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Modern tribal nations pass laws, exercise criminal jurisdiction, and enjoy extensive powers when it comes to self-governance and matters of sovereignty. Yet out of 566 tribal nations, just under half have adopted written constitutions. In the American tradition, a constitution limits the power yielded by governments over citizens, which raises a question: how can the rights of tribal citizens be protected if tribal nations have yet to codify their own functions and operations? Join us as we discuss government power, sovereign status, and whether modern tribal nations are serving the needs of their citizens by adopting constitutions.

 Guests:

Robert Miller (Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma) – professor at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University

Richard Monette (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) – professor of law at the University of Wisconsin Law School

Frank Pommersheim – professor of law at the University of South Dakota

Suzan Shown Harjo (Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee) – guest curator and general editor for NMAI and author of Nation to Nation