25 U.S.C. § 3601 : US Code - Section 3601: Findings

Search 25 U.S.C. § 3601 : US Code - Section 3601: Findings

The Congress finds and declares that -
(1) there is a government-to-government relationship between
the United States and each Indian tribe;
(2) the United States has a trust responsibility to each tribal
government that includes the protection of the sovereignty of
each tribal government;
(3) Congress, through statutes, treaties, and the exercise of
administrative authorities, has recognized the self-
determination, self-reliance, and inherent sovereignty of Indian
tribes;
(4) Indian tribes possess the inherent authority to establish
their own form of government, including tribal justice systems;
(5) tribal justice systems are an essential part of tribal
governments and serve as important forums for ensuring public
health and safety and the political integrity of tribal
governments;
(6) Congress and the Federal courts have repeatedly recognized
tribal justice systems as the appropriate forums for the
adjudication of disputes affecting personal and property rights;
(7) traditional tribal justice practices are essential to the
maintenance of the culture and identity of Indian tribes and to
the goals of this chapter;
(8) tribal justice systems are inadequately funded, and the
lack of adequate funding impairs their operation; and
(9) tribal government involvement in and commitment to
improving tribal justice systems is essential to the
accomplishment of the goals of this chapter.