Tribal Organizations

Course Overview

This course will examine a broad range of tribal organizations, including the organizational structures of Tribal governments, and organizations that serve to advance the interests of tribes in a range of areas such as advocacy, economic development, cultural preservation, and others. We will investigate the interrelationships of tribal organizations and how these impact native nation communities today. Spanning from the historical period prior to colonization to contemporary native nation experiences, this class will help students to gain an appreciation of the diversity of governmental, political and social forms that tribes and Tribal supporters have utilized. This includes Tribal citizens, stakeholders, advocacy groups and allies. Issues of membership, financial diversification, cultural practices, and forms of accountability in native nations will be vital nodes of concern for our discussions. Intergovernmental native nation-building organizational efforts will also be discussed including dispute resolution/Tribal courts and fishing advocacy. Lectures by Tribal organizational leaders who have engaged in local, regional and national work will provide examples of practical application and real-world context for class discussions.  

Learning Objectives As a result of their assigned readings, writing assignments, case exercises, and class discussions, students will gain: 

• Insight into native nation government structures through time;
• Understand relevant organizations and advocacy groups Nationally and the Pacific Northwest
• The ability to analyze different types of government structures and identify which alternatives are likely to strengthen native nation communities in terms of their population numbers, financial options, cultural practices, and accountability;
• Discuss the praxis between government, politics and organizations
• Understand the impacts of Tribal organizations
• Knowledge about local strategies for successful intergovernmental native nation building  
• Understand how to balance policy platforms between Tribal organizations, Tribes, governmental units and Tribal citizens