4 Native Americans

Page 1: Introduction to Native Americans

Definition: Native Americans are individuals who inhabited North America prior to European colonization.
Cultural Diversity: While often grouped under one term, Native Americans represented many separate sovereign nations with unique customs and cultures.
Objective: This lesson will trace the history of Native Americans in the U.S., identify shared cultural characteristics, and explore contemporary challenges they face.
Course Context: SOC241 Race and Ethnic Relations

Content Overview: Continuation of the introduction with no new information presented. Simply cataloging the copyright and source information.

Government Response: Understand the U.S. government's responses to Native Americans in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Prejudice & Discrimination: Discuss the prejudice and discrimination faced by Native Americans.
First Contact: Explain the dynamics of the first interactions between Native Americans and Europeans.
Demographics: Present current demographic data about Native Americans and their societal status today.

Pre-European Settlement: Native Americans populated the Western Hemisphere before European contact.
15th Century Exploration: European nations sought new lands and resources, leading to encounters with Native Americans.
Perception by Europeans: Natives were often seen as inferior and savage, leading to their exploitation.
Manifest Destiny: This ideology justified harsh treatment of Native Americans as Europeans believed they were divinely appointed to convert Natives.

Trade Relations: Initial relations were based on trade (mineral and fur).
Spanish Influence: Spain led in mineral trade and often exploited Native labor in these regions.
French Relations: Focused on fur trade, often allowing for the development of Native economies.
Violence and Disease: Relationships often led to violent conflicts and exposure to disease for Natives.
Political Fracture: Native tribes were politically divided, making them vulnerable to European forces.

Perception by Europeans: Natives viewed as economic, cultural, and political obstacles to European aspirations.
Indian Removal Act of 1830: Enforced relocation of tribes to west of the Mississippi, leading to violence.
Trail of Tears: The forced movement of the Cherokee resulting in significant deaths from disease and exposure.

Cultural Restrictions: After the Civil War, restrictions included the ban on the Ghost Dance movement.
Violent Government Actions: The slaughter of Sioux Indians involved in the Ghost Dance.
Reservation System: The Dawes Act led to loss of tribal land and resources, undermining Native sovereignty.
Population Decline: By 1890, population had plummeted to fewer than 250,000 due to violence and disease.

Shift in Attitudes: Change began in the 1930s, with efforts towards tribal self-rule.
Indian Reorganization Act (1934): Aimed at restoring tribal governance and cultural practices.
Termination Policy (1950s): This policy aimed to end federal support, resisted by many tribes.
Civil Rights Movement: Native Americans' involvement in the Red Power movement aimed at cultural revival and ending termination policies.

Population Measurement: Lack of formal methods; self-identification plays a key role in census.
Growth Figures: Population grew from 550,000 in 1960 to 2.9 million in recent counts.
Tribal Recognition: Over 564 federally recognized tribes exist today.
Living Conditions: 75% of Native Americans reside off reservations, with the largest being the Navajo reservation.

Cultural Events: Image of the Navajo Beauty Pageant signifies cultural celebration among modern Natives.

Income Levels: Median household income is about two-thirds of that of non-Hispanic Whites.
Poverty Rates: Native Americans are twice as likely to live in poverty, facing unemployment issues due to education and geographic isolation.
Educational Challenges: High dropout rate and historical abuse in educational systems shaped current perceptions of education.

Health Indicators: Native American health is poorer compared to the general U.S. population.
Higher Disease Rates: Notably higher tuberculosis rates and increasing diabetes, which is a new concern.
Healthcare Access: Limited access to medical facilities on reservations and in urban settings.
Cultural Impact on Health: Modern health crises linked to historical disruptions and lifestyle changes.

Gaming as an Economic Tool: Legalized gambling has created new economic opportunities, but benefits are unevenly distributed.
Business Development: Some tribes have thrived, while many manage small operations that yield little profit.
Cultural Concerns: Debate on the long-term cultural impact of tourism and gambling industries.

Historical Views: Ethnocentric perspectives viewed Native Americans as a homogeneous group, sparking long-standing stereotypes.
Modern Depictions: Native Americans often portrayed negatively in media, with sports teams using derogatory branding.
Hate Crimes: Higher rates of violence and crime against Native Americans, notably in areas adjacent to reservations.

Cultural Revival: Rise of the Pan-Indian movement and establishment of tribal museums celebrate distinct tribal cultures.
Political Unity: Increasing collaboration across tribes to gain political leverage and address common issues.