The most interesting thing I've seen recently

[davywavy]

Sioux Nation declares independence from the United States.

Thge general consensus of opinion I can find is that the people who have signed the declaration don't have the authority to speak for all the tribes within the Nation, but I'll be interested to keep an eye on how this plays out.

Comments

[riksowden.livejournal.com]

Have to admit i saw that and wondered if it could work - rather hope so ~grin~

[applez.livejournal.com]

Yes, and "authority" is a particularly loose concept in some tribes.

Incidentally, you may find this (http://www.iwgia.org/graphics/Synkron-Library/Documents/InternationalProcesses/DraftDeclaration/07-09-13ResolutiontextDeclaration.pdf) interesting to read, specifically Articles 3 and 5 relating to this Sioux situation.

[susanofstohelit.livejournal.com]

huh. it's an interesting idea, but it also sounds like a pretty awful one. those statistics they cite are mostly the result of services on the reservations, which are provided by the tribe instead of the county, state, or federal government. at least in minnesota, the only tribes that have improved the lives of their citizens are the ones that make a lot of money with casinos.

it's a very complex social problem - economic, cultural, social, and maybe even genetic (with regard to susceptability to alcoholism and some illnesses). I don't know what the answer is, but I don't think it's political independence.

[applez.livejournal.com]

When it comes to government services and tribes, and data collection - really only those Indian Health Services clinics have the best data. They are the 'rubber' that meets the proverbial road.

[raggedyman.livejournal.com]

even if they had the authority it wouldn't make a difference as to the outcome

[(Anonymous)]

Polio infected blankets all round eh?