Customer Reviews

Planting Tail Feathers: Tribal Survival and Public Law 280 (Contemporary American Indian Issues No. 6)

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This book discusses the history behind Public Law 280 and how it effects California Tribes (and other Tribes in mandatory Public Law 280 states). Acknowledging the truth behind California Indian history, Goldberg explains the lack of tribal courts in California and makes some powerful recommendations to California Tribes assembling tribal court systems. The book is a compilation of her articles - many of which have already been addressed by the Supreme Court. While very useful, it would be nice to see a follow up on the book given recent Supreme Court decisions.

As a college student not familiar with the huge number of Indian Law cases (seminal or not), trying to write a paper about PL 280 was very daunting. Planting Tail Feathers was of immense help in explaining its effects as well as a source for related cases and materials. Any one interested in Indian Law, that needs to prove knowledgeable of the subject, or in search of a guiding light should pick up this book!! I would also suggest as further reading her other book, A Second Century of Dishonor: Federal Inequities and California Tribes.