Termination Policy: A Shift in Federal Indian Policy
The termination policy was a significant shift in federal Indian policy that aimed to end the special relationship between the United States government and Native American tribes. The policy was officially announced on August 1, 1953, in House Concurrent Resolution 108.
Objectives of Termination
The termination policy had several objectives:
Key Facts
- Official Announcement: The termination policy was officially announced on August 1, 1953, in House Concurrent Resolution 108.
- Objectives: The policy aimed to make Native Americans subject to the same laws and privileges as other U.S. citizens, end their status as wards of the United States, and grant them all the rights and prerogatives of American citizenship.
- Shift from Self-Government: Termination was a departure from the federal Indian policy in the 1930s and early 1940s, which emphasized tribal self-government. It ended federal recognition of affected tribes and the federal aid and services that came with that recognition.
- Jurisdiction Transfer: Termination often meant the transfer of federal jurisdiction over criminal and civil matters on reservations to state authorities.
- Impact: Between 1953 and 1964, the government terminated recognition of more than 100 tribes and bands as sovereign dependent nations, affecting more than 12,000 Native Americans or 3% of the total Native American population.
- Legislation: House Concurrent Resolution 108 called for termination of tribes in California, Florida, New York, Texas, and specific tribes in other states. It was followed by Public Law 280, which conferred jurisdiction over criminal offenses and civil cases arising on most Indian reservations within certain states to state authorities.
- Records: The National Archives houses multiple series of records related to termination in Record Group 75: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
- To make Native Americans subject to the same laws and privileges as other U.S. citizens
- To end their status as wards of the United States
- To grant them all the rights and prerogatives of American citizenship
Historical Context
The termination policy was a departure from the federal Indian policy in the 1930s and early 1940s, which emphasized tribal self-government. The termination policy ended federal recognition of affected tribes and the federal aid and services that came with that recognition. In many cases, termination meant the transfer of federal jurisdiction over criminal and civil matters on reservations to state authorities.
Impact of Termination
Between 1953 and 1964, the government terminated recognition of more than 100 tribes and bands as sovereign dependent nations, affecting more than 12,000 Native Americans or 3% of the total Native American population. The termination policy had a devastating impact on Native American communities, leading to the loss of land, resources, and cultural identity.
Legislative Framework
House Concurrent Resolution 108 called for termination of tribes in California, Florida, New York, Texas, and specific tribes in other states. It was followed by Public Law 280, which conferred jurisdiction over criminal offenses and civil cases arising on most Indian reservations within certain states to state authorities.
Records of Termination
The National Archives houses multiple series of records related to termination in Record Group 75: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). These records provide valuable insights into the implementation and impact of the termination policy.
Conclusion
The termination policy was a misguided attempt to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society. The policy had a devastating impact on Native American communities and was eventually repudiated by the federal government in the 1970s.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_termination_policy
- https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/bia/termination
- https://library.law.howard.edu/civilrightshistory/indigenous/termination
FAQs
What was the termination policy?
The termination policy was a federal policy that aimed to end the special relationship between the United States government and Native American tribes.
What were the objectives of the termination policy?
The objectives of the termination policy were to make Native Americans subject to the same laws and privileges as other U.S. citizens, to end their status as wards of the United States, and to grant them all the rights and prerogatives of American citizenship.
When was the termination policy announced?
The termination policy was officially announced on August 1, 1953, in House Concurrent Resolution 108.
What was the impact of the termination policy?
The termination policy had a devastating impact on Native American communities, leading to the loss of land, resources, and cultural identity.
How many tribes were terminated under the termination policy?
Between 1953 and 1964, the government terminated recognition of more than 100 tribes and bands as sovereign dependent nations.
What was the legal basis for the termination policy?
The termination policy was based on House Concurrent Resolution 108 and Public Law 280.
When was the termination policy repudiated?
The termination policy was repudiated by the federal government in the 1970s.