Abstract This paper explains that today the American Indiantribes are believed to have sovereign powers, which can be characterized as independent from both the federal and state governments. Therefore, they are considered to be a nation within a nation under the current American legal system. The writer points out that there are, however, limitations to the tribes' jurisdiction. The paper concludes that, as evidenced by the stand off at Wounded Knee and numerous other historical events, it is clear that Native-American Indians desire real authority over their own relations amongst themselves and perceive themselves as degraded by the lack of full sovereignty.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Challenges of Native American Sovereignty
Wounded Knee
Conclusion: The Future of Native American Sovereignty
From the Paper "In the end, the events at Wounded Knee were exceedingly far more traumatic for Native American Indians in this country than it was for the white American population. The Wounded Knee incident was a direct result of the near-century long inability for Native Americans to come to an agreement with the majority population on the issue of sovereignty within their lands. The form of tribal government that had been granted to the Natives was thus not efficient in solving problems on reservations."
Tags: self-determination intervention jurisdiction globalization, red power
Abstract This article looks at the meeting of the two different cultures of the Puritan colonists and the Native Americans. The writer states that in order to understand how the Indiantribes and the colonial settlers interacted, one firstly has to understand something about the basic differences of culture and attitudes between the two different groups. One of the most important facts with regard to Native American cultures, one which many people do not realize, is that there was no Indian national unity. Rather the Indiantribes were essentially separate and went their own way; with many differences in social customs and perceptions between the different tribes. The writer describes that this explains much of the confusion and misunderstanding that took place when the two cultures met. This is especially true when it comes to the reaction of the white settlers who often saw the Indiantribes as a unified threat against their existence.
From the Paper "On the other hand there was a very different cultural perspective from the settler's point of view. The white colonists were used to thinking in terms of national and social unity. They therefore tended to assume that the Native Americans were a unified threat and were therefore suspicious of the Indian tribes. Therefore many Native Americans would encounter hostility and fear when they first met the colonists that would also create a sense of uncertainly and suspicion among the Indians.
A further aspect that would have influenced the relationships and contacts between the two groups was the idea of private property. Generally the Native Americans did not have a concept of private property, but rather believed in sharing what they had with others. The colonists, being unaware of this different attitude, would have been suspicious and would have feared that their property was in danger."
Abstract This paper examines the role of the culture that existed before the French arrival in the Michigan region of the United States and provides a detailed account of the actual modifications of Indian life after the French arrived. The paper considers the way in which disputes and misunderstandings were solved through law and shows how the issue of the Native-Indians and the French influence over the history of the tribes in the Great Lakes is a matter that is representative for the history of the US. The paper also shows how the Native-American experience pointed out the way in which a local issue such as the conflicts between different tribes in the region could be exploited for economic, gains but at the same time could set the basis for a cultural relation between the Algonquin tribes and the French.
From the Paper "The history of the American people is the result of numerous influences that have put their mark on what is today the American culture and heritage. The entire array of factors that have determined the unique yet troubled history of the United States belong to numerous cultures and civilization that have remained to this day important landmarks for the definition of the cultural framework of this country. In this sense, the Indians have had a considerable contribution to the establishment of the cultural background as well as of the environment in which later settlers, such as the Europeans would place their mark and in which they would develop a distinctive cultural identity."
Abstract This paper will discuss the demise of the Californian Indians that populated much of the territory before the white men came in to the country. The issues that will be explored in this paper will deal with certain tribes and how they were exterminated from the Californian coast because of land problems (dealing with gold), technology, cultural weaknesses and other sources of man-made manifest destiny (such as warfare) that Americans took out on these tribes. By understanding the scope of history that surrounds the fall of the Indiantribes of California, we can see how they were cajoled into accepting an inferior rank to the white settlers that slowly, but surely, removed them from the land that was once theirs.
This paper reviews and examines Donald Hughes' book "North American Indian Ecology" which focuses on a wide range of ecological and environmental issues faced by Native American Indians in the 20th century.
