Pictured is a fraction of people excluded from the Fond Du Lac reservation. Photo by Andi Murphy
Native America Calling – Tuesday, May 5 LISTEN HERE
Tribal banishment can be seen as an expression of justice, restoring balance, or righting a wrong. Banishment can be permanent or temporary. It can strip a tribal member of their enrollment status and it can happen for a variety of reasons – from embezzling to murder to selling drugs. It’s a tribal tradition that remains in effect in some communities today, but how effective is it and what are the downsides? Is banishment a form of tribal justice? Or the appropriation of a tradition for modern, possibly less-honorable, needs?
