5.4 Civil Rights for Indigenous Groups: Native Americans, Alaskans, and Hawaiians

Native American rights have a complex history in the U.S., marked by forced relocation, assimilation attempts, and gradual recognition of tribal sovereignty. Key events like the Indian Removal Act and Indian Reorganization Act shaped federal policies and their impact on Indigenous communities.

Today, Native American tribes face ongoing challenges in preserving their culture, land rights, and economic well-being. While recognized as sovereign nations, tribes navigate a complex legal landscape and work towards self-determination in areas like education, healthcare, and environmental protection.

Historical Events and Legal Decisions

Key events in Native American rights

Top images from around the web for Key events in Native American rights

• 

  Dawes Act – Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Indian Removal | United States History 1 (OS Collection) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Civil Rights: Native Americans, Alaskans, and Hawaiians–how has the fight expanded? | United ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dawes Act – Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Indian Removal | United States History 1 (OS Collection) View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Key events in Native American rights

• 

  Dawes Act – Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Indian Removal | United States History 1 (OS Collection) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Civil Rights: Native Americans, Alaskans, and Hawaiians–how has the fight expanded? | United ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dawes Act – Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Indian Removal | United States History 1 (OS Collection) View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Indian Removal Act (1830) authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands led to the Trail of Tears, where thousands of Cherokee and other tribes were forcibly marched westward, resulting in numerous deaths
• Dawes Act (1887) aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society divided tribal lands into individual allotments, weakening tribal structure and leading to significant land loss
• Indian Reorganization Act (1934) reversed the Dawes Act and aimed to restore tribal sovereignty encouraged the establishment of tribal governments and the preservation of Native American culture
• Termination Era (1953-1968) federal policy aimed at ending the special relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes resulted in the termination of over 100 tribes and the relocation of many Native Americans to urban areas
• Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (1975) promoted tribal self-governance and control over federal programs and services allowed tribes to contract with the federal government to manage their own education, health, and social services

Legal Status and Civil Rights

Legal status of Native American tribes

• Tribal sovereignty recognizes Native American tribes as domestic dependent nations with inherent rights to self-governance tribes have the authority to establish their own governments, laws, and courts within their reservations
• Trust relationship obligates the federal government to protect tribal lands, resources, and the well-being of Native American communities based on treaties and agreements made between the U.S. government and Native American tribes
• Jurisdiction on tribal lands is divided between federal, state, and tribal authorities, depending on the nature of the crime and the identities of the perpetrator and victim this complex jurisdictional framework can lead to challenges in enforcing laws and protecting the civil rights of Native Americans (tribal jurisdiction)
• Native Americans were granted U.S. citizenship and the right to vote in 1924 with the Indian Citizenship Act however, many states continued to use various tactics to disenfranchise Native American voters until the Voting Rights Act of 1965

Contemporary Challenges

Contemporary challenges for Indigenous groups

• Economic disparities in Native American communities often include high rates of poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education and healthcare rooted in historical trauma, discrimination, and the lack of economic opportunities on reservations
• Land rights issues persist as many Native American tribes continue to fight for the protection and restoration of their ancestral lands challenges include natural resource exploitation, environmental degradation, and land disputes with federal and state governments (Indigenous land rights)
• Cultural preservation efforts aim to maintain traditional languages, customs, and spiritual practices in the face of assimilation pressures revitalizing and passing on cultural knowledge to younger generations is crucial for the survival and well-being of Indigenous communities (cultural revitalization)
• Health disparities in Native American communities include disproportionately high rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and substance abuse limited access to quality healthcare services and the impact of historical trauma contribute to these disparities
• Education barriers for Native American students include underfunded schools, cultural insensitivity, and limited access to resources ongoing efforts seek to improve educational outcomes and incorporate Indigenous knowledge and languages into curricula

Self-Determination and Environmental Justice

• Self-determination efforts focus on increasing tribal control over their affairs, resources, and development strategies
• Environmental justice initiatives address the disproportionate impact of pollution and climate change on Indigenous communities
• Tribes work to protect sacred sites and natural resources while balancing economic development needs