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Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus lands in America
This event sent the tone and theme for European peoples' quest for power and Eurocentric domination over indigenous people in America. -
The War of 1812
American Indian peoples participated in the War of 1812 as British allies. They shared the common goal of stopping of further American colonization and expansionism. -
Indian Removal Act
Jackson signed the bill that would forcibly remove thousands of American Indian people from their territory to the Western United States. This action would result in The Trail of Tears killing thousands of Native Americans during their relocation. -
Cherokee Nation vs. Georgia
(1831)This was a US Supreme Court case that set the model for guardianship in which American Indian relationships with the United States were deemed as comparable to a ward under his guardian. This set ideals that the US would play a protective role until Native American peoples would assimilate to mainstream culture. -
Indian Reorganization Act (The Indian New Deal)
(1934) The Indian Reorganization Act put an end to allotment. It pushed toward tribal soverignty sovereignty and lifted spiritual prohibitions. -
Relocation
(1950's) The 1950's was a period of assimilation and relocation. American Indians were moved away from their reservations as a government plan to reduce tribal poverty. They were given little aid and ended up in low wage jobs or in poor housing. -
The creation of American Indian Religious Freedom Act
(1978) This act helped to protect American Indian religious practices, though much of it was unenforceable. American Indians were able to reclaim sacred artifacts and human remains that were being held in federal museums. -
ICWA
The Indian Child Welfare Act was created to promote the welfare and stability of American Indian families. This act gave tribes the jurisdiction over family proceedings, such as foster care or adoption. The goal is to keep the child within the extended family or tribe rather to best uphold culture and wellbeing.