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The Indian Removal Act
According to The Library of Congress Research Guides, The Indian Removal Act allowed the president to grant land west of The Mississippi in return for Indian Lands that were within pre-existing state boarders. There were a few tribes that left the land peacefully, however many resisted this unfair policy. This was important because it marked the beginning of the removal of indigenous people from the Mississippi River, which would continue in the years to come. A key player was President Jackson. -
The Treaty of Fort Laramie
According to The National Park Service, The Treaty of Fort Laramie outlined the responsibilities and rights of the U.S. government and American Indians. It was a strong attempt at peace between the groups, however the government would go on to break the terms following the Black Hills Gold Rush. This was significant because it showed how much the Plain Tribes wanted to live in peace. Key players in this event were the government, and the Great Sioux Nation which was greatly impacted by this. -
The Dawes Act
According to The National Archives, The Dawes Act was a law that allowed the president to break up reservation land, that was held in common by the members of a tribe, into smaller areas which were then parceled. This meant that individual Native Americans were able to own land, not tribes. This was important because it was an attempt at assimilation however had negative drawbacks such as a loss of a vast amount of land, and cultural upheaval. Key players were President Cleveland, and Indians. -
The Indian Citizenship Act
According to The Library of Congress, this act was enacted by congress which granted citizenship to all Native Americans that were born in the U.S. However, they were not fully citizens because they were barred from voting. This was significant because it was an important first step in recognizing the legal and political rights of Native Americans. Key players in this event were were president Calvin Coolidge who signed the act, and Native American activists who helped to make this possible. -
The Indian Reorganization Act
According to mnopedia, the IRA ended land allotment, prohibited non consensual land seizure, recognized tribal governments, encouraged the writing of tribal constitutions, and empowered Native people to manage their own resources. This was important because it took a step away from from forced assimilation, and established land rights and the preservation of Native American culture. Key players included president Roosevelt and Native American tribal leaders who helped to fight for these rights. -
The Termination Policy
The termination policy was when the U.S. government pursued policies of terminating federal recognition and support for tribes, encouraging them to assimilate into mainstream American society and end their status as legal entities. According to National Archives, this policy emphasized tribal self government. This was significant because it made native tribes more susceptible to state control and influence. Key players were president Truman and the bureau of Indian affairs who enforced it. -
The Indian Relocation Act
This act encouraged Native Americans to leave reservations and relocate to urban areas where they could find employment, with the hope of assimilating them into mainstream society. This was significant because it resulted in many Native Americans losing their cultural ties to their tribes and experiencing social and economic hardships in the cities, ultimately leading to a sense of loneliness for many individuals. Key players were president Eisenhower and civil rights organizations. -
Indian Civil Rights Act
This act extended many of the protections found in the U.S. Bill of Rights to Native Americans, while also recognizing tribal governments' authority to pass their own laws. This was important because it aimed to balance individual civil rights with the rights of tribal sovereignty. According to the U.S. Commission of Civil Rights, it is very similar to the bill of rights. Key players were president Lyndon B. Johnson, and The National Congress of American Indians. -
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
This law allowed tribes control over their own affairs, reversing some previous policies and promoting Native American self-governance. According to Indian Affairs, The Act allowed for Indian tribes to have greater autonomy . This was important because it allowed them to have the opportunity to assume the responsibility for programs and services administered to them on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior through contractual agreements. Key players were president Nixon and tribal leaders. -
American Indian Religious Freedom Act
According to Advisory Council On Historic Preservation, this legislation recognized the right of Native Americans to practice their traditional religions and protected access to sacred sites, ceremonial objects, and practices. This was important because it allowed for a greater acceptance of Native American culture and religion. Key players were president Jimmy Carter, and The American Indian Movement.