On 5/16/07, Will Beback will.beback.1@gmail.com wrote:
K P wrote:
This is about Indian gaming rights. Wikipedia should have no part in
this
political issue of recognizing tribes. However, articles should
accurately
reflect this dichotomy in the United States for recognition of Indians,
the
association with gaming, the practice of removing members from tribal rosters to consolidate the profits in fewer hands, and all other
documented,
reported, and notable issues concerning this. But, no, Wikipedia does
not
have to support the gaming Indians political power plays. That's not
what
an encyclopedia is for, I agree with that.
KP
While KPB's comments are correct, there is something to what Merkey wrote. Wikipedia articles should reflect all major points of view and significant facts. Tribal recognition by the U.S. Government is a major characteristic of modern Indian tribes. There are exactly 561 such groups. Their status should be indicated on their articles in a consistent and neutral manner, perhaps with a category or template. It isn't necessary for us to specially indicate which tribes aren't recognized, though that may come up in some circumstances. We carefully indicate the status of even minor political entities. We should give the same care to tribes that we give to townships, counties, and minor nations.
Will Beback
Yes, I agree with you that this information should be noted in the articles, wherever the information is properly verified, referenced, etc. It is a part of United States Indian tribes, federal recognition or not. I wonder if anyone has written about this from the Indian perspective, as it's rather shocking how strongly some Indians feel about this, both negatively and positively, as I noted before.
KP