Self-determination era

Definition

The self-determination era refers to a period, primarily during the 1960s through the 1980s, when Native American tribes sought to regain control over their governance, rights, and resources. This era marked a shift in federal Indian policy from termination and assimilation to a focus on tribal sovereignty and self-governance, empowering tribes to make decisions that directly affect their communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The self-determination era began as a response to decades of federal policies that aimed at assimilation and termination of Native American cultures and identities.
2. Key legislation during this era includes the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, which allowed tribes to control their own education and health services.
3. This period saw significant activism from Native American leaders and organizations, advocating for the recognition of tribal sovereignty and rights.
4. Federal policies shifted from imposing restrictions on tribes to promoting self-governance, helping tribes reclaim their rights over land, resources, and cultural practices.
5. The self-determination era laid the foundation for ongoing legal battles and negotiations regarding Native American rights, significantly impacting modern federal Indian policy.

Review Questions

• How did the self-determination era alter the relationship between Native American tribes and the federal government?
  • The self-determination era significantly changed the relationship between Native American tribes and the federal government by shifting from a focus on assimilation and termination to one of support for tribal sovereignty. This transformation allowed tribes to regain authority over their own governance, leading to increased self-management of resources and decision-making. The change in policy recognized tribes as distinct entities with rights to self-governance, fostering a new dynamic of collaboration rather than control.
• Evaluate the impact of key legislation during the self-determination era on tribal governance and community well-being.
  • Key legislation during the self-determination era, such as the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, had profound effects on tribal governance and community well-being. By allowing tribes to manage their own educational and health services, these laws empowered communities to tailor programs to their unique needs. This autonomy not only improved service delivery but also reinforced tribal identities and cultural revitalization efforts, leading to a resurgence of pride in indigenous heritage.
• Critically analyze how the activism of organizations like AIM during the self-determination era shaped public perceptions of Native American issues.
  • The activism of organizations like the American Indian Movement (AIM) was crucial in shaping public perceptions of Native American issues during the self-determination era. AIM's advocacy brought national attention to injustices faced by Native Americans, including treaty violations, poverty, and discrimination. Through protests, legal challenges, and media engagement, AIM helped shift public narratives towards understanding tribal sovereignty and the importance of respecting indigenous rights. This activism not only galvanized support for Native American causes but also influenced legislative changes that recognized tribal authority.

Related terms

Tribal Sovereignty: The inherent authority of indigenous tribes to govern themselves within the borders of the United States, recognizing their right to self-rule.

Indian Reorganization Act:

A 1934 law aimed at reversing the damage caused by the Dawes Act and promoting tribal self-governance and economic development.

American Indian Movement (AIM):

A civil rights organization founded in 1968 to address issues such as treaty rights, sovereignty, and social justice for Native Americans.