Indian Self-Determination and Self-Governance Era 1968-present

1982

Supreme Court supports inherent power under tribal sovereignty

Justice Thurgood Marshall, author of the majority opinion. Image: Library of Congress
Justice Thurgood Marshall, author of the majority opinion. Image: Library of Congress

In Merrion v. Jicarilla Apache Tribe, the Supreme Court holds that an Indian tribe has the authority to impose taxes on non-Indians that are conducting business on the reservation as an inherent power under tribal sovereignty.

Settler Colonial Policy

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