The Supreme Court today solidified the sovereign privileges of Native Americans across the country by vacating the state-law conviction of an Oklahoma man who contended that his alleged crime had occurred on tribal territory.

To better understand this case’s importance, allow me to share the story of Louisiana’s Rick Tonry, who was elected to Congress in November 1976 but became a convicted felon (for vote fraud) by the summer of 1977.

Recommended Stories

Supreme Court agrees to hear case over limits on Oklahoma tribal authority

Native American issues in Congress set to take on higher profile

Elizabeth Warren’s DNA test shows she isn’t Native American, makes her the butt of jokes once again