How did the government view assimilation of the Native Americans?

The government saw assimilating as making the Native Americans compatible with the American standards, so they could help the country thrive.  They seemed to view them more as a product that had benefits and was better than an old product.  During the the time of the boarding schools, the Bureau of Indian Affairs said that "the Indian stock is of excellent quality.  It can readily merge with that of the nation."  They also saw themselves as helping the Native Americans because in the government's minds, they were not as successful as Americans.  By teaching them Americans standards, they could be more successful.  Overall, the government saw assimilating as a way to help the country and the Native Americans as a people.

What were some of the outcomes of the Native American boarding schools?

There were a ride range of outcomes, but barely any of them were what the government intended-assimilated Native American children.  The two main outcomes-each on opposite ends of the spectrum-were both long term effects.  The main negative effect affected many students psychologically.  After attending one of the many boarding schools, some students felt isolated from both their Native American society and the American society they were supposed to be a part of.  In a book by Brenda Child, a scholar on this subject, she argues that many students felt "distanced from tribal traditions and alienated from community members" when they returned.  There was also the common positive effect of being very included in both the Native American and American societies.  A former student felt more connected to both her Native American society and new American society when she returned.  This was the closest outcome to the government's intended goal, but since they weren't completely assimilated, the government and boarding failed, making that the main outcome.

Primary Document-Casinos

The Native American population has been decreasing since the expansion of the United States; and ever since the Europeans came to America. Because of this, many Native Americans fell short on money and became some of the poorest people in America for a period of time, due to the fact that they didn't use money. Many reservations had also believed in being isolated from the rest of the world; however this in the end only hurt the Native Americans and put them into poverty. In the 1970s, Native Americans realized how to create a better economy for themselves; and that was through the creation of bingo facilities. By establishing these facilities, Native Americans began to get out of their poor state, and began to make money. However, in 1987, the state of California filed a lawsuit against the Indians in California vs. Cabazon Band of Missions. California was suing this tribe because they were building casinos and other gaming facilities on their land without permission. However, the Supreme Court overruled and said that the state was not to interfere with the production of these facilities due to the fact they were created on their own land. 1988 was a big year for many Native Americans who joined forces in the gaming world; they gained $100 million from the bingo casinos, bringing many of their people out of poverty. Many Native Americans like to refer to this new discovery as the 'new buffalo'. In the process of creating these facilities, leaders and other tribes were becoming worrisome that their own people were going to lose sight of their own faith, and turn to the imperfections of greed and wealth. Although, just recently in 2006, a striking number of 1/3 of Native American tribes have become involved in gaming facilities. In 2008, the Navajo tribe created their first casino which involved slot machines, a bingo hall, and table games such as black jack and poker, which is now in New Mexico named the Fire Rock Casino. The creation of these facilities were able to open up jobs for many unemployed Native Americans, as well as many new opportunities on their reservations. Native Americans were now able to open schools, hospitals, and law enforcement. Along with this, they attracted many people as workers, residents, and even investors into their casinos.

Primary Source: How did language barriers and misconceptions shape European - Native Relations?

In my primary source, I read Reverend Johannes Megapolensis’ description of his interactions with and observations of the Mohawk Indians around the year 1644. He described the many languages of the tribes and how these languages changed and varied among the years and numerous speakers. He recalled how he tried to learn the language, but that it was very difficult. He said that, “there is no Christian here who understands the language thoroughly; those who have lived here long can use a kind of jargon just sufficient to carry trade with it”. Megapolensis tried to keep a record of Mohawk vocabulary by asking them what numerous objects were called, but he said that these efforts were tedious and often fruitless because he claimed that the indians were stupid. This display of ignorance was sad to see. The fact that he would assume that they are not as intelligent due to cultural differences and the language barrier shows the lack of respect and understanding felt for the Natives. I believe that these barriers could have led to many miscommunications. How could treaties be followed if the languages were not interpreted correctly? How could effective dialogue or negotiation take place? Overall, this settler seemed in awe of the many differences in Mohawk society- the role of women, the non-monotheistic religion, the clothing, etc. Despite some notions of superiority, the Europeans of Megapolensis’ settlement seemed to try to coexist peacefully with the Mohawks. He described how they met up in the woods and walked together and how he observed their very different political structure. At this time, relations seemed positive, but it seems that as the years continued, the number of settlers grew and the culture of the natives was infringed upon. The differences between the Europeans and the Natives were sometimes a form of marvel for newcomers, but eventually they would become a factor that distanced the two groups and created a lack of respect and trust. 

