Question

How did life change for Native Americans in 1953?

Answer 1

During World War II, Native Americans formed an intertribal group they called the National Congress of AmericanIndians (NCAI). They opposed the 1953 laws, including the relocation program, describing them as an attempt tokill off their people. The NCAI as well as other groups that formed later would seek legal means to prevent thetaking of lands and land rights. Some groups were more militant and used the phrase "Red Power" or "NativeAmerican Power."Their efforts did grab the attention of Congress, leading to laws protecting Native Americanrights in education, health care, and child custody rules. The Supreme Court decision Menominee Tribe v. UnitedStates in 1968 ruled that states could not take away Native American rights to hunt and fish on lands theyreceived through past treaty agreements.

Answer 2

The mid 20th Century ushered in new federal Native American policy. In the 1950’s, in an attempt to move Indians off reservations and into cities, the federal government initiated a policy of removal and termination. Under this policy, Native Americans would no longer be government wards on reservations. They would be removed and made, according to the resolution: “subject to the same laws and entitled to the same privileges and responsibilities as are applicable to other citizens of the United States.” Their status as government wards would be terminated as would their cultural identities.