RE: Sovereign Nation” - I’ve also worked directly for two, and consulted for an even dozen others. Their attorneys have told me, without exception, that they are, with few exceptions, “Dependent nations” subject to the laws of the U S. One gave me two concrete examples: (1) Tribes cannot enter into treaties with foreign countries;, and (2) Tribes cannot issue monies that will be recognized outside their federally recognized boundaries.
Lol. Now you're catching on...so much for "Sovereign Nations" then, right? So perhaps we should just assimilate the Tribes into the general populace! :D
I whole heartedly believe in the concept of Tribal Sovereignty, and have pushed as much with my two children, who are half Native. I've told them time and again: If the Tribe is indeed sovereign, they need strong leaders who will stand up and secure that sovereignty. Further, securing the sovereignty of the Tribal Nations REQUIRES that the Tribes themselves reject any and all funding from the FedGov.