Reservation system

Definition

The reservation system refers to the government policy that designated specific areas of land for Native American tribes to live on, often as a means to control their movements and limit their sovereignty. This system was implemented in the 19th century as part of broader efforts to assimilate Native Americans into Euro-American culture and exploit their lands for resources. The effects of this system have had lasting impacts on tribal identity, culture, and land rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The reservation system was primarily established through treaties made between Native American tribes and the U.S. government, many of which were signed under duress or misrepresentation.
2. Reservations were often located on land that was deemed undesirable by settlers, which contributed to economic challenges for Native American communities.
3. The system significantly disrupted traditional tribal lifestyles and practices, forcing many to adapt to new forms of governance and economy.
4. While the reservation system aimed to isolate Native Americans from mainstream society, it inadvertently became a space for cultural revival and resistance against assimilation.
5. Contemporary Native American poets frequently address themes of identity, trauma, and resilience linked to the experiences of life on reservations in their work.

Review Questions

• How did the reservation system impact the cultural identity of Native American tribes?
  • The reservation system profoundly affected the cultural identity of Native American tribes by imposing a foreign governance structure and disrupting traditional ways of life. While many tribes faced challenges adapting to these changes, reservations also became sites for cultural preservation and revitalization. Contemporary poets reflect on these struggles and transformations in their works, illustrating how tribal identities have evolved in response to historical traumas.
• Evaluate the role of treaties in establishing the reservation system and how they shaped Native American experiences.
  • Treaties played a crucial role in establishing the reservation system as they formalized agreements between Native American tribes and the U.S. government. Many treaties were coerced or based on false promises, resulting in significant land loss for tribes and a lack of trust in governmental agreements. These historical injustices have led to ongoing legal battles over land rights and sovereignty, highlighting how past treaties continue to shape present-day Native American experiences.
• Analyze the lasting effects of the reservation system on contemporary Native American poetry and its themes.
  • The lasting effects of the reservation system are deeply woven into contemporary Native American poetry, where themes of identity, resilience, and historical trauma are prevalent. Poets use their work to critique ongoing colonial practices and express their communities' struggles while also celebrating cultural heritage. By addressing issues rooted in the reservation experience, these poets provide insight into how historical policies continue to influence modern identities and narratives within Native American communities.

Related terms

Indian Removal Act: A law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands, leading to the establishment of reservations.

Treaties: Formal agreements between Native American tribes and the U.S. government that often resulted in the cession of tribal lands and the establishment of reservations.

Sovereignty: The inherent authority of Native American tribes to govern themselves and make decisions regarding their lands and communities, often challenged by federal policies.