Native tribes have grown more powerful economically, legally, and politically in the past two decades. How does present-day tribal law, specifically sovereign immunity, affect business partnerships? According to Ryan Dreveskracht, an attorney focusing on tribal governments and businesses, "Tribal sovereign immunity protects tribal officials and employees acting in their official capacity and within the scope of their employment, as well as shielding tribes from suits for damages and requests for injunctive relief (whether in tribal, state, or federal court)" (Source).
In an article for the American Bar Association, “Doing Business in Indian Country: A Primer,” Dreveskracht explains how business dealings can become confusing due to tribal sovereignty and jurisdictions. Federal law as well as tribal law can share control of the business relationship, so all parties involved should take care to review all rights and obligations involved in contractual documents.
Click here to read Ryan Dreveskracht's article "Doing Business in Indian Country: A Primer"
