Date of Defense

4-24-2026

Date of Graduation

5-2026

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Zoann Snyder

Second Advisor

Matt Nielsen

Keywords

Indigenous communities, Michigan, policing, tribal sovereignty, thematic analysis, qualitative data, policy

Abstract

This study examines the historical and contemporary factors shaping relationships between Indigenous communities and law enforcement in the United States, with a specific focus on tribal nations in Michigan. Using a historical framework that includes treaty-making, forced removal, and evolving legal decisions, this research examines the use of treaties and diplomacy to initiate new socio-political structures in Native American communities. Similarly, the emergence of policing in the United States impacted the relationship between law enforcement and Indigenous communities by creating hostility and distrust. The existing literature highlights themes of police violence and the paradoxical nature of over-policing and under-policing in Indigenous communities. Current research pays particular attention to racial profiling, failure to provide protection, fatal police encounters, and help-seeking behaviors. These topics are used to discuss the disproportional treatment of Indigenous populations when compared with non-Indigenous or white populations. To address gaps in current scholarly work, this study suggests qualitative, in-person interviews with citizens of federally recognized tribal nations in Michigan to obtain data on the lived experiences tribal citizens encounter with state, federal, and local-level law enforcement. In an attempt to gain a full understanding of Indigenous communities in Michigan, the research participants will consist of tribal citizens from the Upper and Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Using thematic analysis, this research intends to explore perceptions of law enforcement, influences from personal and community experiences, and suggestions for potential reform. This study proposes the use of community informed strategies for improving relationships between Indigenous populations and law enforcement. Using the historical framework, current literature, and proposed literature concurrently allows for a nuanced discussion of how policing is experienced at the community level and the relation to national level statistics. By centering Indigenous voices, this study aims to contribute to broader discussions on the persistent impacts of colonialism, tribal sovereignty, and the development of culturally informed policing practices.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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