What is the Native American Tribal Sovereignty Act?
The Native American Tribal Sovereignty Act (NATSA) is a law passed by the State of Tennessee in 2016 that recognizes and protects the rights of Native American tribes in Tennessee. This act gives Native American tribes the self-governance and sovereignty needed to protect their land, culture, and traditions. NATSA reinforces the federal policy that Native American tribes are “domestic, dependent sovereign” entities. In other words, the State of Tennessee recognizes that Native Americans have a right to self-governance and autonomy, and is obligated to respect the rights of the tribes in Tennessee. NATSA includes several provisions that safeguard the rights of Native American tribes. For example, the act prohibits anyone from forcing Native Americans to sign leases or contracts that are not in their best interests. It also protects Native Americans’ rights to hunt, fish, and collect plants and artifacts for ceremonial purposes on their ancestral lands. In addition, the act provides a mechanism for the resolution of disputes and grievances between Native American tribes and the State of Tennessee. It also sets forth a procedure for the creation of tribal casinos in the state. Overall, the Native American Tribal Sovereignty Act is an important piece of legislation that protects the rights and sovereignty of Native American tribes in Tennessee. The act recognizes the unique relationship between the tribes and the state, and provides a framework for protecting the autonomy of Native Americans as they exercise their rights to hunt, fish, and collect artifacts for ceremonial purposes.
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