Native America Calling

Today, July 23 – Finding new relevance in the history of tribal governance

Even before colonial contact, tribal leaders faced life and death decisions, challenges to their authority, and the judgements of their constituency. They also developed a model of governance that informed America’s burgeoning democracy. Two Native scholars take a look at the successes and stumbles of tribal leadership throughout history. Some of those provide a guide for today’s Native and non-Native leaders. We’ll hear from Dr. David E. Wilkins (Lumbee), professor at the University of Richmond and the author of Indigenous Governance, and Stephen Wall (citizen of the White Earth Nation), faculty emeritus in Indigenous Liberal Studies at the Institute of American Indian Arts and author of American Indian Tribal Governance: A Critical Perspective, about their research that is both a compelling history lesson, and a map for what leaders can become.