What protection do Native Americans have under U.S. law?
Native Americans have a unique legal relationship with the United States federal government. Native Americans are guaranteed special protection under U.S. law in the form of treaty rights and tribal sovereignty. These protections are granted in recognition of the many injustices Native Americans have suffered throughout history. Native American tribes are recognized as sovereign nations and are allowed to govern themselves in certain matters, such as taxation and zoning. They have the right to form their own governments and laws, control their land, and manage their resources. In general, state and federal governments must get the consent of a tribe before taking any action on tribal lands. Native Americans are also protected from discrimination due to their race. This is guaranteed by a number of laws, such as the Indian Civil Rights Act, which gives all Native Americans the same rights as any other citizen of the United States, including the right to due process when accused of a crime. Native American tribes are also granted special rights based on their treaties with the United States. These treaties are typically negotiated to grant rights to the tribes, such as fishing and hunting rights, as well as to ensure that tribal lands are not taken away without proper compensation. In Washington, Native Americans are also protected by state laws. These laws protect their rights to fish and hunt on tribal land, as well as the right to be consulted when the state is considering taking any action that would affect their land or resources. In short, Native Americans have many protections under U.S. law. These laws recognize the unique status of Native Americans and the injustices they have suffered, as well as their sovereign rights and treaty rights. These laws protect Native Americans from discrimination and provide them with the same rights as any other United States citizen.
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