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 signaled a shift in federal Indian policy towards assimilation, promoting the idea that Native Americans should be integrated into mainstream American society, often at the cost of tribal sovereignty and identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. House Concurrent Resolution 108 effectively marked the beginning of the termination era, which sought to dismantle tribal governments and eliminate federal recognition of tribes.
2. The resolution led to a series of legislative acts that resulted in the loss of lands and resources for many Native American tribes, forcing them to adapt to a new social and economic landscape.
3. Many tribal leaders opposed Resolution 108, arguing that it undermined their sovereignty and cultural identity by pushing for assimilation rather than self-determination.
4. The termination policy, including Resolution 108, was later criticized for its negative impacts on Native American communities, leading to a shift in federal policy towards recognizing tribal rights in the 1970s.
5. Resolution 108 is a critical example of how U.S. federal policies have fluctuated between attempts to assimilate Native Americans and efforts to recognize their rights and sovereignty.

Review Questions

• How did House Concurrent Resolution 108 change the relationship between the federal government and Native American tribes?
  • House Concurrent Resolution 108 fundamentally altered the relationship by promoting the termination of the special trust relationship between Native Americans and the federal government. This resolution encouraged policies aimed at assimilating Native Americans into mainstream society, which often led to the dismantling of tribal governments and the erosion of tribal sovereignty. It marked a significant departure from previous policies that recognized tribal rights and self-governance.
• Evaluate the impacts of House Concurrent Resolution 108 on tribal lands and resources during the termination era.
  • The impacts of House Concurrent Resolution 108 were profound and detrimental for many tribes. As federal recognition was withdrawn, numerous tribes faced loss of land, resources, and economic stability. The push for assimilation often led to disbanding tribal organizations and selling off reservation lands, which exacerbated poverty among Native communities. These consequences highlighted the failure of termination policies to consider the unique cultural identities and needs of Native Americans.
• Critically assess how House Concurrent Resolution 108 reflects broader themes in U.S. Indian policy throughout history.
  • House Concurrent Resolution 108 exemplifies a recurring theme in U.S. Indian policy—oscillating between assimilation efforts and recognizing Native sovereignty. This resolution marks a shift towards aggressive assimilation strategies that disregarded tribal sovereignty, aligning with earlier policies that sought to erase indigenous identities. The backlash against these policies eventually catalyzed movements for self-determination, leading to later legislative changes that recognized tribal rights. Thus, this resolution serves as a critical case study in understanding the complexities and evolving nature of U.S.-tribal relations.

Related terms

Termination Policy: A federal policy implemented in the mid-20th century aimed at assimilating Native Americans into American society by ending the recognition of tribal sovereignty and dissolving reservations.

Indian Reorganization Act: A 1934 law intended to reverse the damage caused by assimilation policies, it aimed to restore tribal governments and promote self-determination among Native American tribes.

Tribal Sovereignty: The right of Native American tribes to govern themselves and make their own laws, recognized by the federal government but often challenged by policies like House Concurrent Resolution 108.