Braid of Feathers: American Indian Law and Contemporary Tribal Life Paperback - 1997

First line

Indian reservations are often described as islands of poverty and despair torn from the continent of national progress.

From the rear cover

"Pommersheim's book captures the unique evolution of tribal court jurisprudence and the continuing challenge facing tribal courts to meet the demands of the communities they serve. . . . A must read."--Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Colorado

"Braid of Feathers bursts with insights and rich evocations of the contemporary rebirth of American Indian cultures and practices. Written from the inside of tribal worlds, this book simultaneously affords a powerful vision of American pluralism. Useful analysis of timely topics, such as economic development initiatives using gambling enterprises, undergirds this important contribution to American Indian law and American studies."--Martha L. Minow, Professor, Harvard Law School

"A fresh approach by a thoroughly practical and experienced attorney/professor who understands the complexity of law as it is applied to living societies. Pommersheim deals easily with complex theories and doctrines because he has the good common sense to know that law must be worked out in Indian communities to promote a sense of order and, if possible, a modicum of justice. This volume will stimulate readers to move beyond abstractions and seek realistic solutions to perennial problems."--Vine Deloria, Jr., University of Colorado at Boulder