Understanding Native American Perspectives on Land and Conflict

• The perspective of Native Americans on land ownership is fundamentally different from that of European settlers.

  • Native Americans view land as a communal resource, belonging to everyone in the tribe rather than individual ownership.

  • They see attempts to exclude others from land as incomprehensible because it is viewed as their communal land.

• Europeans, especially white settlers, approached land acquisition with the mindset of individual ownership and property rights.

  • The focus was on independence and self-improvement through land and resource acquisition.

  • The concept of owning land and minerals was equated to personal freedom and economic opportunity.

  • The conflict in mentality leads to misunderstandings and cultural clashes.

Key Incidents in Native American and White Settler Conflict

Sand Creek Massacre (1864)

• Location: Sand Creek, Colorado

• Context: The Sand Creek Massacre occurred during a time of Civil War in America. Colorado was not yet a state but a territory under military governance.

• Major Players:

  • Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians are the tribes involved, who used Sand Creek as their hunting ground.

  • Colonel John Chivington led the military forces against the Native Americans.

• Events:

  • Chivington decided to attack while the able-bodied men were away hunting, leaving women and children vulnerable.

  • Chivington's troops massacred a significant number of Native Americans, including many women and children, during the raid.

  • Methods of attack included scalping and violent mutilation of the bodies of the victims.

• Aftermath:

  • The U.S. Senate held a trial for Chivington following the massacre.

  • This event prompted the formation of the Indian Peace Commission in 1867, intended to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

  • However, their solution entailed forcibly relocating Native Americans away from white settlers, which marked a further loss of indigenous lands.

  • The targeted relocation area was known as the Black Hills, specifically Northern Nebraska and Southern South Dakota.

  • Discovery of gold in the Black Hills led to additional conflicts over the land.

General George Custer and Little Bighorn

• George Custer, known for his role as a general in the American Civil War, is an important historical figure in relation to Native American conflicts.

  • He graduated last in his class from West Point and had a reputation for being an arrogant military leader.

  • Custer ignored strategic advantages and underestimated Native American combat effectiveness, leading to catastrophic losses during the Battle of Little Bighorn.

  • His hubris and disregard for the enemy's capabilities notably resulted in the defeat of his forces.

• Historical Context:

  • The Battle of Little Bighorn occurred around 1876, which is the centennial of the United States' independence (1776).

  • President Ulysses S. Grant was in attendance during the centennial celebrations when news of Custer’s death reached him, highlighting the irony of commemorating American independence while losing a prominent military figure to Native forces.

Native American Attempts to Avoid Conflict

• Native American tribes, like the Nez Perce, actively sought to avoid conflicts with white settlers and military forces.

  • Their strategy revolved around migration and seeking refuge across borders, illustrating a strong desire to maintain peace and preserve their way of life despite continual encroachment by settlers.

  • The ongoing exodus into neighboring countries reflects the severe pressures they faced from U.S. military expansions and settlement.

Conclusion

• Native American history is marked by a continuous struggle for preservation against external forces interested in land acquisition and resource exploitation.

• The contrasting views on land ownership signify deeper cultural differences that have led to sustained conflict and misunderstanding throughout history.

• A critical examination of these events provides insights into the fragile relationship between Native Americans and the U.S. government, emphasizing the importance of cultural acknowledgment and respect.