Previous to Europeans coming to America, Native Americans had their own way of dealing with crime, and they had their own codes of conduct established. When someone’s rights were violated by someone else, the penalties handed down were based on each culture. Restitution was paid in crimes against others. Once the price was paid, then the issue was resolved. Penalties included public shame and humiliation, counseling by tribal elders, spiritual disenfranchisement, prohibition from participation in ceremonies, isolation and temporary banishment. Banishment was considered the ultimate punishment because of the loss of family and status, and death was almost certain in the harsh winters.
When the reservations were put into place, there was also pressure to get rid of the traditional Native American society. Formal legal systems equipped with police enforcement were put into place under civil and criminal codes created by the Secretary of the Interior. In 1883 courts of Indian Offenses, with Native American judges were established. In 1885 Congress passed a law that gave federal courts responsibility of handling major crimes on Native American reservations, a result of Crow Dog killing Spotted Tail in 1881. The courts realized that they did not have the jurisdiction to prosecute for the crime.
Criminal jurisdiction of all of Minnesota’s reservations, except Red Lake was transferred to the state under Public Law 280 in 1953. This was done partly to deal with the law enforcement problem. The issue with Public Law 280 was that it weakened tribal sovereignty and did not really lead to improved law enforcement. In 1973 Minnesota approved the request by the Bois Forte Tribe to return to federal-tribal jurisdiction in tribal matters. Bois Forte and Red Lake have their own criminal codes, tribal courts and BIA-funded police forces.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Chapter Twelve: Alcohol and the Stereotypes that Come with it (Lexy Becker)
Obviously, this chapter goes through all the various health problems that American Indians encounter. The book states that most of them are preventable and are the result of dependencies. Primarily, it talks about the infamous and destructive dependency: alcohol. They begin by saying, "The use of alcohol and the disease of chemical dependency contributed to abused in Indian-white relations and demeaning stereotypes." The truly pathetic thing is that, now more than ever, it's farther away from being defined as a stereotype in Minnesota and closer to being defined as reality. To review, a stereotype is when you're relating to all of the members of a selected group. If 95% of the Native American population is personally affected by drinking OR the aftermath of drinking, then that means only a meager 5% is holding up the borderline between the two.
In the book, they give all the various ways in which the communities and their treatment programs are improving the situation. I have two response questions for you (just in case you still need your secondary post grade points):
1. After reviewing the book, do you think that the current stereotype is a fair assessment of the Minnesota American Indian Population. Why or Why not?
2. What do you think would be the easiest or most efficient way to resolve the chemical dependency problem? What would the communities need to change or how much money would individual tribes have to receive?
In the book, they give all the various ways in which the communities and their treatment programs are improving the situation. I have two response questions for you (just in case you still need your secondary post grade points):
1. After reviewing the book, do you think that the current stereotype is a fair assessment of the Minnesota American Indian Population. Why or Why not?
2. What do you think would be the easiest or most efficient way to resolve the chemical dependency problem? What would the communities need to change or how much money would individual tribes have to receive?
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Ch. 14 - The Criminal Justice System by Kendra Rasmuson
Before the immigration of Europeans to America, Indian tribes had well-established codes of conduct and ways of dealing with crime; when the price was paid, the matter was settled. This changed when the federal and state governments introduced their courts with a different set of laws and punishments, which imposed an alien culture and form of government on Indian society. But the problems do not end there; today there are confusing procedures and issues like racial bias and profiling that plague the system causing Indian people to stop reporting crimes, or even showing up to hearings.
We have learned about sovereignty and how confusing it is with the three governments trying to govern simultaneously over one people. This confusion seeps into the legal system and complicates matters to the point that no one knows how to deal with criminal actions anymore. In 1968, the Indian Civil Rights Act was passed to extend most of the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights to individual Indians on reservations and to limit the powers of tribal governments over their members.
In conclusion, tribes are taking responsibility for their own law enforcement and punishments, but in doing so, must face tremendous legal, jurisdictional, and financial challenges. The strong correlation between criminal behavior and other social problems means that improvements in Indian education, employment, housing, and chemical dependency prevention/treatment are essential to reducing crime in Indian communities. I believe that the legal dominions over Indian people and their reservations needs to be simplified and re-structured so that it may be more useful and effective. It is good that we see more Indians in high-powered jobs, and the crime rate falling a little, but if those numbers are to become better, then something needs to be done for education and housing.
