Reservations

Definition

Reservations are designated areas of land set aside by the federal government for Native American tribes. These lands were often created as a result of treaties and negotiations, aimed at relocating Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands to prevent conflicts with settlers and expand U.S. territories. The establishment of reservations marked a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Native Americans, reflecting both an attempt to control Indigenous populations and a misunderstanding of their cultural ties to the land.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The establishment of reservations primarily took place during the 19th century, coinciding with westward expansion and the Gold Rush.
2. Many reservations were created through treaties that were often signed under pressure or deceit, leading to disputes over land ownership and rights.
3. Reservations vary widely in size, resources, and legal status, with some being relatively small and impoverished while others possess significant natural resources.
4. The U.S. government historically imposed restrictions on economic development within reservations, affecting the self-sufficiency and prosperity of Indigenous communities.
5. The concept of reservations reflects a broader history of colonization and marginalization of Native American peoples, as these lands are often seen as a way to segregate and control rather than empower Indigenous nations.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of reservations reflect broader trends in U.S. policies towards Native Americans during the 19th century?
  • The establishment of reservations during the 19th century was a direct response to the westward expansion of settlers and the resulting conflicts with Native Americans. These policies aimed to confine Indigenous peoples to specific areas, reducing interactions with settlers and facilitating land acquisition for expansion. This approach reflects a broader trend of displacement, where the U.S. government sought to control and assimilate Native populations under the guise of providing them with land.
• Analyze the implications of treaty agreements that led to the creation of reservations for Native American tribes.
  • Treaty agreements that resulted in the creation of reservations often had severe implications for Native American tribes, including loss of ancestral lands and rights. Many treaties were signed under coercion or misrepresentation, leading to distrust between Indigenous peoples and the federal government. As a result, these agreements not only restricted tribal sovereignty but also contributed to ongoing social, economic, and cultural challenges faced by Native communities today.
• Evaluate how contemporary issues on reservations are influenced by historical policies and treaties, and what this means for current Native American identity.
  • Contemporary issues faced by Native American communities on reservations are deeply rooted in historical policies and treaties that marginalized Indigenous populations. The legacy of these agreements has led to ongoing struggles with poverty, limited access to resources, and political disenfranchisement. As tribes work to reclaim their identity and autonomy, they are increasingly emphasizing cultural revitalization and self-determination, illustrating a complex relationship between historical injustices and present-day efforts toward empowerment.

Related terms

Treaties: Formal agreements between two or more sovereign entities, often used in the context of U.S. relations with Native American tribes to establish terms for land cessions and reservations.

Trail of Tears:

The forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands in the southeastern United States to designated Indian Territory, resulting in significant suffering and loss of life.

Indian Reorganization Act: A 1934 U.S. federal law aimed at reversing the assimilation policies of the Dawes Act, promoting tribal self-governance and restoring some degree of autonomy to Native American tribes.