House Concurrent Resolution 108

Definition

House Concurrent Resolution 108 was a significant legislative measure passed by the U.S. Congress in 1953, aimed at terminating the special relationship between the federal government and Native American tribes. This resolution marked a shift in federal Indian policy towards assimilation and encouraged the dismantling of tribal governments and reservations, impacting the sovereignty and rights of Native American communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. House Concurrent Resolution 108 was adopted on August 1, 1953, signaling a major shift in U.S. Indian policy from recognition of tribal sovereignty to promoting assimilation.
2. The resolution aimed to eliminate federal trust responsibilities and eventually terminate the legal status of many tribes as distinct entities.
3. One of the key effects of Resolution 108 was the loss of land and resources for many Native American tribes, exacerbating poverty and social issues in these communities.
4. The resolution faced significant opposition from Native American leaders and advocates, who argued it undermined their rights and cultural identities.
5. House Concurrent Resolution 108 ultimately led to widespread consequences, prompting future legislation aimed at restoring tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

Review Questions

• How did House Concurrent Resolution 108 reflect changes in federal Indian policy during the mid-20th century?
  • House Concurrent Resolution 108 represented a significant departure from previous federal policies that recognized tribal sovereignty. It reflected a broader trend towards assimilation, where the government sought to integrate Native Americans into mainstream society by terminating their special status. This shift had profound implications for tribal governments and communities, leading to loss of land, resources, and cultural identity.
• In what ways did House Concurrent Resolution 108 impact Native American communities and their governance structures?
  • The passage of House Concurrent Resolution 108 had detrimental effects on Native American communities by promoting the dismantling of tribal governments and reservations. As tribes faced termination, they lost their ability to self-govern and manage their resources. The resolution resulted in increased vulnerability for many tribes, leading to heightened economic struggles and cultural disintegration as they were pressured to conform to mainstream American values.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of House Concurrent Resolution 108 on subsequent legislation concerning Native American rights and sovereignty.
  • The long-term implications of House Concurrent Resolution 108 were profound, as it set the stage for backlash against termination policies. In response to its negative effects, future legislation like the Indian Self-Determination Act emerged, which aimed to restore tribal sovereignty and empower Native communities. This shift highlighted the resilience of Native American groups as they fought for recognition and autonomy, ultimately reshaping federal policy towards a more supportive framework for indigenous rights.

Related terms

Termination Policy: A federal policy from the 1940s to the 1960s that aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society by dissolving tribal identities and governments.

Indian Self-Determination Act: Legislation enacted in 1975 that allows tribes to have greater control over their own governance, education, and social services, reversing some aspects of the termination policy.

Dawes Act: An 1887 law that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting them individual plots of land, which undermined tribal landholdings and communal living.