High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Native American self-determination refers to the social movements, legislation, and beliefs by which the tribes in the United States (US) exercise self-governance and decision making on issues that affect their own people. "Self-determination" is meant to reverse the paternalistic policies enacted upon Native American tribes since the US government created treaties and established the reservation system. The nations want to control their own affairs. Self-determination is the means by which a tribe implements its sovereign powers. The movement gained strength in the 1930s and since the 1960s, when American Indian activism gained important changes between the nations and the US government. Tribes have established many new institutions, such as tribal colleges and universities, that help them preserve their cultures.