American Indian Culture and Research Journal

INTRODUCTION Economic and social problems on Indian reservations in the United States and in other countries are well documented. Hundreds of reports generated by government entities, private research firms, and Indian groups provide a detailed litany concerning poverty, alcohol and drug abuse, juvenile delinquency, inordinately high crime rates, inadequate educational facilities, and a myriad of other problems. Tribal governments continue to press for change and greater Indian self-determination in an effort to deal effectively with the problems confronting their people. The argument, of course, is that tribes are sovereign entities and, by definition, are responsible for their own affairs without interference from other governments. Self-determination-the ability to determine one’s own destiny-is a central component of sovereignty. The passage of the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) is viewed by some as one vehicle whereby at least a small amount of self-determination can be realized. Others argue, however, that federal legislation permitting gaming on reservations amounts to yet another intrusion into tribal sovereignty.