Republicans resolve against tribes

JULY 5, 2000

In a bizarre action, the Republican Party of the state of Washington passed a resolution calling tribal governments "unconstitutional" and asking the federal government to get rid of them.

The author of the resolution, John Fleming, is a non-Indian who lives on the Swinomish in Washington and is active in anti-treaty rights organizations. He wants the national GOP to institute a similar resolution.

Tribal governments are guaranteed sovereignty through treaties, acts of Congress, and various executive orders. Tribal governments are extra-constitutional entities, existing prior to the creation of the United States.

Get the Story:
Republicans ask end of tribal government (AP 7/5)

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