chapter 8 native americans and multicultural groups

What is the UTA Land Acknowledgement Statement?

UT Arlington respectfully acknowledges the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes upon whose historical homelands this University is located. It also recognizes the historical presence of the Caddo Nation, the ongoing presence of tribes who moved due to the Indian Relocation program, and the vital contributions of Native students, faculty, and staff.

What was the Trail of Tears?

The forced relocation of Native American nations from the southeastern U.S. to "Indian Territory" (Oklahoma) in the 1830s, authorized by the Indian Removal Act under President Andrew Jackson.

What did the Indian Removal Act of 1830 do?

Authorized the forced removal of Native nations from their ancestral lands to open territory for White settlement.

What did the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 do?

Extended U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States.

What events contributed to the loss of Native American cultural values?

Forceful assimilation through boarding schools that forbade Native languages and customs, suppression of religious practices, and separation of children from families.

How does governance differ for Native Americans on vs. off tribal lands?

• On reservation or trust lands: Employment and governance are governed by tribal regulations

• Outside trust lands: Protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

What Title VII protections apply to Native Americans?

Prohibition of discrimination based on religion and prohibitions against English-only rules (unless justified by business necessity).

What three key laws supported Native American self-determination?

1. Indian Child Welfare Act (1978) – Protected Native children in adoption/custody cases

2. American Indian Religious Freedom Act (1978) – Protected traditional religious practices

3. Tribal Self-Governance Act (1994) – Expanded tribal authority over federal programs

Who was Wilma Mankiller?

The first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation (1985-1995), who advocated for tribal self-governance, community development, and women's rights. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.

How do American Indians' work experiences compare to White counterparts?

They are less likely to feel secure in their jobs and less satisfied with their present financial situation.

How do Native American socioeconomic outcomes compare to other groups?

• Educational attainment: Lower than Whites and Asians; higher rates of high school non-completion

• Poverty: Highest poverty rates among major racial groups

• Unemployment: Significantly higher than national average

• Per capita income: Lowest among major racial groups

What was the Indian Relocation Program (1950s-1960s)?

A federal program encouraging Native Americans to move from reservations to urban areas with promises of job training and employment assistance.

What were the impacts of the Indian Relocation Program?

Positive: Access to more job opportunities, urban economic opportunities, exposure to diverse populations

Negative: Loss of community and cultural connections, isolation from tribal support systems, inadequate support services

What percentage of Indian ancestry is required for tribal recognition?

There is no universal percentage; requirements vary by tribe. Some require 1/4 (25%) blood quantum, others 1/8 (12.5%), or lineal descent. Tribal sovereignty means each tribe determines its own membership criteria.

When was the first Census allowing multiracial identification?

The 2000 Census. Prior to that, the "one-drop rule" (hypodescent) classified mixed-race individuals by their non-White ancestry.

What is miscegenation?

Mixture of races; especially marriage, cohabitation, or sexual intercourse between a White person and a member of another race.

What was Loving v. Virginia (1967)?

The Supreme Court case that struck down laws banning interracial marriage nationwide, ending legal prohibition of miscegenation.

What was Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)?

The Supreme Court case that established the "separate but equal" doctrine, legalizing racial segregation and reinforcing rigid racial classification. It was overturned by Brown v. Board in 1954.

What was the one-drop rule?

The rule that having one Black ancestor deems a person to be Black (hypodescent). It ensured children of enslaved women were considered Black and enslaveable and maintained racial boundaries.

What is "passing"?

When individuals consciously conceal their non-dominant group membership that is not readily apparent to observers, often practiced by light-skinned Blacks and multiracial individuals to access opportunities.

What are key statistics on the multiracial population?

• 2000: 7 million identified as two or more races

• 2013: 9 million

• Projected 2060: Fastest-growing population group

• 6.9% of U.S. adults could be considered multiracial

• 70% of those with multiracial backgrounds identified as one race

What do multiracial adults report about their experiences?

• Multiracial backgrounds make them more open to other cultures

• Those who appear White report lowest levels of discrimination

• Approval of interracial relationships is higher among Black Americans, younger people, those with more education, and those in the Western U.S.

Who are Amerasians?

Children born of American servicemen and Asian women – particularly Vietnamese, Japanese, and Korean women. The primary group came from the Vietnam War.

What did the Vietnamese Amerasian Homecoming Act of 1987 do?

Formalized attempts to bring Amerasians and their families to the United States.

How do American Indians contribute to multiracial group membership?

Through intermarriage with other racial/ethnic groups, historical interactions with European settlers and African Americans, and maintaining tribal membership while having multiracial identity.