Native Americans Lecture Review

These flashcards encapsulate the key concepts and facts from the lecture on Native Americans, focused on their history, cultural aspects, relations with the federal government, and ongoing challenges.

What period did the contact period for Native Americans cover?

From the earliest colonial days until the final battles of the Indian Wars in the late 1800s.

What was the outcome for Native American tribes by 1890?

Most tribes had been conquered, their leaders killed or in custody, and their people were living on government-controlled reservations.

How does Blauner (1972) describe Native Americans?

As a conquered and colonized minority group.

What system controlled the lives of Native Americans on reservations?

A paternalistic system controlled by federally mandated regulations.

What significant change occurred in Native American status in the late 20th century?

Some tribes began making progress toward parity with national standards in income and education.

What factors contributed to the improving status of some Native American tribes?

Increased autonomy, and control over their own affairs.

How many different tribes are recognized among Native Americans?

600 different tribes.

What was the primary subsistence method of Native American tribes before colonization?

Hunter-gatherer arrangements.

What was the typical view of land ownership among Native American tribes?

Most everything was viewed as communally owned.

How did Native American gender dynamics differ from European norms?

Native tribes were more gender egalitarian, with women holding positions of power.

What was the Dawes Allotment Act of 1887?

An act that divided Native land into small units, promoting individual ownership and destroying communal tribal structures.

What was one purpose of the boarding schools for Native American children?

To assimilate them into Western practices and strip them of their cultural identities.

What did the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) allow tribes to do?

Expand their lands and increase self-governance.

What was the objective of the Termination Policy?

To move the federal government out of Native American affairs and dissolve tribes as legally recognized entities.

What prompted the migration of Native Americans to urban areas in the mid-20th century?

The availability of factory jobs during World War II and a decline in government support for reservations.

What was the goal of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act passed in 1975?

To increase aid to reservation schools and allow tribal control over reservations.

What was the Red Power Movement seeking to achieve?

Protect Native American resources and treaty rights while balancing assimilation and cultural preservation.

What significant event occurred during the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL)?

High tensions and confrontations between protestors, including use of aggressive police tactics.

What did many tribes pursue in relation to broken treaties with the federal government?

Compensation for the wrongs of the past.

How has urbanization impacted Native American communities?

While economic benefits have been slim, urban networks have fostered activism and protest movements.

What is the impact of gaming and casinos on Native American economies?

They have generated significant revenue and aided in economic development.

What are some prevailing stereotypes associated with Native Americans?

Competing images of savagery and harmony with nature, impacting their representation in media.

What are challenges faced by Native Americans today in relation to education?

Lower graduation rates compared to national averages and high unemployment rates.

How do intermarriage rates for Native Americans compare to other groups?

Much higher rates of out-marriage, around 60%.

How has federal policy shift since the 1960s affected Native American communities?

Encouraged self-determination and reaffirmation of tribal cultures.

What overarching trend encompasses the experiences of Native Americans in the U.S.?

A mixed picture of improvements for some, against background of ongoing colonization and marginalization.