House Concurrent Resolution 108 was a congressional measure adopted in 1953 aimed at terminating the special legal status of Native American tribes and promoting their assimilation into mainstream American society. This resolution marked a significant shift in federal Indian policy, moving away from the previous era of Indian self-determination and sovereignty towards a focus on termination and assimilation during the Termination Era (1953-1968).
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House Concurrent Resolution 108 was introduced in Congress as part of a broader movement to assimilate Native Americans into American society by terminating their tribal status.
The resolution passed in 1953 and led to the termination of federal recognition for several tribes, which resulted in significant loss of land and resources for those tribes.
The Termination Era saw many Native Americans struggle with the consequences of assimilation policies, including loss of cultural identity and economic hardship.
The resolution reflected a prevailing belief at the time that Native Americans were impediments to progress and needed to be integrated into mainstream society.
In response to the negative impacts of House Concurrent Resolution 108, Native American activism increased in the 1960s, leading to movements aimed at restoring tribal sovereignty and rights.
Review Questions
How did House Concurrent Resolution 108 represent a shift in federal policy regarding Native Americans?
House Concurrent Resolution 108 represented a major shift from previous policies that recognized tribal sovereignty towards an approach focused on termination and assimilation. This resolution marked the beginning of a new era where the U.S. government sought to eliminate the special legal status of tribes, promoting the idea that Native Americans should fully integrate into American society. This move away from self-determination had profound implications for tribes, as it jeopardized their governance and cultural practices.
Discuss the consequences faced by Native American tribes as a result of House Concurrent Resolution 108.
As a consequence of House Concurrent Resolution 108, numerous Native American tribes lost their federal recognition and with it, access to essential services and support from the federal government. The resolution led to significant land loss, economic hardship, and challenges in maintaining cultural identities for many tribes. The emphasis on assimilation created a disconnection from traditional practices and community structures, further complicating efforts for tribes to sustain their cultures amid such drastic changes.
Evaluate the long-term impact of House Concurrent Resolution 108 on contemporary Native American rights movements.
The long-term impact of House Concurrent Resolution 108 can be seen in contemporary Native American rights movements that emerged in response to termination policies. The negative effects experienced by tribes during this period galvanized activism focused on restoring tribal sovereignty, land rights, and cultural preservation. This resurgence in advocacy has played a crucial role in reshaping policies towards more supportive measures for Native Americans, highlighting the importance of self-determination and respect for tribal governments today.
A U.S. government policy implemented during the 1950s aimed at ending the special relationship between the federal government and Native American tribes, leading to the dissolution of tribal governments and land holdings.
A 1934 law that aimed to reverse the damage caused by previous assimilation policies by recognizing tribal sovereignty and restoring some degree of self-governance to Native American tribes.
The process by which minority groups adopt the customs, values, and behaviors of the dominant culture, often leading to the loss of their own cultural identity.