Native American Land Tenure

Native American land tenure refers to the legal and cultural systems through which Indigenous tribes and individuals hold, manage, and govern their land. Historically, many tribes had communal land practices, but colonization and U.S. policies often disrupted these systems, leading to treaties, reservations, and land trusts. Today, tribes may hold land communally on reservations, own allotments individually, or manage lands through federal agreements. The goal is to respect tribal sovereignty and cultural traditions while navigating the complex legal landscape shaped by history, legislation, and ongoing efforts toward land restitution and self-determination.