-
When Columbus arrived in America, he believed he had arrived in the West Indies, coining the native people "Indians." This was obviously the incorrect name, but throughout history American Natives have been called Indians. -
Alliance between the French and Natives, in an attempt to defeat British presence in the Americas. Substantial Native losses resulted from these battles, and the Natives were persecuted by the British for opposing them. -
Final battle for the Northwest territories, resulting in the decisive loss for the Native Americans. This was the final straw that removed the power of the Native Americans. -
In this timespan, thousands of Natives were removed from their homelands, and were forced to march to assigned locations, many of which were in Oklahoma. Many of these Natives died en route, creating what is known as the Trail of Tears.
-
The first Native attended Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. This school was created to assimilate Native Americans. English was the only language that was allowed, and students were punished severely for any subordinance. -
150 Native Americans were killed by U.S. Cavalry for partaking in a cultural dance known as the "Ghost Dance." The Natives were not the aggressor in this circumstance, and were brutally ambushed by U.S. soldiers. This event triggered a substantial decline in the treatment of the Natives. -
Congress granted citizenship to all Natives born in the USA. This allowed for some Native citizens to access the rights that they had been deprived of for years.
-
This act provided recognition and funds to Natives whose land was taken or tribes disbanded. This was the beginning of reparations that began to pay Natives who's communities or tribes were affected by relocation. -
George H.W. Bush passed a law forcing all museums that receive federal funding to surrender all cultural items. Many Native groups established their own museums to house their own cultural artifacts.
-
The Washington Commanders (Previously named the Redskins), dropped their mascot because of years of complaints regarding the apparently racist nature of their name and mascot. -
"Native American History Timeline." History.com, AE Television Networks. https://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/native-american-timeline. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
Hudson, Myles. "Wounded Knee Massacre". Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Nov. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/event/Wounded-Knee-Massacre. Accessed 6 December 2024.