Abstract This paper explores and details North American Indian life and culture as portrayed in Donald Hughes' book "North American Indian Ecology." This paper discusses the land issues facing the North American Indiantribes including overgrazing, erosion and assessments of appropriate land usage. The writer of this paper finds Hughes' book to be straightforward and concise in clarifying the characteristics of Indian life such as hunting, food growing and rituals.
From the Paper "Tribes are having to mediate the disparate demands of their members and the industrial mindset of the BIA to balance forest use for economic need and preservation for cultural need. Tribes face many of the same problems as non-Native communities held hostage by the timber industry. Replanting has not always kept pace with harvesting on public or trust lands. The push to harvest old-growth timber is constrained by federal mandates to protect endangered species habitats, putting people out of work. Few local communities gain the "value-added" benefits of processing their own timber especially jobs and new businesses and when they do the environmental impact of mill sites has to be factored into any cost-benefit analysis."
Abstract This paper addresses the changes in American Indian warfare during the period of western settlement in the 19th century. It gives a summary of Plains Indian culture and reasons for conflict, and details conflicts between settlers and American Indiantribes. The paper's thesis, borne out in historical research, is that the introduction of horses and firearms made conflicts between US relocation forces and unwilling Indian tribesmen bloodier than necessary on both sides. The author does not take sides on the Native American sovereignty issue.
Abstract This well-researched paper details the cultures and history of two Indiantribes that have historically inhabited the Mohave Desert in California. This paper contains in-depth research into the social organization, economy, customs and religion of the Mohave and Chemehuevi tribes. In 1776 the Chemehuevi Indians began to migrate from Nevada, Utah and Arizona to California due to conflicts with the Yuman Indians, who were living in the area next to theirs. A 1604 expedition in search of silver led New Mexico governor Don Juan Onate through Mohaves territory, but it was not until 1775 that Fray Francisco Garces became the first white man to meet the Mohaves.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
History of the Chemehuevi
History of the Mohave Indians Social Organizations
Customs
Economy
Religion
Interaction with Other Tribes Conclusion
References
From the Paper "These reservations are administered by different sovereign tribal governments under two separate legal jurisdictions. These governments were created and recognized by the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, and the tribal-council form of government that was adopted at the time does not separate the functions of the administration, the legislature, and the judiciary. However, both governments operate civil and criminal courts that protect and assert their legal jurisdiction on the reservations over their own members. Mohave tribal identity in both reservation communities remains strong, although the pattern of intermarriage with other tribes that began in the early 1900s and a trend toward intermarriage with other races that began in the 1960s continue to challenge and change individual concepts of identity as well as the community's sense of itself."
Abstract This paper looks at the history of the involvement of Indiantribes in Michigan's gaming industry, government involvement in the industry, and relevant laws enacted. The paper also considers the impact the Indiantribes and their connection to the gaming industry has had on the political scene and the attempts of both political parties to woo the Indian vote by supporting the efforts of various tribes in maintaining and increasing their control of the gaming industry.
From the Paper "For long, the gaming industry in Michigan has been influenced by the Indian tribes and their constant demands. Over time, regulatory bodies have promulgated various laws detailing gaming procedures and conduct. With the passage of time, the legislature has been from time to time modified so as to accommodate the various demands of Indian tribes. Of late, efforts have been made to usher in public casinos. This has had its serious share of repercussions. In the bargain, public legislative and regulatory bodies have had to perform a balancing act satisfying both advocates of Indian gaming and public gaming outfits. While this has caused a storm in the tea cup, it has also been responsible for steady erosion of the Indian support towards the public legislature. On the whole the economy has due to this move, had its share of fortunes and losses."
This paper examines both the historical and geographical structure of Davenport, Iowa, focusing on the 1800s, when the land was inhabited by various Indiantribes.