We have learned about sovereignty and how confusing it is with the three governments trying to govern simultaneously over one people. This confusion seeps into the legal system and complicates matters to the point that no one knows how to deal with criminal actions anymore. In 1968, the Indian Civil Rights Act was passed to extend most of the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights to individual Indians on reservations and to limit the powers of tribal governments over their members.
In conclusion, tribes are taking responsibility for their own law enforcement and punishments, but in doing so, must face tremendous legal, jurisdictional, and financial challenges. The strong correlation between criminal behavior and other social problems means that improvements in Indian education, employment, housing, and chemical dependency prevention/treatment are essential to reducing crime in Indian communities. I believe that the legal dominions over Indian people and their reservations needs to be simplified and re-structured so that it may be more useful and effective. It is good that we see more Indians in high-powered jobs, and the crime rate falling a little, but if those numbers are to become better, then something needs to be done for education and housing.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Ch. 12 - Health by Kendra Rasmuson
Minnesota Indians have greater health needs than the general population. They die younger, with higher rates of infant death and deaths from violence and alcohol abuse. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, suicide, and HIV/AIDS rates continue to be much higher for Indians in Minnesota than for the rest of the state's population.
In 1954, responsibility for Native health services was transferred from the BIA to the Indian Health Service, which is under the Department of Health and Human Services. Through this exchange, positive signs have shown a rise in funding for prevention programs and medical help for the sick. Reservations are now having the means to build medical and rehabilitation facilities so their people may live longer, healthier lives. A recent survey suggested that 70% of Indians were more likely to abstain when in culturally specific programs, compared to the 54% enrolled in traditional, general population programs. So in 2002, the Minnesota Department of Health allocated 6% of its budget to give Indian people in need access to medicine men and women, healing ceremonies and practices such as vision quests, sweat lodges, talking circles, making crafts and powwow regalia, drumming, and singing. Despite these gains, great disparities in health still exist between Indians and all other people groups.
In conclusion, Indians' health care is highly dependent upon services provided by governments, and its quality and availability has declined as programs have failed to keep up with needs or have been limited or cut. Even so, as reservations increasingly run their own health programs, tribes are identifying their own priorities and delivering health care in more culturally meaningful ways. There are several initiatives being taken for the Indian population's health, and I believe that even if the road getting there may be mountainous and difficult, that as long as no one gives up, one day Native Americans may live to be the average age of life expectancy here in America.
In 1954, responsibility for Native health services was transferred from the BIA to the Indian Health Service, which is under the Department of Health and Human Services. Through this exchange, positive signs have shown a rise in funding for prevention programs and medical help for the sick. Reservations are now having the means to build medical and rehabilitation facilities so their people may live longer, healthier lives. A recent survey suggested that 70% of Indians were more likely to abstain when in culturally specific programs, compared to the 54% enrolled in traditional, general population programs. So in 2002, the Minnesota Department of Health allocated 6% of its budget to give Indian people in need access to medicine men and women, healing ceremonies and practices such as vision quests, sweat lodges, talking circles, making crafts and powwow regalia, drumming, and singing. Despite these gains, great disparities in health still exist between Indians and all other people groups.
In conclusion, Indians' health care is highly dependent upon services provided by governments, and its quality and availability has declined as programs have failed to keep up with needs or have been limited or cut. Even so, as reservations increasingly run their own health programs, tribes are identifying their own priorities and delivering health care in more culturally meaningful ways. There are several initiatives being taken for the Indian population's health, and I believe that even if the road getting there may be mountainous and difficult, that as long as no one gives up, one day Native Americans may live to be the average age of life expectancy here in America.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Ch. 10 - Education by Kendra Rasmuson
"In the present state of our country, one of two things seems to be necessary; either that those sons of the forest should be moralized or exterminated." This was the mindset of early America, but is far from the truth today. Minnesota's government is working hard to create education programs for Native students in hopes that they will remain in the school system long enough to earn a high school and college degree.
Although Indians know they need the skills taught by schools, acquiring those skills often means sacrificing Indian identity. Therefore, students drop-out to return to their original lifestyles. Minnesota has one of the worst Indian high school graduation rates in the country, 42.8%. This loss of talent and promise can never be regained. These statistics have launched an increasing acceptance that Indians must both maintain their culture as well as acquire the necessary education to succeed in this society. Schools and colleges have begun adding Indian studies into their curriculum for that very reason: allowing Native Americans to learn necessary skills for life, but also to keep their culture intact when they graduate.
