P.L. 103-413 "The Self-Governance Act of 1994" was developed by the U.S. Congress, Indian Tribes and Administration officials, and signed into law by the President of the United States on October 25, 1994. The Federal legislative and administrative processes are critically important to the future development of Federal Indian Policy.

It is incumbent that every participating Self-Governance Tribe understand the executive and legislative functions and processes of the Federal Government. Additionally, it is helpful to Tribes to comprehend the Federal judicial functions and how they can affect the application and implementation of Federal Indian policies.

A general overview of the Federal executive, legislative and judicial processes are included in the appendix of this booklet, with special emphasis placed on the legislative and executive functions. It is our hope that this information will assist Indian Tribes to better understand how these activities are carried out by the U.S. Government. We are hopeful that this information will stimulate interest and discussion among Tribal leaders and Self-Governance personnel. As Indian Nations, we need to collectively influence Federal Indian Policy and change the Federal Government's tendencies to control the destiny of Indian Tribes across the Nation to one of a true government-to-government relationship.