Abstract This paper details the numerous written accounts from travelers who settled down or passed through Davenport Iowa. Account after account tells of the beautiful sloping hills and high bluffs to be seen on the west bank of the river across from Rock Island, Illinois. From these statements, one begins to get a picture of how the area appeared in the early 1800s. The earliest inhabitants were the Indians, who considered the Davenport area a very desirable place. Many tribes settled in the vicinity, including the Illini, soon followed by the Sauk and Fox tribes, of whom Black Hawk was the chief. As the great Mississippi Valley began opening up, more and more people began to travel to this vast region. This paper also examines the political and business side of Davenport. Jonathan W. Parker, a young attorney, was one of the earliest settlers in Davenport. Parker saw Davenport as fertile area which would soon become a thriving, industrious city. Parker's interest and belief in his new home is evidenced in the fact that he became mayor in 1841. This well-researched paper contains numerous historical and geographical facts pertaining to the structure of Davenport, Iowa.
From the Paper "It is not known who the first white man was to see Iowa, "The beautiful land." Traditionally, and perhaps rightfully so, the honor has been given to two men, Marquette and Joliet. But for our purposes we will begin with one of the earliest accounts that we know for certain to be about the Davenport area. Zebulon M. Pike, a Lieutenant in the 6th U.S. infantry, was commissioned by the army to explore the upper Mississippi. On August 27, 1805, Pike made camp by the Rapids of Riviere de Roche (Rock River Rapids), of which Davenport stands at the foot. Pike made the following entry in his journal, "From this place to Rock River, we generally had beautiful prairies on the west and in some places very rich land, with black walnut and hickory timber." As the great Mississippi Valley began opening up, more and more people began to travel in this vast region."
Abstract The paper discusses the effect that the arrival of Spanish horses had on the Indians in terms of mobility, currency, hunting and warfare. The paper notes that the horse was unsurpassingly beneficial to the Native Americans when it came to wars. Horsemanship was something that the Indians learned either from observing the Spanish settlers or more likely by trial and error. The paper highlights the fact that horses gave the Indians wealth and prestige, an advantage over the buffalo, and time-tested horsemanship and riding skills. The civilizations of the tribes of North America were truly revolutionized by this amazing creature.
From the Paper "The horses the Plains Indians used to hunt buffalo were invaluable to their owners. They had to be smart, quick, and unafraid of the large hairy beasts. If the horse wasn't fast enough to dodge the injured buffalo, or if it wasn't paying attention to its rider, it was often injured or killed. On one such hunt, a buffalo "crowded upon another rider so closely that he had no room to maneuver. The sharp horn of a cow ripped the horse's belly, causing the entrails to protrude. The horse was thrown, the entrails replaced, and the rent sewn with a sinew....After the wound healed the horse ran as well as before." The rider had to fully trust his mount or both of their lives would be in danger."
A comprehensive exploration of the Algonquin Indiantribes' relationship with the French and their important contribution to the history and culture of the United States.
Abstract The paper explores the role of the Algonquin Native-American culture that existed before the French arrival, provides a detailed account on the actual modifications to the Indian life after the French arrival and takes into account the way in which disputes and misunderstandings were solved through law. The paper concludes with the assertion that the issue of the Native Indians and the French influence over the history of the tribes in the Great Lakes is indeed a matter that is representative of the history of the US.
Outline:
Introduction
Abstract
Part 1: History and Culture Before the French Arrival
Part 2: Contacts and Relations with the French
Part 3: Political Issues, Treaties and Land Acts
Conclusion
From the Paper "The history of the American people is the result of numerous influences that have put their mark on what is today the American culture and heritage. The entire array of factors that have determined the unique yet troubled history of the United States belong to numerous cultures and civilization that have remained to this day important landmarks for the definition of the cultural framework of this country. In this sense, the Indians have had a considerable contribution to the establishment of the cultural background as well as of the environment in which later settlers, such as the Europeans would place their mark and in which they would develop a distinctive cultural identity."
