Forced Assimilation Policies

​

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States government pursued a series of policies aimed at forcibly assimilating tribal nations into mainstream American society. These policies, rooted in paternalism and ethnocentrism, sought to undermine the cultural, linguistic, and social distinctiveness of indigenous communities, further eroding the trust between tribal nations and the government.

​

The Civilization Fund Act of 1819

​

The Civilization Fund Act, passed by Congress in 1819, marked the beginning of a concerted effort by the United States government to assimilate indigenous peoples into Euro-American culture. The act provided financial support for religious organizations and other groups to establish schools and missions in tribal communities. These institutions sought to teach indigenous people English, Christianity, and European-style agriculture, often at the expense of their native languages, spiritual practices, and traditional ways of life. While some tribal nations voluntarily participated in these educational programs, many others resisted, viewing them as an infringement on their sovereignty and cultural identity.

​

Indian boarding schools and the cultural genocide

​

The most infamous and devastating assimilation policy was the establishment of Indian boarding schools in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These schools, inspired by the motto "Kill the Indian, save the man," aimed to eradicate indigenous cultures and replace them with Euro-American values and practices. Native children were forcibly removed from their families and communities and sent to live in distant, often harsh, boarding school environments. There, they were forbidden from speaking their native languages, practicing their spiritual beliefs, or maintaining their traditional customs. The psychological, emotional, and physical abuse experienced by students in these schools has had lasting intergenerational impacts on indigenous communities.

​

Impacts on tribal identity, language, and traditions

​

The forced assimilation policies pursued by the United States government had profound and lasting effects on the cultural, linguistic, and social fabric of indigenous communities. Many native languages and traditional practices were lost or severely disrupted, leading to a weakening of tribal identity and cohesion. Additionally, these policies fostered a sense of shame and internalized oppression among indigenous people, as their cultures were systematically devalued and denigrated. The erosion of tribal identity and cultural heritage further deepened the mistrust and resentment between tribal nations and the government.

In summary, the forced assimilation policies pursued by the United States government in the 19th and early 20th centuries represent a dark chapter in the history of the relationship between tribal nations and the government. These policies sought to undermine the cultural distinctiveness of indigenous communities, ultimately contributing to the erosion of trust and the disruption of tribal sovereignty. By understanding the impacts of these policies on tribal identity, language, and traditions, we can better comprehend the complex dynamics of trust between tribal nations and the government and work towards fostering a more equitable and respectful relationship in the future.