Termination

Purpose of Termination

Time Period: 1953- 1970• The policy hoped to terminate the

responsibility that the federal government had with Native American tribes.

• The hope was to pass laws to end the existence of Indian tribes.

• The government argued that Native Americans should be treated exactly as all other citizens

• Congress wanted to work toward the withdrawal of all federal support and responsibility for Native American affairs.

Effects of Termination

• Services (healthcare & education) were withdrawn from about 11,500 Native Americans

• 1.5 million acres of land were taken from tribes

• Tribes/members became dependent on welfare• “Red Power,” led by AIM (American Indian

Movement) arose to protest this policy1. Occupation of Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay

from 1969-19712. Trail of Broken Treaties occupation of the BIA in

Washington, DC in 19723. 71-day Siege at Wounded Knee in 1973

Occupation of Alcatraz

Occupation of the

BIA (Bureau of

Indian Affairs)

Occupation of the BIA (Bureau of

Indian Affairs)

Occupation of the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs)

1973 Siege at Wounded Knee

Mary Brave Bird

(Mary Moore/Mary Crow Dog)

Leonard Crow Dog