BIA's 1970 Self-Determination Policy

Definition

BIA's 1970 Self-Determination Policy was a significant shift in federal Indian policy that promoted greater autonomy and control for Native American tribes over their own affairs. This policy aimed to reverse decades of assimilationist policies and aimed to empower tribes to manage their own programs and services, fostering self-governance and a renewed sense of identity. This transformation marked a critical moment in the Red Power movement, as it encouraged Native Americans to assert their rights and reclaim their cultural heritage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The BIA's 1970 Self-Determination Policy was officially announced by President Nixon in a speech that acknowledged past injustices against Native Americans.
2. This policy allowed tribes to take control of federal programs and funding that directly affected their communities, enabling more tailored solutions to their unique needs.
3. The self-determination approach emphasized cultural preservation and the importance of tribal governance structures, helping to revive traditional practices.
4. Many tribes responded positively to this policy by creating their own governing bodies and economic development programs to enhance their autonomy.
5. The success of this policy laid the groundwork for future legislation focused on Native American rights, including the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975.

Review Questions

• How did BIA's 1970 Self-Determination Policy reflect the goals of the Red Power movement?
  • BIA's 1970 Self-Determination Policy mirrored the goals of the Red Power movement by emphasizing tribal sovereignty and self-governance. Both sought to address the historical injustices faced by Native Americans and encouraged tribes to reclaim their rights. The policy served as a legislative acknowledgment of these goals, empowering tribes to make decisions about their own governance, which was a core demand of the Red Power activists.
• In what ways did the BIA's 1970 Self-Determination Policy impact Native American communities in terms of governance and cultural identity?
  • The BIA's 1970 Self-Determination Policy had a profound impact on Native American communities by facilitating greater control over governance and promoting cultural identity. By allowing tribes to manage federal programs independently, many could implement solutions that were culturally relevant and reflective of their traditions. This empowerment helped foster a renewed sense of pride in Native identity, as tribes began to re-establish cultural practices that had been suppressed by previous federal policies.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of BIA's 1970 Self-Determination Policy on Native American activism and federal relations.
  • The long-term implications of BIA's 1970 Self-Determination Policy significantly reshaped Native American activism and federal relations. It shifted the landscape towards greater recognition of tribal sovereignty, leading to more legislative support for Native rights in subsequent years. This policy inspired new generations of activists who built upon its principles, strengthening movements like AIM and influencing negotiations with the federal government. The ongoing dialogue around self-determination has been crucial in addressing contemporary issues facing Native communities, reflecting an enduring legacy of empowerment initiated by this policy.

Related terms

Red Power Movement: A social movement during the 1960s and 1970s advocating for Native American rights, sovereignty, and self-determination, emphasizing pride in Native identity.

Indian Reorganization Act: A 1934 law aimed at reversing the assimilation policies of the Dawes Act, promoting tribal self-governance and the restoration of tribal land.

American Indian Movement (AIM): A grassroots organization founded in 1968 that sought to address issues of sovereignty, treaty rights, and social justice for Native Americans.