18. crucial supreme court decisions

Question 1

Case - Oneida v. Oneida and Madison Counties, New York
Year?
Decision?

Answer 1

1974
Oneida tribe brought case to Supreme Court to sue for the return of their lands.
Important ruling, Court decided in favour of tribe.
Resulted in increase in number of actions taken by tribes to regain lands

Question 2

Case - Fisher v. Montana
Year?
Decision?

Answer 2

1976
In the past NA children forcibly removed from families as part of ‘Americanisation’ policy.
Decision meant Future tribal courts would decide on adoption.
Not just significance that was important, also a further move to recognition of tribal courts

Question 3

Case - United States v. Sioux Nation
Year?
Decision?

Answer 3

1980
Supreme Court ruling that one of major tribes was entitled to significant compensation for loss of their lands encouraged others to pursue lost land in the Black Hills of Dakota.
Sioux awarded $17.5 million compensation and 5% interest a year since 1877 which gave them another $106 million.
Rejected compensation, preferred return of their land

Question 4

Case - Seminole Tribe v. Butterworth
Year?
Decision?

Answer 4

1982
Supreme Court gave Seminole right to establish gambling enterprises on tribal land.
Went against state law but in doing saw ruled NA had their own rights on their own land

Question 5

Case - Charrier v. Bell
Year?
Decision?

Answer 5

1986
Supreme Court ruled that remains dug from burial grounds in Louisiana belonged to NA.
As a result State passed laws which protected NA burial grounds

Question 6

crucial SC decision’s =

Answer 6

established important principles over land claims, the power of tribal courts and respect for NA culture.

began process of recovery of NA lands

gave tribes right of self-determination

showed greater respect for traditions and culture than ever before