Indian Termination Policy

Definition

The Indian Termination Policy was a U.S. government strategy that aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society by terminating the federal recognition of tribes and their sovereignty. This policy sought to dissolve tribal governments, relocate Native Americans to urban areas, and encourage individual land ownership, which undermined collective tribal identities and cultures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Indian Termination Policy was formally adopted in the 1950s and aimed to eliminate the special relationship between Native American tribes and the federal government.
2. Under this policy, over 100 tribes lost their federal recognition, which stripped them of their rights to self-governance and access to federal services.
3. The policy led to significant social and economic challenges for many Native Americans, as they were often unprepared for urban life and faced discrimination in cities.
4. The negative impacts of the termination policy prompted a shift in U.S. government approaches toward Native Americans, eventually leading to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975.
5. The Indian Termination Policy was criticized for its failure to respect tribal sovereignty and cultural identity, fostering resistance among Native American communities.

Review Questions

• How did the Indian Termination Policy affect the federal relationship with Native American tribes?
  • The Indian Termination Policy significantly altered the federal relationship with Native American tribes by stripping them of their recognized status as sovereign entities. This led to the dissolution of tribal governments and loss of federal support services, forcing many Native Americans into urban environments where they faced various challenges. The policy was based on the belief that assimilation would benefit Native Americans, but it ultimately resulted in social dislocation and economic hardship.
• Discuss the consequences of the Indian Termination Policy on Native American identities and communities during its implementation.
  • The Indian Termination Policy had profound consequences on Native American identities and communities as it sought to dismantle collective tribal affiliations in favor of individualism. Many tribes experienced a loss of cultural practices as traditional communal living was disrupted. Additionally, the policy's enforcement led to an increase in social problems, such as poverty and marginalization within urban settings, undermining the strength and unity of many Native American communities.
• Evaluate how the legacy of the Indian Termination Policy influences contemporary Native American governance and advocacy efforts.
  • The legacy of the Indian Termination Policy continues to influence contemporary Native American governance by highlighting the importance of sovereignty and self-determination. Many tribes now actively advocate for recognition of their rights and work toward reclaiming their cultural identities after experiencing historical trauma from termination efforts. The policy has led to a strong movement for legislative reform aimed at restoring rights, enhancing tribal governance, and addressing historical injustices faced by Native communities.

Related terms

Indian Reorganization Act: A 1934 law aimed at reversing the effects of the Dawes Act by promoting tribal self-governance and restoring some land to tribes, countering earlier assimilation policies.

Dawes Act: An 1887 law that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting individual plots of land to them while reducing communal tribal lands, leading to significant loss of tribal land.

Self-Determination Era: A period starting in the 1960s where tribes gained greater autonomy and control over their governance and resources, contrasting sharply with the termination policy.