American Indian Sovereignty: The Struggle for Religious, Cultural and Tribal Independence - Paperback

by J. Mark Hazlett (Author)

Since the arrival of European settlers, Native American cultural sovereignty has been under attack. Self-determination is a tribal right of Native people, but colonial oppression banned their traditions and religion, purloined and misused sacred sites, and betrayed treaties when convenient. Over time, the settlers usurped Native American culture and lands, and these destructive behaviors continue today. Within the decimated Native American culture left after forced assimilation, American Indians still struggle to retain their rights. In this historical account of the despotism against Native American culture, the altercations of sovereignty, territory, and pluralistic democracy are analyzed in an effort to provide a path towards justice.

Author Biography

J. Mark Hazlett II (Ph.D., political science, University of Tennessee) has taught at the university and college level and has worked as a private consultant for numerous American Indian groups and tribes on a variety of issues. He has advised student and community groups and has assisted in their quests for both state and federal recognition and in writing constitutions and bylaws; serving on powwow committees; and assisted in procuring grants. He lives in Covington, Louisiana.