200- to 300-word summary of a current issue between Native Americans and the
federal government. Identify the legislation that you think is linked to the issue, and
explain why you think there is a connection. Consult the National Congress of American
Indians Web site, the Indian Country newspaper, or another online source for examples
of pertinent issues
After you've searched these sites and written your summary, we'll be happy to comment on it.
http://www.ncai.org/
http://www.indiancountry.com/
One current issue between Native Americans and the federal government relates to the protection of tribal sovereignty and land rights. This issue has historical roots in the United States' colonization and expansion efforts that resulted in the displacement and mistreatment of Native American tribes. Today, Native American tribes face ongoing challenges in asserting their rights and maintaining control over their ancestral lands.
One legislation that is linked to this issue is the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which authorized the federal government to forcibly relocate Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated areas west of the Mississippi River. This act resulted in the infamous Trail of Tears, causing immense suffering and loss of life for many tribes.
Another legislation that is relevant to this issue is the General Allotment Act of 1887, also known as the Dawes Act. The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society by dividing tribal lands into individual parcels to be distributed among Native American families. This act led to the loss of millions of acres of tribal lands as it allowed for the sale of surplus land to non-Native individuals, further eroding tribal sovereignty.
A more recent legislation connected to the issue is the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, also known as the Wheeler-Howard Act. This act sought to reverse the damaging effects of previous legislation by encouraging Native American tribes to organize and establish their own governments, as well as promoting tribal land ownership. While it aimed to improve the situation for tribes, some argue that it resulted in a loss of traditional cultural practices and undermined tribal sovereignty by imposing a Western-style governance system.
There are numerous pertinent issues affecting Native American tribes today, including the protection of sacred sites, environmental concerns, access to healthcare, education, and economic development. For example, the construction of oil pipelines, such as the Dakota Access Pipeline, has raised concerns among Native American tribes regarding the potential for water contamination and the violation of sacred lands.
To obtain more detailed information on these issues, you can consult online sources such as the National Congress of American Indians website or the Indian Country newspaper. These platforms provide extensive coverage and analysis of Native American issues, including the legislative framework surrounding them. It is crucial to consider multiple perspectives and sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex and ongoing challenges faced by Native American tribes in their relationship with the federal government.