Solid Waste Management in Indian Country: Multiple Sovereigns and Multiple Relationships at the Nexus of Federalism and Tribal Governance

Abstract

Indian tribes are sovereign governments having their own governance structures. At the nexus or intersection where federalism and tribal governance meet, many complex relationships occur as in the case of solid waste management. Analysis of research data suggests that three patterns of relationships may emerge among these sovereigns:1. uncooperative relationship;2. cooperative formal relationships; and3. cooperative informal relationships.Such patterns of relationships point to tribal sovereignty as an important theme for public administration awareness. An argument is presentedfor better relationships among all governments not only in solid waste management but also for public policy in general.