History and Relocation of Native Americans

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1. Trace the history of relocation and Indian reservations. In what ways did reservations destroy Native American cultures, and in what ways did reservations foster tribal identities? Be sure to account for patterns of change and consistency over time. When one hears the word “relocation”, I assume, they think of taking one thing exactly as it was and placing it in a different location, but placing it as it was and with the same resources. Relocation is a loaded term because before the word relocation came about settlers of early America were forcefully pushing native peoples off their homelands; they just didn’t have the term “relocation”. In 1838 Mireau B. Lamar, president of the Republic of Texas, “initiated a policy of ethnic cleansing to drive all Indians out of Texas.”1(p. 337). “Ethnic Cleansing” is a pretty extreme way of saying relocation, however, that is the exact idea they were implementing. The evolution of words is constant, being that familiar ideas and policies adopt new identities through the adoption of words. This is important to take into consideration because throughout the history of America and its dealing with Indian peoples many policies and agendas have been recycled through just with a different name, they never really stray far from the core objective. The U.S. evolved these words to masks the further harming of the Indians, which was dependent on the perceptions of the public’s view, but usually without the least bit of consideration for these people of whom it will affect. The first big step towards the concept of “relocation” was a primitive one. It didn’t take into account where the Indians would end up, just that they would figure it out themselves. The first examples of this: was the Treaty of... ... middle of paper ... ...petual use, and it is our right to maintain ownership.'17(p. 498). The underlying theme is that throughout the hardships and adversity forced onto the Indians, they find a way trough the triumph of human spirit and it's own agency to emerge with their tribal identities intact, but one that is revered as an inspiration to all people striving through injustices and discrimination to endure and push forward for equality. I believe that so much can be learned from the history of the Indians and can serve as a template for the future of ow people of different cultures should be treated, because we can now look at the injustices that were committed against this group of people, and how we as people of the world can avoid repeating these kinds of practices from happening. Works Cited Colin G. Calloway, First Peoples, 4th ed. (NewYork): Bedford/St. Martins, 2012)

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