by Robert Bryce

About the author: Robert Bryce is a freelance writer.

During an April 1994 meeting with more than 500 American Indian leaders at the White House, President Bill Clinton vowed to "honor and respect tribal sovereignty." His statement brought prolonged applause from the tribal leaders.

The president, however, cannot prevent individual states and local governments from challenging sovereignty, and tribes continue to skirmish with state and local jurisdictions on matters ranging from taxation and environmental issues to fishing rights and gambling.

Sovereignty Issues

Like semi-independent island nations, 545 federally recognized tribes compete for jobs, money, and business opportunities. Each tribe has its own goals and objectives, which often clash with the jurisdictions around them.

In 1993, the Oklahoma Tax Commission lost a decision in the U.S. Supreme Court over levying taxes on members of the Sac and Fox tribe who live...