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What is a reservation?

A reservation is an area of land in the United States set aside for a Native American tribe, by treaty, law or executive order, and governed by that tribe. There are about 326 reservations. The land is usually held in trust by the federal government. In Canada the equivalent is called a reserve.

The name comes from the treaties: when tribes gave up large territories, they 'reserved' part for themselves. Other reservations were created when tribes were forced to move far from their homelands, as happened to many eastern nations sent to what is now Oklahoma.

On a reservation the tribal government has authority to make laws, run courts and police, tax, and manage land and resources. State governments have limited power there. Federal law applies, and serious crimes can fall under federal jurisdiction. The exact division of powers is complex and differs between reservations.

Not every tribe has a reservation, and some reservations are shared by more than one tribe. Sizes range from the Navajo Nation, at about 27,000 square miles, to areas of a few acres. In Alaska, most Native land is held by Native corporations instead.

Most Native Americans today do not live on reservations. Many live in towns and cities while keeping ties to their nation, returning for ceremonies, elections and family. Reservations remain the political and cultural centre of tribal life. Tribal citizenship does not depend on where a person lives.

Words used here

ReservationReserveSovereigntyTreatyFederal recognitionNative AmericanDisplacement

Sources

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