by Robert T. Coulter - The Declaration contains more than 15 articles spelling out and protecting many aspects of tribal self-government and jurisdiction. Tribes are studying these detailed provisions, making strategies, and deciding what elements of the Declaration to implement first. The Declaration is a very useful guide for what changes are necessary, but it will take a strong, national campaign by tribes to get serious, concrete changes made.
A few Indian nations have achieved great wealth as a result of gaming enterprises, creating the impression that casinos can be a magic bullet for fixing the economic and social ills of Native communities. But despite the success of a few Indian nations, Indians continue to rank at the bottom of every indicator of social and economic well-being in America.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held an oversight hearing on June 9, 2011 on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Robert T. Coulter, Executive Director of the Center, was invited to testify. Please credit all photos as "An ILRC photo by Leo Crippa."
