Trail of Broken Treaties

Definition

The Trail of Broken Treaties refers to a significant series of events in the early 1970s where Native American activists traveled across the United States to raise awareness about the U.S. government's failure to honor treaties made with Native tribes. This movement was a response to ongoing injustices, land dispossession, and neglect of Native American rights and sovereignty. The activists aimed to reclaim their rights, draw attention to their struggles, and advocate for self-determination, connecting their fight to broader civil rights movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Trail of Broken Treaties culminated in a march to Washington D.C. in November 1972, where activists presented a 20-point position paper outlining their demands for recognition and rights.
2. This event is often seen as a pivotal moment in the Native American civil rights movement, drawing national attention to the plight of Indigenous peoples in America.
3. Activists occupied the Bureau of Indian Affairs building during the march, highlighting issues such as poverty, inadequate housing, and lack of access to health care among Native communities.
4. The term 'trail of broken treaties' reflects the numerous agreements made between the U.S. government and Native tribes that were repeatedly violated or ignored over time.
5. The movement galvanized support from various Indigenous nations and allies, uniting different tribes in a common cause against federal policies that marginalized Native Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the Trail of Broken Treaties reflect broader themes in the civil rights movements of the 1970s?
  • The Trail of Broken Treaties mirrored broader civil rights movements by emphasizing the demand for equality, recognition, and justice for marginalized communities. Just as other groups sought to challenge systemic injustices and assert their rights, Native American activists utilized protests and direct actions to highlight their unique struggles related to broken treaties and sovereignty. This intersectionality allowed for greater solidarity among various movements advocating for social justice during that era.
• In what ways did the actions taken during the Trail of Broken Treaties influence federal policy towards Native Americans?
  • The actions taken during the Trail of Broken Treaties had significant implications for federal policy by prompting a reevaluation of how the government addressed Native American rights. The increased visibility of issues faced by Indigenous peoples led to greater public awareness and pressure on policymakers. Although immediate changes were slow, this movement laid the groundwork for later legislation aimed at restoring tribal sovereignty and acknowledging treaty rights.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Trail of Broken Treaties on contemporary Native American activism and identity.
  • The long-term impacts of the Trail of Broken Treaties on contemporary Native American activism are profound, establishing a legacy of resistance and advocacy that continues today. The emphasis on self-determination and treaty rights remains central to current movements, influencing modern initiatives addressing land reclamation, environmental justice, and cultural preservation. This historical moment solidified a collective identity among Indigenous peoples, fostering unity and inspiring new generations to continue fighting for their rights against ongoing challenges.

Related terms

American Indian Movement (AIM): A grassroots movement founded in 1968 focused on advocating for the rights and sovereignty of Native Americans, addressing issues such as treaty rights, poverty, and police harassment.

Self-Determination: The right of individuals or groups to make decisions about their own governance and future, a key principle in Native American activism during the late 20th century.

Indian Reorganization Act: A 1934 U.S. law aimed at reversing some of the damage caused by previous policies of assimilation and land allotment, promoting tribal self-governance and economic self-sufficiency.