Thematic Programs

The relationship between the rights of indigenous peoples’ and existing systems of governance is a potent issue in federal countries, among others. Ensuring the rights of indigenous peoples and their adequate representation in governance is further complicated in federal and multilevel systems that operate on the principle of shared authority and responsibility between sub-national and national levels. Given that federal constitutions typically provide the central government exclusive or substantial jurisdiction over indigenous peoples, even though these peoples live within and across the boundaries of regional governments and co-exist with non-tribal local governments, significant questions concerning this relationship arise.

Key Resources