Point Elliott Treaty

Definition

The Point Elliott Treaty was an agreement signed in 1855 between the United States government and several Native American tribes in Washington Territory. This treaty was significant as it established tribal sovereignty and the rights of these tribes to their lands, while also leading to the establishment of reservations. The treaty highlighted the complexities of the relationships between the U.S. government and Indigenous peoples, reflecting a balance of power that would have lasting impacts on tribal sovereignty and future treaties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Point Elliott Treaty was signed on January 22, 1855, and involved tribes such as the Suquamish, Duwamish, and Snohomish.
2. This treaty resulted in the cession of vast tracts of land from the tribes to the U.S. government, while simultaneously recognizing their rights to certain fishing and hunting grounds.
3. The treaty established several reservations, including the Suquamish Reservation, which continues to exist today.
4. It was one of many treaties made during the mid-19th century as the U.S. expanded westward, reflecting broader patterns of Indigenous displacement.
5. The Point Elliott Treaty has been a foundational document for tribal sovereignty cases and discussions regarding Indigenous rights in Washington State.

Review Questions

• How did the Point Elliott Treaty impact tribal sovereignty in Washington State?
  • The Point Elliott Treaty played a critical role in affirming tribal sovereignty in Washington State by recognizing the authority of Native American tribes over their designated lands. It established reservations where tribes could govern themselves and maintain their cultural practices. The treaty also outlined specific rights for hunting and fishing, reinforcing the tribes' connection to their traditional ways of life. This set a precedent for future treaties and legal battles concerning Indigenous rights.
• Discuss the implications of land cession in the Point Elliott Treaty for Native American tribes involved.
  • The land cession outlined in the Point Elliott Treaty had profound implications for the Native American tribes involved. While they ceded vast amounts of land to the U.S. government, they gained recognition of their sovereignty over remaining lands and access to vital resources through reserved hunting and fishing rights. However, this cession also marked a significant loss of territory and traditional ways of life for many tribes. The balance struck in this treaty highlights the complex negotiations that often led to adverse outcomes for Indigenous peoples.
• Evaluate how the Point Elliott Treaty serves as a case study for understanding broader patterns in U.S. treaty relations with Native American tribes.
  • The Point Elliott Treaty exemplifies broader patterns in U.S. treaty relations with Native American tribes by illustrating both recognition and violation of Indigenous rights. While it formally acknowledged tribal sovereignty and established reservations, it also facilitated significant land loss and disruptions to tribal lifestyles. This duality reflects a recurring theme in U.S.-Native relations, where agreements are often followed by encroachments on rights and territories. Studying this treaty helps illuminate ongoing issues related to tribal sovereignty, land rights, and federal policies impacting Indigenous communities today.

Related terms

Tribal Sovereignty: The inherent authority of Indigenous tribes to govern themselves within the borders of the United States, recognized by treaties and federal law.

Treaty Rights: Legal entitlements granted to Native American tribes through treaties, often concerning land use, hunting, fishing, and resource management.

Reservation System: A policy that established designated areas of land for Native American tribes, often resulting from treaties like Point Elliott that aimed to confine tribes to specific territories.