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A state funeral for President Jimmy Carter is set to take place Thursday morning at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. 

Carter’s life will be remembered for many things: among them, his impact on tribal nations. 

Tadd Johnson, professor emeritus of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota, told MPR News that Carter signed into law three pieces of legislation with lasting effects for Native communities.

These include the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act, and the Indian Child Welfare Act. 

These laws enabled tribal communities to freely practice their religions, opened up higher education on tribal lands, and protected Native kids from being removed from their tribes. 

“[Carter] recognized the sovereign status of Nation nations in America,” Johnson said. “And I think he’ll be remembered as a president who made a difference in Indian Country.”

For the full conversation with Tadd Johnson, use the audio player above. 

Tom Crann

Host

Ngoc Bui

Author

U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s life will be remembered for many things: among them, his impact on tribal nations. Tadd Johnson, professor emeritus of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota, said he signed into law three pieces of legislation that have had lasting effects for Native communities.

Jimmy Carter ‘made a difference in Indian Country’ during his time in the White House

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