Tribal Sovereignty and Federal Indian Law: An Overview

This report provides an overview of federal Indian law, including the legal status of tribal sovereignty, the trust relationship between the federal government and tribal nations, and the plenary power doctrine. It describes major federal statutes including the Indian Reorganization Act, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, and the Indian Civil Rights Act.

The report discusses current issues in federal Indian law, including tribal jurisdiction, the Indian Child Welfare Act following the Supreme Court's decision in Haaland v. Brackeen (2023), tribal gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and the federal recognition process for tribal nations.

Congressional considerations include appropriations for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service, tribal consultation requirements, water rights settlements, land-into-trust decisions, and legislation addressing missing and murdered Indigenous persons.