美国印第安人部落的法律认定

Legal Confirmation of Indian Tribes in America

在法治国家建设进程中,美国对原住民少数族裔——印第安人权利的保护日趋制度化。其中,印第安人团体被内政部认定为印第安人部落是印第安人获得联邦政府对其施以特殊保护、服务以及利益保障的前提。印第安人团体若被认定为印第安人部落,也就意味着该部落同联邦政府所认定的其他部落一样,隶属于国会及政府当局,由于其与美国政府形成了上下级政府间的关系,且必须履行部落的责任、权力、权限和义务,所以可获得赦免权和特权。本文依据美国现行相关法律、法规,特别是第25号联邦法规——印第安人——第一章第83节,解读印第安人团体成为印第安人部落的认定标准、程序及争议解决方式,从中探讨美国政府在印第安人权利保护方面的制度基础建设。

In the process of legal construction, the protection of the rights of aboriginal Indians has been gradually institutionalized in America. The confirmation as Indian tribes by the Department of Interior is the premise for Indian groups to gain special protection for service and interest from the federal government. This recognition means that the Indian tribes have gained the same prerogative mercy and privileges as well as related responsibility, power, limitation and duty as other confirmed tribes, and like other tribes, they are all affiliated to the parliament and the government. Based on American current laws and regulations, especially the 25th code of federal regulations, Indians, Section 83 of Chapter 1, this paper interprets the confirmation standard, procedures and the ways to resolve disputes and discusses the basic system construction of the American government in protecting the rights of Indians.