Planning the native American tribal community - Understanding the basis of power controlling the reservation territory

Native American tribes possess sovereign powers of self-government over their internal affairs and over their self-reserved territories, in order to support their continued existence. The powers of tribal land use jurisdiction, however, are not clearly understood. This paper explores the evolution of tribal governance and the problems that tribes face in advancing their community goals through reservation planning. The context of tribal planning is examined with the practical aim of formulating approaches that overcome obstacles to attaining tribal objectives. It is necessary to understand the historical interferences confronting tribal communities before identifying planning strategies to overcome opposition and advance tribal goals. Zaferatos, AICP has practiced in Indian Country for over eighteen years and is the General Manager and Director of Planning for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community in Washington State. He received a doctorate in urban planning at the University of Washington and is an adjunct faculty member at Western Washington University. He is a founding board member of the Northwest Tribal Planners Forum, dedicated to the advancement of tribal planning professionalism in the Northwest, and chairs the Bellingham Planning and Community Development Commission.