One online source that caught my
attention is the US General Services Administration (GSA) Tribal Consultation
site. It presents federal policies implemented through executive orders by
Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush concerning tribal sovereignty and sacred
sites, and federal historic preservation laws specific to Native Americans
(Tribal Consultation). This government site paints a positive picture of federal
interactions with Native American tribes trying to reclaim their heritage,
govern themselves and practice their beliefs. There is no mention of the
current or past issues that represent the government in a negative manner.
I believe the resources selected
for this course present a broad overview of the type and variety of information
that is readily available to the general public. In general, each site’s visual
presentation matches the content being represented; the material is accurate,
up to date and easily understood. Other sites may have similar but outdated
content that is less-easily digested and thus are not suitable for an academic
setting. The GSA site provides an easily read and understood synopsis of the
executive orders and laws, such as the 1990 Native American Graves
Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) (Tribal Consultation), and
provides links to the referenced policies to allow greater knowledge to be
obtained. It is mostly facts with little fluff, just what you want in a
research setting.
I have been made aware of the
connections that Native Americans and tribal units have formed to one another.
I previously saw each tribe or reservation as its own entity separate and apart
from others like it. The United South & Eastern Tribes site (United)
showcases 27 tribes working together to protect and advance tribal sovereignty
and provide assistance to member tribes in those efforts. They do not stand
alone.
References:
Tribal
Consultation with the Federal Government:
http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/105007. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
United South & Eastern Tribes: http://www.usetinc.org/about-uset/member-tribes/. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
Excellent title. Made me smirk. Its almost convenient how its a general overview with just enough detail, yet not too detailed. I feel as though the government still tries to hide much of the past and really only focuses on the future. Your last paragraph I really find nice, as while I know each tribe a reservation is its own, for some reason, subconsciously I tended to lump all "Indians" together; even though I knew better. Glad to know some people out there know better!
ReplyDeleteGreat title! Made me want to read.
ReplyDeleteJust as an add on to IIana's notion of how the government trying to hide the past. I would add that I think they try to hide what they do in the present as well!
ReplyDelete