House Concurrent Resolution 108

Definition

House Concurrent Resolution 108, passed in 1953, was a significant legislative measure that aimed to terminate the special legal status of Native American tribes and assimilate them into mainstream American society. This resolution marked a shift in federal Indian policy from a focus on tribal sovereignty and self-determination to one promoting assimilation and individualism, reflecting a broader trend during the era of termination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. House Concurrent Resolution 108 was introduced as part of a larger agenda by the U.S. government to encourage Native Americans to assimilate into mainstream culture after decades of government-imposed segregation.
2. The resolution proposed to dissolve tribal governments and end the federal trust relationship, which was meant to protect tribal land and rights.
3. This legislative shift was met with resistance from many Native Americans who viewed it as a threat to their identity, culture, and sovereignty.
4. The passage of House Concurrent Resolution 108 was part of a broader pattern during the 1950s where numerous tribes faced pressure to terminate their recognized status.
5. The long-term effects of this resolution led to economic hardships and loss of cultural heritage for many tribes, prompting later movements advocating for self-determination and restoration of tribal rights.

Review Questions

• How did House Concurrent Resolution 108 reflect the broader trends in federal Indian policy during the 1950s?
  • House Concurrent Resolution 108 exemplified the shift from recognizing tribal sovereignty to promoting assimilation within federal Indian policy during the 1950s. It illustrated an era where the government sought to integrate Native Americans into American society by dissolving tribal identities and governments. This change was rooted in a belief that assimilation would lead to better economic outcomes for Native Americans, though it overlooked the importance of cultural identity and self-governance.
• In what ways did House Concurrent Resolution 108 impact Native American tribes economically and culturally?
  • The passage of House Concurrent Resolution 108 had significant economic and cultural repercussions for many Native American tribes. Economically, it led to a loss of federal support and resources that were essential for community development. Culturally, the emphasis on assimilation undercut tribal traditions and practices, as many individuals were encouraged or forced to abandon their languages and customs in favor of mainstream American values.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of House Concurrent Resolution 108 on contemporary Native American rights movements.
  • The long-term consequences of House Concurrent Resolution 108 played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary Native American rights movements. The push for termination led to widespread loss of tribal recognition and resources, prompting Native communities to mobilize for self-determination and restoration of rights. This movement ultimately laid the groundwork for significant legislation in the 1970s, such as the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, which sought to reverse some of the damage caused by earlier policies like termination.

Related terms

Termination Policy: A federal policy aimed at assimilating Native Americans into American society by terminating the federal recognition of tribes and their sovereignty.

Self-Determination: The principle that allows communities, including Native American tribes, to make their own decisions regarding governance and policy, often seen as a response to the termination era.

Indian Reorganization Act (1934): A key piece of legislation that reversed the previous assimilation policies and recognized the rights of Native American tribes to self-governance and preservation of their cultures.