House Concurrent Resolution 108

Definition

House Concurrent Resolution 108 was a legislative measure passed in 1953 that aimed to terminate the federal government's recognition of tribal sovereignty for Native American tribes and encourage their assimilation into mainstream American society. This resolution was part of a broader policy shift towards termination and relocation, where the government sought to dismantle the trust relationship with tribes and promote individual land ownership.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. House Concurrent Resolution 108 marked a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Native Americans, moving away from recognizing tribal sovereignty.
2. The resolution set the stage for the termination of federal recognition for over 100 tribes, leading to loss of resources and legal protections.
3. The push for assimilation under HCR 108 emphasized individual land ownership rather than collective tribal land holdings.
4. This resolution was part of a larger trend during the 1950s, where many Native Americans faced economic hardships and cultural dislocation due to relocation efforts.
5. The effects of House Concurrent Resolution 108 continued to be felt for decades, leading to activism and calls for restoration of tribal rights and sovereignty in the following years.

Review Questions

• How did House Concurrent Resolution 108 reflect the broader termination policies of the U.S. government during the 1950s?
  • House Concurrent Resolution 108 epitomized the government's shift towards termination policies by formally ending federal recognition of tribal sovereignty. It aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society, dismantling the trust relationship that had existed. This was part of a wider movement that sought to erase distinct tribal identities, pushing for individual land ownership instead of collective rights.
• In what ways did HCR 108 impact Native American tribes economically and culturally?
  • HCR 108 had devastating effects on Native American tribes by stripping them of their federally recognized status, which led to significant economic hardships. Tribes lost access to resources and legal protections that supported their way of life. Culturally, the push for assimilation resulted in many individuals experiencing dislocation from their communities and cultural heritage, as they were encouraged to abandon traditional practices in favor of mainstream American lifestyles.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of House Concurrent Resolution 108 on Native American rights movements in subsequent decades.
  • The long-term consequences of HCR 108 ignited a strong response among Native Americans, leading to increased activism and advocacy for tribal rights in the 1960s and beyond. The negative impacts of termination policies prompted many tribes to mobilize for restoration of their sovereignty and recognition. This activism contributed to legislative changes in later years, such as the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, which aimed to empower tribes and restore their rights.

Related terms

Termination Policy: A government policy in the mid-20th century that aimed to eliminate the special relationship between the federal government and Native American tribes, leading to the loss of tribal lands and sovereignty.

Relocation Program: An initiative that encouraged Native Americans to leave reservations and move to urban areas for employment opportunities, often resulting in loss of cultural identity and support systems.

Indian Claims Commission:

A body established in 1946 to hear claims made by Native American tribes against the federal government for land losses, arising from policies like termination.