Termination policy

Definition

Termination policy was a federal government strategy in the 1950s aimed at assimilating Native Americans into mainstream American society by ending the recognition of tribal sovereignty and dissolving reservations. This approach sought to eliminate special legal and political status for Native tribes, which was believed to be a barrier to integration and self-sufficiency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The termination policy was formally introduced by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953 with the goal of assimilating Native Americans into American society.
2. Approximately 100 tribes lost their federal recognition under the termination policy, resulting in loss of resources and services that tribes previously relied on.
3. The policy was met with significant resistance from Native communities and activists who argued that it undermined tribal sovereignty and identity.
4. By the late 1960s, awareness of the negative impacts of termination led to its decline and the rise of self-determination policies, which aimed to empower tribes.
5. The legacy of termination continues to affect Native communities today, with ongoing challenges related to identity, governance, and access to resources.

Review Questions

• How did the termination policy reflect the federal government's attitudes towards Native Americans during the 1950s?
  • The termination policy illustrated a prevailing belief among federal officials that Native Americans should abandon their unique cultural identities and assimilate into mainstream society. This perspective viewed tribal sovereignty as an obstacle to progress and sought to integrate Indigenous peoples fully into American life. The government believed that by dissolving reservations and terminating federal recognition of tribes, it could foster economic self-sufficiency among Native individuals, despite widespread opposition from Indigenous communities.
• Analyze how the termination policy set the stage for the emergence of the Red Power movement in the 1960s.
  • The termination policy fueled frustration and discontent among Native Americans, as many faced loss of identity, cultural erosion, and economic instability due to these policies. This discontent laid the groundwork for the Red Power movement, where activists sought to reclaim their rights and assert tribal sovereignty. The movement emerged as a response not only to termination but also to broader issues of social justice, promoting awareness about Native American struggles and advocating for self-determination.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the termination policy on tribal sovereignty in the United States.
  • The termination policy had significant long-term impacts on tribal sovereignty by undermining legal recognition and authority of many tribes. As tribes lost their status and access to federal resources, they faced numerous challenges in maintaining their cultures and governing themselves. However, this adverse experience galvanized a resurgence in activism that eventually led to self-determination policies in the 1970s. Today, tribes continue to navigate complex legal landscapes shaped by this history while asserting their rights and sovereignty in contemporary America.

Related terms

Indian Reorganization Act:

A 1934 law aimed at reversing the assimilation policies of the previous Dawes Act, which promoted tribal sovereignty and restored some degree of self-governance to Native tribes.

Self-Determination: A policy shift starting in the 1960s that encouraged tribes to control their own affairs and make decisions that reflect their cultural identity and needs, moving away from the termination model.

Red Power Movement:

A civil rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s advocating for Native American rights, self-determination, and political activism, often as a response to policies like termination.