Indian Reservations

Nv Guy wrote:
As previously mentioned follow traffic laws closely, especially speed, no allowance there. And they have their own fine schedule.

Very true, got stopped on the Navajo Res and got a warning. The officer warned me that they strictly enforce speed zones and I took that to heart. Had no trouble since then.

As for Crazy Horse, just be aware that there is a distinct split in visitor reactions. Some like it, many think it is a rip off and waste of time and money. All you need to do is figure out which group you are in...heh. Ahead of visiting.

I have never felt "unsafe" as a tourist in the reservations. Mostly they are offering services just like snywhere else. I just don't wander off into their private stuff.
One day the Navajo ladies suggested we drop in to the local high school to watch "Indian Days". Kids from all over doing Indian dancing and singing. We had a great time and they were very welcoming.

Not here in the states but on our Alaska trip in 2019 we spent a few days in Carcross and visited the native center. We quickly made friends with a young lady there and were invited to a banquet to celebrate the local graduates. Had a great time and then met a master canoe builder. Very interesting to watch her and him building a large dugout canoe using traditional hand tools.
Respect them and they'll probably respect you.

We've met so many truly beautiful people on the tribal lands. Most of the time your own attitude will set the tone for the encounters. Be respectful and pleasant. Think before you speak. Be a peaceful person.

If there are two gas stations next door to each other and one is charging substantially less per gallon than the other, then you probably just found the border of the rez where one is paying state and fed taxes and the other isn't. Don't comment on it when you pay.

Also be aware that some tribes are still restricting travel across their lands because of covid.

Most of the year in Arizona, be careful if you book any kind of tour or anything with a specific time, because Arizona doesn't use Daylight Saving but many tribes do. When you register, look for a clock in the room or even ask for the local time so you don't disrespect them by being early or late.

Never been bothered by anyone when on a Native American reservation.

At the peak of the pandemic, some reservations tried to restrict access, but had some conflicts with the covid-denying state governors. I mainly remember news items about this from South Dakota.

The Blackfoot Nation web site notes

Despite loosened COVID-19 restrictions by the state of Montana, the Blackfeet Nation is still exercising caution

https://www.hcn.org/articles/indigenous-affairs-covid19-tribes-defend-themselves-against-a-pandemic-and-south-dakotas-state-government

https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/sites/default/files/2020-07/southdakotadepartmentoftourism_tribalcheckpoints_07292020.pdf

The check points probably don't exist now, but tribes might still expect masks and social distancing beyond what the state expects.

Over the last 30 or more years I've spent many, many days on various reservations mainly the Navajo and Hopi. Lots of good advise here especially observing rules and traffic laws.

I would add a few more suggestions. First and foremost is RESPECT! Don't ask questions especially about their religion or culture. You will be told what you need to know not what you want to know. Slow down and don't be in such a hurry. You might find yourself invited to a ceremonial dance or family gathering. Don't talk too much. Just listen. Be especially respectful of the elders.

A word of warning that should be adhered to. Do not drive after dark on the reservation unless absolutely necessary. There are too many horses, cows, dogs, pedestrians and impaired drivers.

Every year we used to go to an RV resort run by Indians on a reservation in Oregon. Sadly, it is closed now. The reservation lands were open range so be on the lookout for livestock on the road. Follow the speed limits carefully. I will say that some of the steep grades and tight curves on the reservation road were out of the norm and took some extra care. Beautiful, uncluttered country.

The Piute Tribe of Northern Nevada did close their Pyramid Lake and reservation to all outsiders last year with highway checkpoints on the state hwy through the rez. Everything is open now and I frequently fish on their massif Pyramid Lake each year.

Their website is up to date with all the rules and regulations. Pyramid Lake is also a U.S. National park and their police are very strict on speed limits. They do have two paved RV camping areas and dozens of unpaved waterfront locations for off road RVers. Their fishing and camping permits are pricey.

As Will Geer would say in Jerimiah Johnson, "Watch your topknot."

But in all seriousness, If you carry, watch their firearms laws. They will get you in trouble.