Foundations of First Peoples’ Sovereignty

«Ulrike Wiethaus’s book on tribal sovereignty fills a gap in knowledge that has been open for some time. The concept of tribal sovereignty, while theoretically alive since the first treaty signed with the Indians of Virginia in the 1520s, for a long time was in fact dormant. It took the Indian activism of the 1960s and 1970s for the Indian tribes in the U.S. to realize anew that they occupy a unique place among the Indigenous peoples of the world. They are sovereign. They have the right, guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution, the Northwest Ordinance, and elsewhere, to govern themselves on the lands that have been reserved to them. Contributors to this book expand the concept of tribal sovereignty to include people all over the world. This book is a valuable addition to the literature on Native American political issues and tribal sovereignty.» (Dean Chavers, Ph.D., Director, Catching the Dream (formerly Native American Scholarship Fund), Albuquerque, New Mexico)
«A timely and broad perspective on tribal sovereignty, Ulrike Wiethaus brings together diverse, yet common themes in ‘Foundations of First Peoples’ Sovereignty: History, Education & Culture’. Native scholars, community activists, and artists provide insight into one of the most controversial and multifaceted issues facing Indigenous peoples today. In the age of globalization, culturally heterogeneous communities provide important examples of the continued struggles and victories in recovering from colonization, and the right to be recognized and values respected. This book is yet another reminder of the unique contributions that First Peoples make to the betterment of us all.» (Lisa J. Lefler, Ph.D., Director of Culturally Based Native Health Programs, Western Carolina University)