What is the Indian Civil Rights Act?
The Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA) was enacted in 1968 as an amendment to the United States Constitution. It was designed to protect Native American rights by affording them the same civil rights protection as all Americans. The ICRA applies to all American Indian tribes, nations, or other governing bodies located within the US. In Oklahoma, the Indian Civil Rights Act provides a broad range of protections. These include protection from discrimination, protection of certain fundamental rights, and the right to appeal tribal court decisions to the United States Supreme Court. Under the ICRA, American Indians have the right to be free from certain forms of discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, education, and voting. The ICRA also guarantees the right to a fair and impartial trial, the right to counsel, the right to a jury trial, and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Additionally, the ICRA recognizes the inherent right of tribes to self-governance, and it provides protections for Native American lands. It requires federal agencies to consult with Native American tribes about activities that may affect them. It also enhances the government-to-government relationship between Indian tribes and the US federal government. This ensures that tribes have a meaningful Voice in policy decisions that affect their lives. The ICRA provides an essential protection for the rights of Native Americans. It helps ensure that they are treated fairly and have access to the same rights and protections as other Americans. The ICRA is an important part of the rich tapestry of laws that protect the rights of Native Americans in Oklahoma.
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