What is the Indian Civil Rights Act?
The Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA) is a federal law that was passed in 1968 to ensure that Native American tribes in the US, including Oregon, had access to the same civil rights as other citizens of the United States. The ICRA grants Native American tribes the same basic civil rights and liberties that all other Americans enjoy, such as freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to vote. The ICRA also ensures that tribes remain the sole governing authority over their own lands and that the United States government cannot interfere in tribal matters unless it is specifically mentioned in the ICRA. In addition, the ICRA states that all tribal laws must abide by the U.S. Constitution and that all citizens have the right to due process and equal protection under the law. Perhaps most importantly, the ICRA created the Indian Claims Commission, a body that hears and settles disputes between tribes and the United States government. The Commission is responsible for investigating grievances, providing legal advice, and determining awards for unjust losses. In essence, the Indian Civil Rights Act ensures that Native American tribes share the same civil rights and liberties that all other Americans enjoy. The ICRA is an important law that serves as a reminder to the US government that all citizens have the right to justice and due process.
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