What is the Indian Self-Government Act?

The Indian Self-Government Act is an act passed in South Carolina in 1983 which allows Native American tribes in the state to establish their own independent governments and exercise certain rights and responsibilities of self-governance. The Act was created in response to the long-standing struggle of Native Americans to gain the recognition of their rights as sovereign nations within the United States. The Indian Self-Government Act recognizes the inherent sovereignty of Native American tribes, and grants them the right to establish their own laws and regulations, so long as they do not conflict with federal or state law. The Act also grants Native American tribes the right to establish their own court systems and receive funding for the administration of tribal government programs. Additionally, the Act gives tribes the right to enter into contracts and treaties with government entities, and the freedom to exercise certain economic rights relating to natural resources. The Indian Self-Government Act has been fundamental in allowing Native American tribes to achieve a greater level of self-government and autonomy. By granting tribes the ability to establish their own laws and regulations, the Act has enabled Native Americans to protect and exercise their sovereignty as it relates to culture, language, religion, and economic development.

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