In-Depth Source- What Made Relations Between Natives and Colonists so Difficult?

As I read through my in-depth source, “Suspected on Both Sides”, I was able to develop a deeper picture as the complex involvement of the Native Americans during the time of the American Revolution. One influential leader, known as Little Abraham, was an Iroquois who strongly advocated for the doctrine of neutrality, declaring that they were not to pick sides because, “we bear as much affection for the King of England’s subjects, upon the other side of the water, as we do for you, born upon this island”. This amicable tone spoken towards the settlers was surprising to me given the mistreatment received by the Natives from these Europeans. These attempts at friendly relations between the two groups were not easy given the anger and tension likely present at the time, however the efforts seemed to have been made out of self-interests. It was stated in the article that Little Abraham had political, economic, and geographical incentives to stay on the settler’s good sides, and the settler’s had similar views. Many came to America with a sense of entitlement and superiority. Many writings highlighted in this article show the shock of the Europeans upon seeing the sophistication of Native American society. The Europeans marveled at the homes and things that these people had because they held the preconceived notions that the Indians were uncivilized inhabitants of the new land. But what seemed to really inhibit relations between Natives and Europeans were the ulterior motives behind every seemingly positive event. Many of the treaties signed or acts favoring the Native’s land rights carried very little meaning with them besides political manipulation. Both sides lacked a mutual trust and respect for each other based on stereotypes and poor histories, and this insincerity and lack of respect rendered it extremely difficult for treaties to be upheld and for the Natives to have effective relationships with those establishing a new nation on their land. 

What flaws were there in treaties made with the English that upset tribes?

The conflicts between settlers and Native Americans is not necessarily flaws within the treaties, but a fight for natural resources. Before colonists, Native Americans had access to any lands, never faced periodic hunger and lacking the ability to read and write making them at a disadvantage in the English society. Taking a closer look at a treaty that was formed between the Iroquois tribe and the English, Michael M. Pomedli was able to make connections between the Condolence  rites, (scared rites practiced by the Iroquois) and the treaties. By spotting these connections it is easier to see how treaties were not the cause to the Iroquois's conflicts with the English. It was shocking to discover how much the English respected with Iroquois's Condolence rites. All five main components of these rites are present in some form within the trading treaties. One example is when the King of Delaware (this was around 1736) participated in the requickening rite, he was really dedicated and committed to the Iroquois by participating in their ritual and agreeing to their terms. The fact that the English made an effort to combine these two far fetched ideas of a treaty and make a common agreement is quite impressive. The English were extremely logical and wanted a more legal approach. While the Iroquois had a more spiritual approach and saw this pact as a very strong connection with the English. The way the English and the Iroquois combined spiritual and logical in such a successful way is truly remarkable. The main reason that drove the Iroquois away from the settlers was the lack of resources needed for survival. The settler's large use of natural resources drove the Iroquois away. Not their cruel and unfair treaties. Not all treaties worked as well as the Iroquois and the English, but knowing that this relationship existed puts a little hope in the possibility that not all Native American and European relationships were terrible.

How did white Americans influence the Native Americans religiously?

A Native American man named Tenkswataya (also known as "The Prophet") gave a speech to Governor William Henry Harrison of Indiana in 1808.  The Prophet explained to the governor that his goal was to show the Native Americans "the good principles of religion which the white people profess."  The speech shows how The Prophet became a messenger from "The Great Spirit" to tell the Native Americans that he created them and they should not do evil or abandon the world.  The Prophet explained that the religion he has been preaching started to attract more followers from different backgrounds.  Their sharing of the religion has united them and they feel a stronger connection.  The Prophet made a point of saying, "We desire that you will join us for the preservation of both red and white people."  He continued, "we must lay aside this character and attend to the care of our children, " meaning that they should all lay aside their differences so their children could live in peace.  He wants to guarantee that there would be no violence between the next generations of Native Americans and white Americans. The prophet truly wanted peace between the whites and the Native Americans and he promised his people would follow the words of the Great Spirit to get this to happen.