The Indian reservations are actually sovereign nations within the United States of America. They govern themselves; maintain their own police force and their own system of justice. When you visit a reservation, you are under the laws of the tribe. Some Indian tribes have taken advantage of this independent political status by allowing gambling on their reservations while the states around them prohibit it. Indian casinos now attract many tourists from the surrounding no-gambling states. On some reservations, the tribes also sell cigarettes, alcohol or gasoline at reduced prices due to their exemption from state taxes.

The Indian reservation is the spiritual and cultural center for all members of the tribe including those living far from it. The native language, the cultural traditions and the religious ceremonies are typically preserved by the tribal members living on the reservation. Unfortunately, you will not get much chance to experience Indian culture by visiting the Indian casino or by purchasing cheap cigarettes in the reservation store. Most of the authentic religious ceremonies and cultural events are not open to the public.