Permanent Reservations

Definition

Permanent reservations refer to designated areas of land set aside by the U.S. government for Native American tribes to live and govern themselves. These reservations were intended to provide a stable homeland for tribes that were displaced during westward expansion and were meant to be a long-term solution for their land rights and sovereignty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Permanent reservations were established primarily during the 19th century as part of the U.S. government's policy to manage Native American populations and reduce conflicts with settlers.
2. Many reservations were located on land that was considered undesirable or less valuable by settlers, often leading to challenges in sustaining traditional ways of life for tribes.
3. The creation of permanent reservations was often formalized through treaties, which sometimes were not honored by the government, leading to further disputes over land rights.
4. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 aimed to restore some level of tribal self-governance and economic development on reservations, reversing some aspects of previous policies.
5. Despite being recognized as permanent, many reservations face ongoing issues related to economic development, legal jurisdiction, and the preservation of cultural identity.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of permanent reservations impact Native American tribes during the westward expansion of the United States?
  • The establishment of permanent reservations significantly impacted Native American tribes by displacing them from their ancestral lands and forcing them into designated areas. While these reservations were intended to provide a stable homeland, many tribes found themselves living on land that was often less favorable for traditional practices. This shift altered their social structures, economies, and cultural identities as they adjusted to life within these confined boundaries.
• Discuss the role treaties played in the establishment and maintenance of permanent reservations for Native American tribes.
  • Treaties played a crucial role in establishing permanent reservations as they formalized agreements between the U.S. government and Native American tribes regarding land cessions and rights. However, the enforcement and honoring of these treaties often fell short, leading to disputes and further loss of land for tribes. The U.S. government's inconsistent adherence to treaty obligations undermined tribal sovereignty and contributed to ongoing tensions between Native nations and federal authorities.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of establishing permanent reservations on Native American cultural preservation and economic development.
  • The long-term consequences of establishing permanent reservations have been profound, affecting both cultural preservation and economic development. While reservations have provided a legal status for tribal governance, they often confine tribes to limited resources that hinder economic growth. Additionally, the separation from traditional lands has posed challenges in maintaining cultural practices. Over time, tribes have sought ways to revitalize their cultures while navigating economic barriers, resulting in both resilience and ongoing struggles in a modern context.

Related terms

Treaty: A formal agreement between two or more sovereign nations, often used to establish the terms of land cession and rights of Native American tribes.

Indian Removal Act:

A law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands to designated territories west of the Mississippi River.

Tribal Sovereignty:

The right of Native American tribes to govern themselves and maintain authority over their lands and affairs, recognized by the U.S. government through treaties and laws.