Tribal Sovereignty: Understanding the Legality of Indigeneity

The Indigenous People of Turtle Island have lived here for generations over tens of thousands of years. Meanwhile, America was established just over 240 years ago, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. What followed is a stain upon America’s history: forceful removal, genocide, and the denial of basic rights to Native peoples of the land.

Join the University at Buffalo ACS Student Chapter for the final panel in our “statehood” series — where we’ve heard panelists speak on the possibility of statehood for Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. — by looking at issues surrounding Tribal lands. The panel introduces participants to Indigenous perspectives on legal issues centering on land rights, citizenship, and tribal sovereignty. We will also discuss the recent case of McGirt v. Oklahoma, where the Supreme Court held that regarding the Major Crimes Act, much of the eastern portion of Oklahoma remains tribal land.

Our panel highlights Indigenous voices in a conversation on these issues that are important to the various Native populations in our country. We are privileged enough to be joined by experts in Indian law, Barbara Creel, Lee Redeye, and Lindsay Robertson.

Join us for an evening of thoughtful reflection on what it means to be Native in America, and the significance of recognizing America’s past and the often exclusionary system it continues to facilitate.

To attend this event please click here.