Domestic Dependent Nations

Definition

Domestic dependent nations are a legal and political concept that refers to the unique relationship between the United States government and certain Native American tribes. These tribes are recognized as sovereign nations, but they are also considered dependent on the federal government for protection and certain services, making them domestic dependent nations. The term 'domestic dependent nations' was established by the Supreme Court in the 1831 case Cherokee Nation v. Georgia, which defined the relationship between the Cherokee tribe and the U.S. government. This ruling established that Native American tribes are not foreign nations, but rather domestic dependent nations that have a trust relationship with the federal government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Domestic dependent nations are recognized as sovereign entities, but they are also considered dependent on the federal government for protection and certain services.
2. The trust relationship between the U.S. government and domestic dependent nations means the government has a duty to protect the tribes and their resources.
3. The concept of domestic dependent nations was established in the 1831 Supreme Court case Cherokee Nation v. Georgia.
4. Domestic dependent nations have the right to self-governance and to make decisions within their own tribal laws and customs, but they are still subject to federal laws and regulations.
5. The status of domestic dependent nations has significant implications for issues such as land rights, natural resource management, and the provision of social services to Native American communities.

Review Questions

• Explain the key features of the domestic dependent nation concept and how it was established.
  • The concept of domestic dependent nations was established by the Supreme Court in the 1831 case Cherokee Nation v. Georgia. This ruling recognized that Native American tribes are not foreign nations, but rather domestic dependent nations that have a unique trust relationship with the federal government. Domestic dependent nations are considered sovereign entities, but they are also dependent on the U.S. government for protection and certain services. This trust relationship means the government has a duty to protect the tribes and their resources, while the tribes maintain the right to self-governance and decision-making within their own laws and customs.
• Describe the implications of the domestic dependent nation status for Native American tribes in the United States.
  • The status of domestic dependent nations has significant implications for Native American tribes in the U.S. On one hand, it recognizes the tribes' sovereignty and right to self-governance. However, it also means the tribes are dependent on the federal government for protection and certain services, and they are still subject to federal laws and regulations. This complex relationship has led to ongoing debates and challenges around issues such as land rights, natural resource management, and the provision of social services to Native American communities. The domestic dependent nation status has shaped the political, legal, and economic realities for tribes, requiring them to navigate the boundaries of their sovereignty and their relationship with the U.S. government.
• Analyze how the concept of domestic dependent nations has evolved over time and its current relevance in the context of Indigenous agency and rights.
  • The concept of domestic dependent nations, established in the 1831 Supreme Court case Cherokee Nation v. Georgia, has evolved significantly over time. While it initially recognized the unique political and legal status of Native American tribes, the domestic dependent nation framework has also been criticized for perpetuating a paternalistic relationship and limiting the full sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. In the modern context, the domestic dependent nation status remains a complex and contested issue, as tribes continue to assert their rights to self-determination, land ownership, and control over their own resources and affairs. The ongoing struggle for Indigenous agency and rights has challenged the domestic dependent nation framework, leading to calls for a more equitable and collaborative relationship between tribes and the federal government. As such, the relevance and implications of this concept continue to be debated and negotiated, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of Indigenous-settler relations in the United States.

Related terms

Sovereignty:

The ability of a nation or tribe to govern itself and make decisions without external control or interference.

Trust Relationship:

The legal and political relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, where the government has a duty to protect the tribes and their resources.

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia: A Supreme Court case from 1831 that established the concept of domestic dependent nations and the trust relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes.