What is the Indian Civil Rights Act?
The Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA) is a U.S. law passed in 1968 that was designed to protect the rights of Native Americans. It applied to Native Americans living on tribal reservations, making them subject to the same civil rights protections as other U.S. citizens. The ICRA ensured that Native Americans have the right to vote and have access to the same education and employment opportunities as other citizens. It also prohibited discrimination against Native Americans and established a minimum standard of rights and freedoms that tribes must uphold. In Tennessee, the ICRA applies to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. This means that tribal members are protected from discrimination and are granted certain rights and privileges, such as the right to vote and to receive an education. The ICRA also ensures that tribal members have access to tribal courts and that the justice system is fair. The ICRA is an important step towards protecting the rights of Native Americans and ensuring that they are treated with respect and dignity. It ensures that Native Americans have basic civil rights, and provides a foundation for tribes to exercise self-governance and autonomy. Furthermore, the ICRA provides an important framework for the U.S. government to uphold its treaties and agreements with Native American tribes.
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