Cynthia Lummis

Indian Affairs

The issues and considerations that govern the relationship between American Indian tribes, the state of Wyoming and the federal government are numerous and often complex.  Paramount to these many issues is the recognition of tribal sovereignty that has dictated Indian affairs both in Congress and the court system.  The U.S. Constitution itself confers upon Congress the “Power…to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes” – thereby recognizing the direct relationship federally recognized tribes have with the federal government.  Further, this idea of sovereignty has been tested time and time again in the courts, dating back to the era of Chief Justice John Marshall. 

Notwithstanding this history, the federal government often exerts far too much control over the day-to-day dealings of Indian tribes.  The the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is in need of a thorough, top-to-bottom review to determine if the agency is actually benefiting tribes like the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho in Wyoming or simply adding another paralyzing layer of bureaucracy to the management of Indian assets.

The history of American Indian culture and tradition in Wyoming and the west is rich and must be preserved.  Equally important is our shared efforts to strive for a continued and mutually beneficial relationship between our federal government, our state, and the Native American people that call Wyoming home.