Merriam Report

Definition

The Merriam Report, officially known as the 'Report of the President's Commission on Indian Affairs,' was published in 1928 and examined the living conditions of Native Americans in the United States. This groundbreaking report highlighted severe educational and health disparities faced by Native American communities, revealing the systemic issues stemming from U.S. government policies. The findings of the report served as a catalyst for change, pushing for reforms in education and healthcare for Indigenous peoples.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Merriam Report revealed that many Native Americans lived in poverty, with inadequate access to healthcare, education, and basic services.
2. It emphasized the need for significant reforms in U.S. policy towards Native Americans, highlighting the failures of previous assimilation strategies.
3. The report called for improvements in educational systems for Native American children, advocating for culturally relevant curricula and better-trained teachers.
4. Health disparities were underscored in the report, pointing out high rates of disease and mortality among Native American populations compared to national averages.
5. The findings of the Merriam Report influenced future legislation, including the Indian Reorganization Act, which aimed to restore some degree of self-governance to tribes.

Review Questions

• How did the Merriam Report impact perceptions of Native American living conditions in the United States?
  • The Merriam Report significantly changed perceptions of Native American living conditions by providing concrete evidence of widespread poverty and neglect faced by these communities. It documented appalling conditions related to education and healthcare, which were largely ignored or misunderstood by policymakers and the public. By revealing these stark realities, the report pushed many to recognize the urgent need for reform in how Native Americans were treated and supported by government policies.
• In what ways did the recommendations from the Merriam Report lead to changes in U.S. policy towards Native Americans?
  • The recommendations from the Merriam Report spurred changes in U.S. policy by highlighting the failures of previous approaches focused on assimilation. The report called for improvements in education, healthcare, and economic support for Native Americans, which led to legislative efforts like the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. This act sought to promote tribal self-governance and return some lands to Native tribes, marking a shift away from assimilationist policies towards a more respectful recognition of Indigenous rights.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Merriam Report on education and health initiatives for Native Americans.
  • The long-term effects of the Merriam Report on education and health initiatives for Native Americans have been profound but complex. While it initiated significant discussions and actions regarding reform, many challenges persist. Education initiatives encouraged culturally relevant teaching practices but struggled with implementation due to funding issues and bureaucratic obstacles. Health programs saw some improvements but often fell short due to ongoing systemic inequalities. Overall, while the report laid a crucial foundation for future advocacy, its legacy is a mixed one, reflecting both progress made and challenges that remain.

Related terms

Indian Reorganization Act:

A 1934 U.S. federal law aimed at decreasing federal control of American Indian affairs and increasing self-governance through tribal governments.

Reservation System: The legal and social framework that established designated areas where Native Americans were forced to live, often resulting in poor living conditions and limited access to resources.

Cultural Assimilation:

The process by which minority groups are absorbed into the culture of the dominant group, often leading to the loss of distinct cultural identities among Indigenous peoples.