Abstract In this paper, the author looks at the origins of Native American tribes. In particular he looks at the Potawatomi tribe who has a lot of history affiliated with the state of Michigan. The author examines the early history of the Potawatomi tribe from their first origins in the area as far back as 1600. The paper examines the meaning of the name Potawatomi which is a translation of the Ojibwe "potawatomink" meaning "people of the place of fire", and looks at alternate names that have been given to this tribe. The author identifies special characteristics of this tribe and looks at their population growth over the years. In conclusion, the author looks at the modern day Potawatomi tribe and what they have achieved. He comments that they have assimilated into American society and that a general governing body has been set up to try and bring them back to their roots and make sure their original reservation land remains in their hands.
From the Paper "Shortly after the French built Fort Ponchartrain at Detroit in 1701, groups of Potawatomi settled nearby. By 1716 most Potawatomi villages were located in an area between Milwaukee to Detroit. During the 1760s they expanded into northern Indiana and central Illinois. Land cessions to the Americans began in 1807 and during the next 25 years drastically reduced their territory. Removal west of the Mississippi occurred between 1834 and 1842. The Potawatomi were removed in two groups: the Prairie and Forest Bands from northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin went to Council Bluffs in southwest Iowa; and the Potawatomi of the Woods (Michigan and Indian bands) were relocated to eastern Kansas near Osawatomie. In 1846 the two groups merged and were placed on a single reservation north of Topeka. Arguments over allotment and citizenship led to their separation in 1867. The Citizen Potawatomi left for Oklahoma and settled near present-day Shawnee. Most of their lands were lost to allotment in 1889. The Prairie Potawatomi stayed in Kansas and still have a reservation. Several Potawatomi groups avoided removal and remained in the Great Lakes."
Abstract By using the chief of the Sioux tribe as narrator, the paper traces the history of the tribe. The paper begins with a description of life on the plains around Lake Superior, wars with the rival Ojibwa tribe and then carries the reader until the time when the tribe is forced to seek unification with other tribes in order to fight a new enemy, the white man.
From the Paper "The white men's approach shows their nature of treachery that leaves them unfit for any pact from our end. In spite of the reality that the white men are better equipped in arms than us, forget not my men that the white man is not well equipped in his will. If we can win them, we can win by our will; by our determination; by our unity for our mother. We know the land as none other, for we have roamed therein years together for buffalo hunting and the big game.
These white men cannot overpower us if we resist their intrusion wisely. I have known that they come from different lands from far. Some are different from the others. If we can use these differences to make them fight among themselves for the land, we can win half of the battle. Then, the white men shall have the taste of their own medicine."
Abstract This paper studies the statistically high rate of suicide among American Indian youth, focusing on the impact of acculturation. The paper begins with a brief discussion of the suicide statistics and their distribution among particular tribes. Then the paper takes a critical look at the historical phenomenon of acculturation. Among the effects of acculturation examined are geographic isolation and confinement to the reservation, which led to the disorganization of traditional family structures. The paper then explores how these impacted the negative self-image of youth, and in particular male youth, which is a major contributor to suicide.
From the Paper "In a white man's society the American Indian held little status. While there was slavery, black man may have been deprived of his body and labor and kept from being a part of white society; the American Indian was robbed of his land and forced to acculturate. The American Indians were not free to practice their religion in a land that proclaimed religious freedom. When the census was taken, a black man was counted as half a person; an American Indian was not even considered a human being. This only changed when the white man wanted to buy land; legally an American Indian had to be a human being to sell it (Allen 1973)."
Abstract Discusses the warrior people and most powerful Indiantribe in Ohio, the early history of the Miami, why they became a migratory people, Chief Little Turtle and his defeat of two American armies, and the retaliation by U.S. government.
From the Paper "The existence of the Miami Indians was recorded by French explorers and missionaries as far back as the early seventeenth century. In 1700 the Miami moved into Maumee Valley. They were migratory people and were part of a ..."
