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First Reservation for Native Americans established by U.S.
The U.S. initially claimed that separation would preserve sovereignty, however it was found that the goal was to withdraw Native Americans to a culture of a small piece of land. -
Indian Removal Act signed and passed
Andrew Jackson signed the act into law, which authorized him to take land from southern Indian tribes. This oppressed Native Americans by forcing them to leave their homes, travel long distances, and many became sick or died. This act also paved the way to boarding schools and stripped tribe members of their culture and traditions. -
Battle of Ash Hollow
A Sioux killed a farmer's cow who wondered to a Brule Lakota camp for food. The farmer reported it as stolen, which is where the battle is rooted from. Colonel William Harney and his soldiers massacred an entire Brule village in retribution for the killing of 30 soldiers, who were killed in retribution for the killing of the Brule chief, Conquering Bear, in a dispute over a cow. -
Treaty of Fort Laramie
The U.S. agrees to abandon Forts Smith, Kearney, and Reno. This treaty was signed by the U.S. and the Sioux Nation, which recognized the Black Hills as a part of the Great Sioux Reservation, and set aside for exclusive use by the Sioux people. -
Indian Religious Crimes Code
This act banned Indigenous spiritual practices in hopes of "civilizing savages" and assimilating Native people into mainstream America. This ban continued until the 1930s, however the concept can still be seen in todays's society. -
Meriam Report
This report documented and recognized the disparities in health, education, nutrition, and economic opportunities for Native Americans. It was the first general study of Indian Americans since the 1850s and it described the conditions at boarding schools and reservations. This occurred during a brief period of respite and re-affirmation of distinctiveness. -
Indian Reorganization Act
This act was created to reverse the traditional goal of assimilation. It encouraged tribes to regain their cultural heritage, prohibited new allotments and extended the trust period for existing allotments, and sought to promote tribal self-government by encouraging tribes to adopt constitutions and form federally-chartered corporations. -
House Concurrent Resolution 108
This act opened former Reservation land to outsiders, leading to a dramatic increase in poverty. This was the beginning to termination policies, the end of tribal sovereignty, and gave a push towards the integration of Native Americans into mainstream America. -
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
This act seeks to keep American Indian children with American Indian families/homes. It was created due to the high rate of American Indian children being removed from their homes and placed in non-Native homes. This act promotes stability, structure, and preserves Native culture, heritage, and traditions. ICWA sets federal requirements that apply to state child custody proceedings involving an Indian child who is a member of or eligible for membership in a federally recognized tribe.