Native Timeline Infographic

Page 1: Historical Context of Native Americans

The Mayflower and Early American Values

  • Mayflower: Ship that transported Pilgrims fleeing religious persecution, representing foundational values in American history.

  • Core Values: Emphasizes perseverance, self-reliance, and the pursuit of freedom that shaped early American society.

  • Pioneers and Westward Exploration: 1619 – Exploration of the "free land" in the West valued individualism, hard work, love for freedom, innovation, optimism, and patriotism from a white perspective.

Manifest Destiny and Its Impact

  • Manifest Destiny Ideology: The belief that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was justified as it’s seen as a divine mission.

  • Native American Tribes: Historically, faced relentless westward push or extermination due to this ideology.

  • JFK’s “The New Frontier” Speech (1960): Positioned innovation and social challenges as central to American pioneering truth.

Tragic Historical Events

  • Trail of Tears (1838): Forced relocation of Native American tribes, especially the Cherokee, to Indian Territory leading to significant suffering and loss of life.

  • Residential Schools: Established policies aimed to erase indigenous identities; children were subjected to cultural trauma through forceful assimilation.

    • Recent Discoveries: In May 2021, the remains of 215 indigenous children were found at a residential school, highlighting the brutal legacy of these institutions.

  • Deb Haaland’s Statement: Emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging and educating about this painful history.

  • Living Conditions of Indigenous Peoples: Often appalling due to systemic neglect and discriminatory policies; the last residential school closed in Canada in 1996.

Page 2: Contemporary Issues Affecting Native Americans

Native American Renaissance

  • Prominent Authors: James Welsh, Sherman Alexie, and Louise Erdrich focus on indigenous issues in literature, helping preserve and promote cultural heritage.

Modern Movement and Activism

  • Pan-Indian Movement: Inspired by civil rights movements, particularly the Black Panther movement (1950-1960).

  • Alcatraz Occupation (1969-1970): Over 400 activists occupied this island to advocate for indigenous rights and awareness of conditions faced by Native Americans, leading to legislative changes.

Women and Violence

  • Current Demographics: 78% of Native Americans live off-reservation; 72% reside in urban areas.

  • Poverty and Living Conditions: Poverty rate at 26%, with many facing inadequate living conditions devoid of basic amenities.

  • Impact on Native Women: 56% of Native women have suffered sexual violence, largely perpetrated by non-indigenous men; alarming rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Ongoing Struggle for Rights

  • Land Rights and Sovereignty: Central to Indigenous activism; reservations often offer some degree of self-governance but face challenges due to systemic racism.

  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA): Established in 1824, it has undergone shifts from assimilation policies to promoting self-determination for Native tribes.

  • Need for Reform: Calls for increased resources and commitment to address historical injustices impacting Indigenous communities today.