Indian Relocation Act

Definition

The Indian Relocation Act of 1956 was a significant piece of legislation aimed at promoting the assimilation of Native Americans into mainstream American society by encouraging them to leave their reservations and move to urban areas. This act reflected a broader federal policy that sought to end the special relationship between Native tribes and the government, often resulting in loss of cultural identity and economic challenges for those who relocated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Indian Relocation Act was part of a broader trend during the mid-20th century where the U.S. government sought to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream society, often undermining tribal sovereignty.
2. Relocation efforts were accompanied by inadequate support services, leading many relocated individuals to struggle with poverty and unemployment in urban environments.
3. The act encouraged Native Americans to seek employment in cities, but many found themselves facing discrimination and cultural dislocation.
4. While some individuals benefited from education and job training programs, many others felt disconnected from their communities and cultures after relocating.
5. The Indian Relocation Act is often viewed as a failure because it did not lead to successful integration but instead contributed to further marginalization of Native Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the Indian Relocation Act reflect the government's approach to Native American assimilation during the mid-20th century?
  • The Indian Relocation Act exemplified the government's push for assimilation by promoting urban migration among Native Americans, viewing this as a way to integrate them into American society. This policy was indicative of the broader Termination Policy, which aimed to dissolve tribal identities and promote individualism among Native peoples. The act's underlying belief was that leaving reservations would improve economic opportunities, but it often resulted in cultural dislocation and economic hardship instead.
• In what ways did the implementation of the Indian Relocation Act impact urban Native Americans in terms of social and economic challenges?
  • The implementation of the Indian Relocation Act led many Native Americans to move to cities, where they encountered significant social and economic challenges. Although some found jobs and educational opportunities, many faced high unemployment rates and discrimination in urban environments. The lack of adequate support services during this transition exacerbated issues like poverty, as relocated individuals struggled to adapt without a strong community network.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Indian Relocation Act on Native American communities today.
  • The long-term consequences of the Indian Relocation Act continue to be felt within Native American communities today, as it contributed to a legacy of disconnection from tribal identity and culture. Many individuals who relocated still grapple with the effects of urbanization, including loss of traditional practices and community ties. Additionally, ongoing issues such as poverty, health disparities, and social marginalization can be traced back to policies like the relocation act that disrupted Native ways of life and failed to provide meaningful support for those affected.

Related terms

Termination Policy: A policy initiated by the U.S. government in the 1950s aimed at dissolving the special status of Native American tribes, leading to the loss of tribal land and identity.

Urban Indian: Native Americans who moved to urban areas from reservations as part of relocation programs, often facing new social and economic challenges.

Federal Trust Responsibility: The legal obligation of the U.S. government to protect the interests and sovereignty of Native American tribes and provide them with certain services.