Reservation

Definition

A reservation is a designated area of land set aside by the federal government for the use and occupation of Native American tribes. These lands were often established as a response to the displacement of Indigenous peoples, aiming to provide them with a degree of autonomy and control over their lives, while simultaneously enabling the government to manage Native American populations within defined borders.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The establishment of reservations began in the 19th century as a strategy to control and manage Native American populations following westward expansion.
2. Reservations were often located on lands that were less desirable for non-Native settlers, leading to economic disadvantages for the tribes living there.
3. Many reservations have their own governing bodies, which can create laws and regulations separate from state law, although they remain under federal jurisdiction.
4. The process of establishing reservations was often accompanied by treaties that were frequently broken or ignored by the U.S. government.
5. Today, reservations vary greatly in size, population, and resources, reflecting a wide range of challenges and opportunities faced by Native American communities.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of reservations impact the cultural identity of Native American tribes?
  • The establishment of reservations significantly affected the cultural identity of Native American tribes by isolating them from their traditional lands and communities. This separation disrupted long-standing practices, ceremonies, and social structures. However, reservations also became centers for cultural revival and preservation, as tribes sought to maintain their identities despite external pressures to assimilate into Euro-American culture.
• Analyze the role of treaties in the establishment of reservations and their implications for Native American sovereignty.
  • Treaties played a crucial role in the establishment of reservations as they formally recognized the rights of Native American tribes to specific lands. However, many treaties were made under duress or later violated by the U.S. government, leading to ongoing disputes over land rights. This has had lasting implications for Native American sovereignty, as tribes strive to assert their governance and rights over their designated lands amidst a complex legal landscape.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of reservation policies on the socioeconomic conditions of Native American communities today.
  • The long-term effects of reservation policies on Native American communities are evident in various socioeconomic indicators, including poverty rates, education levels, and health outcomes. While some reservations have developed economic initiatives that foster growth, many continue to face challenges such as limited access to resources, inadequate infrastructure, and high unemployment rates. These issues stem from historical injustices associated with reservation policies and reflect broader systemic inequities that Indigenous communities continue to navigate.

Related terms

Rancheria: A smaller land area similar to a reservation, often created for specific California tribes, allowing them limited rights and governance.

Treaty: A formal agreement between the United States government and Native American tribes that often established reservations and outlined the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

Assimilation: The process by which Native Americans were encouraged or forced to adopt European-American cultural norms, often at the expense of their traditional lifestyles and identities.