Power from Powerlessness Tribal Governments, Institutional Niches, and American Federalism

Laura E. Evans, "Power from Powerlessness: Tribal Governments, Institutional Niches, and American Federalism"
English | ISBN: 019974274X | 2011 | 256 pages | PDF | 1376 KB
As American Indian tribes seek to overcome centuries of political and social marginalization, they face daunting obstacles. The successes of some tribal casinos have lured many outside observers into thinking that gambling revenue alone can somehow mend the devastation of culture, community, natural resources, and sacred spaces. The reality is quite different. Most tribal officials operate with meager resources and serve impoverished communities with stark political disadvantages. Yet we find examples of Indian tribes persuading states, localities, and the federal government to pursue policy change that addresses important tribal concerns. How is it that Indian tribes sometimes succeed against very dim prospects?