Richard Nixon

Definition

Richard Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 until his resignation in 1974. His presidency was marked by significant shifts in federal policies towards Native Americans, particularly regarding the policies of termination and self-determination, as he sought to address the failures of previous administrations and improve relations with Indigenous peoples.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nixon's administration marked a turning point with the introduction of the self-determination policy, shifting away from the termination approach that had adversely affected many tribes.
2. In 1970, Nixon delivered a special message to Congress advocating for Indian self-determination and calling for an end to the termination policy.
3. His administration created the Office of Indian Education and increased funding for tribal programs, acknowledging the importance of education in promoting Indigenous rights.
4. Nixon's policies led to a significant increase in tribal sovereignty and self-governance, allowing tribes to better manage their own affairs and resources.
5. The changes initiated during Nixon's presidency laid the groundwork for future legislation that further empowered Native American tribes and recognized their rights.

Review Questions

• How did Richard Nixon's presidency influence the shift away from termination policies towards a focus on self-determination for Native Americans?
  • Richard Nixon's presidency played a crucial role in shifting federal Indian policy by advocating for self-determination over termination. In his 1970 message to Congress, he recognized the failures of earlier policies that aimed at assimilating Native Americans into mainstream society. This acknowledgment marked a departure from past practices and set the stage for subsequent legislation that promoted tribal sovereignty and self-governance.
• Analyze how Nixon's policies addressed the negative impacts of termination on Southwestern tribes during his presidency.
  • Nixon's administration actively sought to mitigate the harmful effects of termination on Southwestern tribes by implementing policies that prioritized self-determination. By ending the previous approach that stripped tribes of their status and resources, Nixon initiated efforts to restore tribal governance and support community development. His focus on education and funding for tribal programs helped empower tribes to regain control over their own affairs.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Nixon's self-determination policies on Native American communities in relation to their rights and governance.
  • The long-term effects of Nixon's self-determination policies significantly transformed Native American communities by affirming their rights and fostering greater autonomy. The shift away from termination resulted in increased tribal governance, which enabled communities to make decisions about their resources, education, and cultural preservation. This new direction laid a foundation for further legislative advancements, solidifying Indigenous rights within American society and empowering tribes to navigate their future with greater independence.

Related terms

Termination Policy: A federal policy initiated in the 1950s aimed at assimilating Native Americans into mainstream American society by terminating their recognized tribal status and reducing federal responsibilities.

Self-Determination Act: Legislation passed in 1975 that promoted Native American self-governance and allowed tribes to have more control over their own affairs, countering the previous termination policies.

Indian Reorganization Act:

A 1934 law aimed at reversing the damage done by previous assimilationist policies, allowing tribes to establish self-governance and manage their own resources.