An examination of the early influences of disparate classification of Native American cultures and its impact on current Native American issues, interaction, jurisdiction and economic development. Outside of what has become known as Indian gaming there exists a number of pressing issues that continue to surface in the courts including jurisdictional issues as seen in McGirt v. Oklahoma; constitutional issues noted in Brackeen v. Barnhardt; voting rights and disenfranchisement and recurring suggestions of eliminating Native American sovereignty. Each of these issues, along with numerous others, continue to hinder Native communities by raising issues thought to be long settled in American Jurisprudence.

The class will highlight the major current issues and identify the foundations for cultural division that continues to impact the relationship between the Native American community and the federal and state governments that they interact with on a daily basis.

The course will provide historical data, context, and analysis of major cases as well as current policy and how it has shaped the interaction between Tribes and federal and state governments. In addition, the course will address some recent court decisions that have already changed the face of the Native landscape and the authority of Tribes.