other Countries

14.1 Emerging Legal Theories and Approaches

14.2 Technology and Tribal Sovereignty

14.3 Reconciliation and Healing Historical Trauma

14.4 Strengthening Tribal Governance and Institutions

Browse all Native American Legal Studies Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next