| Pivotal Events in the Movement for Native-American Rights |
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| www.studenthandouts.com > U.S. History > Decades of Change > Worksheets |
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| Students are asked to list and describe major events in the movement for Native-American rights. Click here to print (PDF file). Answers will vary. |
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The movement for Native American rights in the United States has been marked by numerous significant events that have advanced the struggle for sovereignty, recognition, and justice. Here are some key milestones: Dawes Act (1887): The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by allotting individual land parcels to Native American families while selling off excess tribal lands to non-Native settlers. The act resulted in the loss of millions of acres of tribal land and significantly disrupted Native American communities and cultures. Indian Citizenship Act (1924): This act granted U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. While granting citizenship, it did not guarantee voting rights, which continued to be a struggle for Native Americans in many states. Indian Reorganization Act (1934): Also known as the Wheeler-Howard Act, it aimed to reverse the Dawes Act's policy of assimilation and restore some aspects of tribal governance and communal landholding. The act helped to revive tribal governments and promote Native American self-determination. Termination Policy (1950s-1960s): A series of policies aimed at assimilating Native Americans into mainstream American society by terminating the recognition of certain tribes and dismantling tribal governance and services. The policy led to significant economic hardship and loss of cultural identity for many tribes. It was met with strong opposition and eventually abandoned. Formation of the American Indian Movement (AIM) (1968): AIM was founded to address issues of systemic poverty, discrimination, and police brutality faced by Native Americans. It became a prominent advocacy group for Native American rights. AIM played a key role in raising awareness of Native American issues and organizing major protests and occupations. Occupation of Alcatraz (1969-1971): Native American activists, including members of AIM, occupied the former Alcatraz Island prison, claiming it as Native land under the Treaty of Fort Laramie. The occupation brought national attention to Native American issues and inspired a new era of activism and advocacy. Trail of Broken Treaties (1972): A cross-country protest organized by AIM that culminated in the occupation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) headquarters in Washington, D.C. The protest highlighted treaty violations and demands for Native American rights, leading to some policy changes and increased federal awareness. Wounded Knee Occupation (1973): AIM members and Oglala Lakota activists occupied Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Reservation, demanding the removal of tribal president Dick Wilson and greater respect for treaty rights. The 71-day standoff brought significant media attention and highlighted issues of Native American sovereignty and justice. Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (1975): This act allowed tribes to contract with the federal government to run their own programs and services, promoting greater self-governance. It marked a significant shift towards Native American self-determination and control over their own affairs. Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) (1990): This act required federal agencies and institutions receiving federal funding to return Native American cultural items, including human remains, funerary objects, and sacred items, to their respective tribes. It provided a legal framework for the repatriation of cultural heritage and remains, respecting Native American spiritual and cultural practices. Standing Rock Protests (2016-2017): Native American tribes and their allies protested against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which threatened the water supply and sacred sites of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The protests brought global attention to contemporary Native American struggles and environmental justice issues, emphasizing the importance of tribal sovereignty and environmental protection. These events represent critical moments in the movement for Native American rights, reflecting ongoing struggles and significant victories in the pursuit of sovereignty, cultural preservation, and justice. |
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