Like most cultures around the globe that have games, Native Americans are no exception. They play as a past time and as a form of enjoying themselves. According to the tribes, the origin of the games is from their gods. This is because the games were ceremoniously played during the harvesting times, to bring rain, remove evil spirits and bring good health among others.
Indigenous sovereignty entails the inherent authority of a native tribe to govern itself despite the fact that they are found within the United States of America. This inherent power of these tribes has been for a long time officially recognized by the federal government. In ensuring this objective, a number of legislations have been enacted to streamline and define the relationship among the state, indigenous and federal government. Furthermore, they are recognized by the constitution and are not subject to any form of direct taxes by the federal government. The indigenous sovereignty ensures that these tribes have exclusive territorial sovereignty. However, unlike the executive, congress has the plenary power doctrine on matters affecting these tribes.
Native American gaming has played a critical role in recent development especially with regards to the economy. Since the passage of the Indian gaming Regulatory Act in the year 1988, gaming has acted as an economic stimulus program that has catalyzed economic growth. To begin with, gaming has been a source of massive revenue for these Indian nations. Apart from revenue, gaming provides job opportunities to thousands of unemployed individuals thus not only uplifting their livelihood, but also ameliorating the economy. By the year 2000, the gaming industry was approximately contributing around $ 10 billion to the economy. This amount has increased significantly in the last decade as other economic factors have also improved. This proves that gives the ideal conditions and a regulated environment through proper legislation, indigenous nations have the capacity to improve their capital investment and secure their future beyond just gaming.
The sovereignty of indigenous tribes has benefitted in a great extent from the proliferation and development of Native American gaming. This is mainly because it has provided these societies with a source of revenue that can be used to fund the operation of the ruling entity. Improved economic opportunities have made it possible for the natives Indian to get jobs, improved health care, and improved security and have become less reliant on the federal and state government for aid. As a consequence, this has reaffirmed the sovereignty of these nations by providing economic independence through capital investments. This makes it possible to reaffirm political and territorial sovereignty.
This is a positive thing to the native Indian American tribes and their nations. One of the most vital elements of independent territories is their sovereignty. The significance of sovereignty is that it affirms national pride and nationhood. One of the cardinal ways of ensuring total sovereignty is by attaining economic independence. Therefore, the fact that Native American gaming is facilitating these ancient American societies get financial security is not only a positive thing, but also a motivator to other states around the globe. Moreover, the fact that this gaming is improving the lives of individuals by providing opportunities that were non-existence also makes it a positive thing. It is vital that the federal government in the spirit of mutual cooperation with these nations, to continue to facilitate through the legislative agenda the success of this venture.
Works Cited
McGowan, Richard . The Gambling Debate. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2008.
Rosier, Paul C. Native American Issues. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2007.
