The article analyzes Indigenous political autonomy as a factor of state stability, highlighting the historical agency of original nations despite colonization. It examines the legal foundations of autonomy and self-determination in the UNDRIP, and the challenges of articulating models of self-government within state frameworks. The concept of treaties as ongoing relationships (Leanne Simpson) is explored, emphasizing territorial rights and the limitations of state-centric arguments. The study discusses alternative formulations of political status, shared power categories, and negotiation tools in the face of international law constraints (with reference to the Fourteen Points and UN Covenants). It addresses the role of third-party mediation and the geopolitical complexity of the Fourth World, including environmental justice and Indigenous nationalism, from multidisciplinary perspectives on migration, climate change, and biocultural education.Pending
Bruce et al. (Wed,) studied this question.