§ 3601. Findings

there is a government-to-government relationship between the United States and each Indian tribe;

the United States has a trust responsibility to each tribal government that includes the protection of the sovereignty of each tribal government;

Congress, through statutes, treaties, and the exercise of administrative authorities, has recognized the self-determination, self-reliance, and inherent sovereignty of Indian tribes;

Indian tribes possess the inherent authority to establish their own form of government, including tribal justice systems;

tribal justice systems are an essential part of tribal governments and serve as important forums for ensuring public health and safety and the political integrity of tribal governments;

Congress and the Federal courts have repeatedly recognized tribal justice systems as the appropriate forums for the adjudication of disputes affecting personal and property rights;

traditional tribal justice practices are essential to the maintenance of the culture and identity of Indian tribes and to the goals of this chapter;

tribal justice systems are inadequately funded, and the lack of adequate funding impairs their operation; and

tribal government involvement in and commitment to improving tribal justice systems is essential to the accomplishment of the goals of this chapter.