This Working Group vigorously supports the sovereignty of American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations. This includes the exclusive right-–enshrined in federal Indian law and tribal law, and affirmed by the US Supreme Court-–of Tribes to determine their own citizenries. It also includes the solemn duties and obligations of Tribes to challenge and guard against the infringements of their sovereignty that occur through thefts of their identities. This Working Group bolsters these Tribal efforts and this larger struggle by working collaboratively with Tribal citizenship offices across the country. We condemn any personal or collective efforts to disrespect and undermine these Tribal sovereign rights, duties, and obligations.
We endorse the Cherokee Scholars’ Statement on Sovereignty and Identity.