Native Americans and Political Participation

Unlike other racial groups in the USA, Native American tribes are political entities. This volume surveys American Indian contributions to the democratic process and the political power that tribes and individual leaders have wielded ever since the first Europeans stepped on American soil. It provides a historical overview of Native American culture and politics and analyzes contemporary tribal demographics, economic and soical data and political opinion surveys. It focuses on Native American social movements and interest groups, illuminating major political forces and factions. It looks at protest politics, from the American Indian Movement and specific tribal organizations to more violent protests, such as Wounded Knee. It also covers volitile issues of Native American treaty rights and gambling casinos.