House Concurrent Resolution 108 is a legislative measure passed by the U.S. Congress in 1953, which aimed to terminate the federal government's recognition of tribal sovereignty for Native American tribes and assimilate them into mainstream American society. This resolution marked a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Native Americans, moving away from previous commitments to uphold their distinct rights and identities.
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House Concurrent Resolution 108 was part of a broader Termination Policy that sought to assimilate Native Americans and dismantle tribal governments.
The resolution called for the termination of federal recognition for over 100 tribes, which would strip them of their rights and protections.
One of the goals of HCR 108 was to encourage Native Americans to relocate to urban areas, promoting individualism over communal tribal identities.
The resolution faced significant opposition from Native American leaders and activists, who fought to preserve their rights and sovereignty.
Eventually, HCR 108 was largely reversed with the rise of the self-determination movement in the late 1960s and 1970s, leading to policies that supported tribal sovereignty.
Review Questions
How did House Concurrent Resolution 108 change the relationship between the federal government and Native American tribes?
House Concurrent Resolution 108 drastically altered the relationship by pushing for the termination of federal recognition of tribal sovereignty. It aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream society, effectively dismantling the unique legal status and rights that tribes had previously held. This marked a significant departure from earlier policies that recognized and respected tribal autonomy.
Discuss the long-term implications of House Concurrent Resolution 108 on Native American communities.
The long-term implications of House Concurrent Resolution 108 were profound, as it set in motion a series of policies aimed at assimilation that led to social and economic challenges for many Native American communities. The termination policy disrupted tribal governance and cultural practices, leading to loss of land, resources, and identity. It wasn't until later self-determination movements that many tribes began to regain their rights and work towards restoring their sovereignty.
Evaluate the resistance efforts from Native American leaders against House Concurrent Resolution 108 and how they shaped future policies.
Native American leaders mounted significant resistance against House Concurrent Resolution 108, utilizing activism and legal challenges to highlight the detrimental effects of termination on their communities. Their efforts were crucial in raising awareness about Indigenous rights and injustices, ultimately shaping a shift in public policy towards supporting tribal sovereignty in subsequent decades. This resistance laid the groundwork for future legislation favoring self-determination, influencing how the federal government approaches its relationship with Native tribes today.
A 1934 law aimed at reversing the assimilation policies of the Dawes Act by recognizing the sovereignty of Native American tribes and promoting self-governance.
Termination Policy: A policy implemented in the 1950s that sought to end the special relationship between Native American tribes and the federal government, aiming for assimilation into American culture.
Self-Determination: The principle that Native American tribes should have the right to govern themselves and make their own decisions regarding their communities and resources.