What are the legal rights of federally recognized tribes?

Federally recognized Native American tribes have certain legal rights and powers established by the United States government. These rights include the right to form their own governments and to exercise a certain degree of sovereignty in matters involving their members. This includes the right to control their own internal affairs, their own government, to manage tribal lands, and to establish and enforce laws and regulations for tribal members. In addition, tribes have the right to develop and adopt laws that are consistent with their own cultural, political, and religious traditions. These laws include those governing civil matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and others. In Virginia, tribes are also able to regulate the sale, possession, and transportation of alcohol within their boundaries. Some of the other legal rights of federally recognized tribes in Virginia include the power to: negotiate with the state and federal government on matters of mutual interest; bring civil and criminal actions before tribal courts; seek remedies for violations of their treaty rights; employ members of their tribe in governmental positions; and set up tribal health, education, and social service programs. In general, tribes have the right to be consulted on any matters that may affect their rights and interests, such as land and natural resource disputes, public safety, and public health issues. Furthermore, Congress has set up procedures for tribes to petition the United States, to protect their interests and to further their sovereignty.

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