key term - Tribal employment rights ordinances

Definition

Tribal employment rights ordinances (TEROs) are laws enacted by Native American tribes that prioritize the hiring of tribal members for jobs related to economic development projects on their lands. These ordinances are part of a broader effort to ensure that tribal communities benefit from local economic activities and create sustainable job opportunities for their members. By implementing TEROs, tribes can manage their own labor markets and promote economic self-sufficiency within their communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. TEROs were developed in response to the need for tribes to control job opportunities resulting from economic development projects on their lands.
2. These ordinances often require contractors working on tribal land to hire a certain percentage of tribal members, fostering local employment.
3. Tribal employment rights ordinances help address high unemployment rates within many Native communities by creating pathways to jobs.
4. The enforcement of TEROs is a demonstration of tribal sovereignty, allowing tribes to establish their own labor regulations and hiring practices.
5. TEROs can also support local businesses by ensuring that economic benefits from projects circulate within the community, bolstering overall economic health.

Review Questions

• How do tribal employment rights ordinances empower Native American tribes economically?
  • Tribal employment rights ordinances empower Native American tribes economically by prioritizing the hiring of tribal members for jobs associated with projects on their lands. This approach not only helps combat high unemployment rates in these communities but also ensures that the benefits of economic development projects directly impact tribal members. By managing their own labor markets through TEROs, tribes can foster a sense of ownership and self-sufficiency in their economic endeavors.
• Discuss the role of sovereignty in the implementation of tribal employment rights ordinances.
  • Sovereignty plays a crucial role in the implementation of tribal employment rights ordinances as it grants tribes the authority to create and enforce their own laws regarding employment. This autonomy allows tribes to tailor employment policies to meet the specific needs of their communities, ensuring that economic opportunities benefit tribal members first. Without the recognition of sovereignty, tribes would face limitations in managing their labor markets and addressing local unemployment issues effectively.
• Evaluate the broader implications of tribal employment rights ordinances on economic development strategies within Native American communities.
  • The broader implications of tribal employment rights ordinances on economic development strategies within Native American communities are significant. By ensuring that tribal members are prioritized for employment, TEROs contribute to reducing dependency on outside resources and fostering a sustainable economic environment. Additionally, these ordinances encourage the growth of local businesses and strengthen community ties as more tribal members gain access to job opportunities. Ultimately, the successful implementation of TEROs not only enhances individual livelihoods but also supports the overall resilience and vitality of tribal economies.

Related terms

Economic Self-Determination: The ability of tribes to make independent decisions about their economic development, which is crucial for achieving self-sufficiency and improving community welfare.

Sovereignty:

The inherent authority of Native American tribes to govern themselves and make decisions regarding their laws, including employment policies, without external interference.

Employment Preferences: Policies that give priority to specific groups, such as tribal members, in hiring practices to ensure that local populations benefit from economic opportunities.