The Congress finds and declares that⁠—

(1)  there is a government-to-government relationship between the United States and each Indian tribe;

(2)  the United States has a trust responsibility to each tribal government that includes the protection of the sovereignty of each tribal government;

(3)  Congress, through statutes, treaties, and the exercise of administrative authorities, has recognized the self-determination, self-reliance, and inherent sovereignty of Indian tribes;

(4)  Indian tribes possess the inherent authority to establish their own form of government, including tribal justice systems;

(5)  tribal justice systems are an essential part of tribal governments and serve as important forums for ensuring public health and safety and the political integrity of tribal governments;

(6)  Congress and the Federal courts have repeatedly recognized tribal justice systems as the appropriate forums for the adjudication of disputes affecting personal and property rights;

(7)  traditional tribal justice practices are essential to the maintenance of the culture and identity of Indian tribes and to the goals of this chapter;

(8)  tribal justice systems are inadequately funded, and the lack of adequate funding impairs their operation; and

(9)  tribal government involvement in and commitment to improving tribal justice systems is essential to the accomplishment of the goals of this chapter.