Indian Relocation Act

Definition

The Indian Relocation Act, enacted in 1956, was a U.S. government policy aimed at encouraging Native Americans to leave their reservations and relocate to urban areas for better employment opportunities and assimilation into mainstream society. This act reflected a broader historical context of forced assimilation policies that sought to undermine Native American cultural identities while promoting urban migration as a solution to perceived poverty and lack of opportunity on reservations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Indian Relocation Act was part of a broader trend in the 1950s that aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society, which included policies like the Termination Policy.
2. The act offered financial assistance for relocation, job training, and employment opportunities in urban areas but often resulted in poverty and marginalization instead.
3. Many Native Americans who relocated faced discrimination and challenges in finding stable jobs, housing, and maintaining their cultural identities in urban environments.
4. The act significantly increased the Native American population in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago during the 1960s.
5. Critics argue that the Indian Relocation Act contributed to the erosion of tribal communities and cultural practices by encouraging individuals to leave their reservations.

Review Questions

• How did the Indian Relocation Act reflect broader governmental attitudes toward Native American assimilation in the mid-20th century?
  • The Indian Relocation Act exemplified the U.S. government's efforts to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream society by promoting urban migration as a solution to poverty on reservations. This approach indicated a belief that Native Americans could better thrive if they abandoned their traditional lifestyles and integrated into urban life. The act was part of a series of policies aimed at undermining Native cultures while emphasizing economic self-sufficiency within an urban framework.
• What were some of the social impacts faced by Native Americans who relocated to urban areas as a result of the Indian Relocation Act?
  • Many Native Americans who relocated faced significant social challenges, such as discrimination, lack of access to adequate housing, and difficulty finding stable employment. These challenges often led to economic hardships and marginalized experiences in cities, as they encountered barriers that made it difficult to adapt to urban life. Furthermore, relocation disrupted traditional community bonds and cultural practices, leading to feelings of isolation among those who had moved away from their reservations.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Indian Relocation Act on contemporary Native American communities in urban areas.
  • The long-term effects of the Indian Relocation Act have been profound, contributing to ongoing issues within contemporary Native American communities living in urban settings. Many individuals continue to experience economic difficulties, high rates of unemployment, and limited access to resources compared to their non-Native counterparts. Additionally, the act has had lasting implications on cultural identity, as many relocated individuals struggle to maintain their heritage amidst pressures to conform to mainstream societal norms. This has led to efforts for cultural revitalization among urban Native populations, highlighting both resilience and the ongoing challenges stemming from historical policies.

Related terms

Termination Policy: A U.S. government policy in the mid-20th century aimed at ending the recognition of certain Native American tribes, leading to the loss of tribal sovereignty and benefits.

Urban Renewal: A government program aimed at improving urban areas through development and redevelopment, often leading to the displacement of existing communities, including Native Americans.

Assimilation: The process through which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs and attitudes of another culture, often leading to the loss of original cultural identity.