Native Americans 1970-92 Flashcards
What did Nixon’s speech on NAs in 1970 say?
His speech in 1970 strongly criticised the government’s treatment of NAs since the 19th century. He took on ideas from Johnson’s ‘Forgotten Americans’ speech of 1968, describing the enduring degradation and humiliation of these peoples.
What were Nixon’s reforms to NA policy?
In 1969 he appointed the Mohawk Indian Louis R Bruce jnr as CIA.
In 1970, Nixon authorised the return of land to Makah Indian.
Many Indians who lost their status due to the termination policy regained their rights and were given access to federal courts.
In 1972, NAs were given preference in employment in the BIA which meant greater Indian involvement in administration of federal funding.
In 1972 he passed the Indian Education Act which increased federal funding for schools and built reservation schools.
He closed many unpopular boarding schools alongside his successors Ford and Carter, continuing what Hoover had started in the 1920s.
Many NAs found Nixon very popular due to his high involvement, though by 1974, Nixon had only done so much as to ‘touch the surface’ with many disputes left unsettled.
How did the Supreme Court Act after 1974?
They took up Nixon’s work in 1974
How did Ford continue Nixon’s work?
He passed the Indian Self-Determination and Education Acts which showed radical change of policy towards NAs
What did the Indian Self-Determination Act od 1975 do?
Laid down the processes by which the tribes could negotiate contracts with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to take responsibility for social matters.
What did the Indian Education Act do?
Gave American Indian parents greater involvement in their school’s education through membership of their school boards.
What was Reagan’s Native capitalism scheme?
He wanted Natives to be more economically self-sufficient, notably with casinos that were allowed where normal ones weren’t giving them revenue. Created other small businesses too.
What was the 1975 American Indian Policy Review Commission set up for?
To deal with the historic relationship between the NAs and the government. It was to advise future policy towards NAs.
What did the Native American Religious Freedom Act of 1978 do? What was it a precursor to?
It made Natives able to express and exercise their traditional religious rights. This was a precursor to the 1990 Native American Graves Protection Act which elevated American Indian remains as sacred and valued.
What did the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 do?
Prevented the removal of NA children from their families and gave parents autonomy over their children.
How did Red Power orchestrated by AIM act in the 1970s?
They were growing increasingly violent and militant. In 1971 there was the occupation of Mount Rushmore to reclaim back land, in 1972 there was the occupation of the BIA and in 1973 the Occupation of Wounded Knee which received mass media coverage and ended with a negotiated settlement lasting 71 days.
How did the highly publicised AIM movements affect Native Rights?
Highly publicised protest drew attention and highlighted past injustices as well as policy changes. However, the use of force meant that successes were halted and many didn’t think that they acted in the best interest of natives, erupting in divisions within the movement.
By the late 1970s what was the only place to exert lost rights?
The SC.
What was the National American Rights Fund set up in 1970?
NARF was set up to defend NA rights in particular cultural rights. NARF concerned itself with restoring tribal sovereignty and recovering lost land. On behalf of the NAs, NARF brought in landmark decisions.
What happened in Oneida vs Oneida and Madison Counties 1975?
The SC ruled that Oneida had rights to make land claims and sue the court.
What was US vs The Sioux Nation 1980?
The SC ruled that the Sioux Indians were entitled to compensation of up to $1.75 million for the land lost in the Black Hills at the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty but Sioux refused, they wanted the land.
What was Fischer vs Montana of 1976?
The SC gave Indian parents full rights to decide on family matters including adoption and foster care.
What was Seminole vs Butterworth 1982?
The SC ruled that it was the right of NAs to establish gambling enterprises on reservations that were banned by state laws.
What was Charrier vs Bell 1986?
The SC protected Indian burial grounds leading to 30 states passing similar laws to treat NA burial grounds with respect, leading to the Act in 1990.
