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Citizenship
Prior to this time native Americans had been considered members of tribal nations whose relations with the US government were determined by treaties. -
Period: to
The Great Depression
Since the poorest Americans were the most affected by the Depression, Native Americans suffered badly. Indian reservations were poorly administered -
Compensation
Congress passed a law establishing an Indian claims commission to compensate Native Americans for land that had been taken from them. -
Period: to
Poverty and Loss of Land
During this time period Native Americans lost more and more of their land despite treaties with the US government. -
Alcatraz Seized
Several armed Native Americans seized Alcatraz Island based upon an old Sioux treaty that entitled them to any unused federal land. -
Period: to
1970s
Native American groups use the 1946 legislation to win the return of lands in the Midwest and in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Washington. -
Hostages at Wounded Knee
Armed members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) seized eleven hostages at Wounded Knee. -
Sioux Settlement
The US Supreme Court ordered the national government to pay the Sioux $117 million plus interest for the Black Hills of South Dakota. Many other land cases are still pending. -
Casino Development
Today, many Native American leaders have taken advantage of the special status guaranteed to Indian tribes to intitute gambling operations on their reservations. Profits are supposed to go to Indian assistance programs.