Reservation system

Definition

The reservation system refers to the legal framework and policy established by the United States government to allocate specific lands for Native American tribes, allowing them to maintain a degree of self-governance. This system emerged as a means to manage and control Native populations while simultaneously opening up other lands for European settlers. Over time, the reservation system has impacted tribal sovereignty and the economic, cultural, and social aspects of Native life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The reservation system was primarily established through treaties signed between Native American tribes and the U.S. government during the 18th and 19th centuries.
2. Many reservations were created as a result of land cessions where tribes were forced to give up their ancestral lands in exchange for smaller areas designated for their use.
3. The establishment of reservations often led to significant changes in traditional lifestyles, as tribes adapted to new economic conditions imposed by the reservation system.
4. Tribal sovereignty is often challenged within the reservation system due to federal regulations and oversight that can limit a tribe's ability to govern itself independently.
5. The conditions on many reservations have historically included poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare, affecting overall quality of life for Native Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the reservation system alter the political landscape for Native American tribes in terms of governance and autonomy?
  • The reservation system significantly changed the political landscape for Native American tribes by establishing specific boundaries within which they could exercise a degree of self-governance. However, this autonomy is often limited by federal oversight and regulations that dictate many aspects of tribal governance. As tribes navigate this system, their sovereignty can be compromised by external political forces, leading to challenges in maintaining traditional governance structures and practices.
• Discuss the implications of treaties in shaping the reservation system and how they reflect the historical relationship between Native American tribes and the U.S. government.
  • Treaties played a crucial role in shaping the reservation system as they served as legal instruments through which land was ceded by Native American tribes to the U.S. government. Many treaties included promises of protection and compensation that were frequently violated, illustrating a pattern of broken agreements that characterized the historical relationship between tribes and the government. These treaties often laid the groundwork for subsequent policies that further restricted tribal autonomy and led to socio-economic hardships within reservations.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the reservation system on contemporary Native American identity and community resilience.
  • The long-term effects of the reservation system on contemporary Native American identity are complex and multifaceted. While reservations have often struggled with poverty and limited resources, they also serve as critical centers for cultural preservation and community resilience. Many tribes are now actively working to revitalize their languages, traditions, and governance practices, using their status as sovereign nations to advocate for their rights. This ongoing struggle reflects both the challenges posed by historical injustices and the determination of Native communities to assert their identity in today's society.

Related terms

Treaty: A formal agreement between two or more sovereign entities, often involving terms related to land use, rights, or governance.

Sovereignty:

The authority of a tribe to govern itself and make its own laws, which can be affected by the reservation system and federal policies.

Trust Land: Land held in trust by the federal government for the benefit of Native American tribes, providing them with certain legal protections.