Federal Policy Changes

Definition

Federal policy changes refer to the shifts and adjustments made by the United States government in its approach and regulations towards Native American tribes and communities. These changes can significantly impact tribal sovereignty, land rights, and cultural preservation, often reflecting broader political and social attitudes towards Indigenous peoples.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Throughout history, federal policy changes have oscillated between promoting assimilation and recognizing tribal sovereignty.
2. The federal government implemented various policies that aimed to undermine Native American cultures, often leading to loss of language, traditions, and communal ties.
3. One significant shift in policy occurred during the New Deal era when the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 aimed to reverse some effects of earlier assimilation policies and restore some degree of self-governance to tribes.
4. Federal policy changes often resulted from broader social movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement, which influenced the recognition of Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
5. Current policies continue to evolve, reflecting ongoing debates about tribal rights, land disputes, and self-determination for Native American communities.

Review Questions

• How did federal policy changes impact the cultural identity of Native American tribes?
  • Federal policy changes significantly affected the cultural identity of Native American tribes by enforcing assimilation practices that sought to erase Indigenous traditions and languages. Policies like the Dawes Act encouraged individual land ownership over communal living, disrupting traditional ways of life. These shifts often led to a generational loss of cultural knowledge and identity as tribal members were pressured to conform to mainstream American societal norms.
• In what ways did the Indian Reorganization Act represent a shift in federal policy towards Native Americans?
  • The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 marked a significant departure from previous federal policies that emphasized assimilation and land allotment. Instead, it aimed to restore some measure of self-governance and recognize tribal sovereignty by encouraging tribes to establish their own governments. This act allowed tribes to regain some control over their lands and resources, signaling a more supportive stance from the federal government towards Indigenous self-determination after decades of oppressive policies.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of federal policy changes on contemporary Native American communities and their struggle for rights.
  • The long-term effects of federal policy changes are evident in contemporary Native American communities' ongoing struggles for rights, recognition, and resources. While some policy shifts have provided avenues for self-governance and economic development, historical injustices continue to impact tribal nations today. Issues such as land disputes, access to education, health care disparities, and the preservation of culture are rooted in past policies that sought to undermine Indigenous identities. The legacy of these federal policies drives current activism and calls for more equitable treatment under U.S. law.

Related terms

Indian Removal Act: A law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to designated Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River.

Dawes Act: A federal law enacted in 1887 aimed at assimilating Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual plots of land and granting U.S. citizenship in exchange for the relinquishment of tribal affiliation.

Tribal Sovereignty: The inherent authority of Indigenous tribes to govern themselves and manage their own affairs within the framework of U.S. federal law.