I think that Minnesota is doing a good job with their programs for Indian students, but they could be great. Perhaps if the schools hire Native American teachers, incorporate a little bit more Indian history into the history books, and allow families to receive financial aid, we would see a greater Indian population in schools, and higher graduation rates.
Although Indians know they need the skills taught by schools, acquiring those skills often means sacrificing Indian identity. Therefore, students drop-out to return to their original lifestyles. Minnesota has one of the worst Indian high school graduation rates in the country, 42.8%. This loss of talent and promise can never be regained. These statistics have launched an increasing acceptance that Indians must both maintain their culture as well as acquire the necessary education to succeed in this society. Schools and colleges have begun adding Indian studies into their curriculum for that very reason: allowing Native Americans to learn necessary skills for life, but also to keep their culture intact when they graduate.
I think that Minnesota is doing a good job with their programs for Indian students, but they could be great. Perhaps if the schools hire Native American teachers, incorporate a little bit more Indian history into the history books, and allow families to receive financial aid, we would see a greater Indian population in schools, and higher graduation rates.
Education Strides by Jill Docter
I enjoyed chapter ten on education. Tribal schools on reservations range from Head Start programs to vocational community colleges and every school in between. The Bureau of Indian Affairs funds K through 12 schools in four tribes. When examining colleges available specifically for Native Americans, vocational community colleges are the norm. In my opinion, we are limiting them by mainly providing community colleges. I think Native Americans should be encouraged to complete a Bachelors degree. The barrier prohibiting them from this could be finances. Scholarships are plentiful, but more could always be implemented.
High school systems are in need of improvement still. The drop-out rates are much higher for Natives than for white kids. Sometimes, the students aren’t able to go in order to work to provide for their families which is unfortunate. The funding and support for quality education is available from the Casinos, tribal, state, and federal governments. So far, Native Americans are beginning to trust the public schools. I think this shows large amounts of progress, and I believe more strides are in progress.
High school systems are in need of improvement still. The drop-out rates are much higher for Natives than for white kids. Sometimes, the students aren’t able to go in order to work to provide for their families which is unfortunate. The funding and support for quality education is available from the Casinos, tribal, state, and federal governments. So far, Native Americans are beginning to trust the public schools. I think this shows large amounts of progress, and I believe more strides are in progress.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Education by Tracey Weitzel
As frustrating as it is, Minnesota has one of the worst graduation rates of Native Americans, which was most recently reported at only 42.8 percent. Native American students show below grade level performance and a high absentee rate throughout the entire state. Native American education has always had many negative parts, ever since the 1800’s when Europeans tried to “civilize” Native Americans through education.
In the 19th century, Christian missionaries who tried to convert Native Americans also offered education. Boarding schools were seen as the most effective way to “civilize the savages.” Young children were taken from their homes and put into these boarding schools which ran by strict rules. The goal was to eliminate the Native American culture within them and replace it with a white one. These boarding schools were replaced by day schools in the 1920’s after the Meriam Report of 1928 stated that the boarding schools lacked funding and were neglectful. As early as 1899, the federal government started paying for Native American students to attend Minnesota’s public schools. A contract between the state and the BIA in 1934 made Native education a full state responsibility.
Today the majority of Native students attend public school in Minnesota. In schools grades K-12, Native Americans make up about two percent of enrollment. 65 percent of Native students qualify for free or reduced lunches and 20 percent are in special education. Four of the sates tribes however, operate their own K-12 schools on their reservations, and they receive funding from the BIA. Many Native Americans believe that the reason their students do so poorly in public school is because it is still geared towards educating white students. Many parents fear that the public school system will take the heritage out of the students.
Native American education has come a long way since the 19th century, but there are still many problems. Native students are not performing as well as their white peers and there are many factors that contribute to that fact. There are however things that are being done to help Native American students, such as tribal schools and colleges. Although the graduation rate of Native American students is terribly low, it is rising and hopefully it will continue to do so.
In the 19th century, Christian missionaries who tried to convert Native Americans also offered education. Boarding schools were seen as the most effective way to “civilize the savages.” Young children were taken from their homes and put into these boarding schools which ran by strict rules. The goal was to eliminate the Native American culture within them and replace it with a white one. These boarding schools were replaced by day schools in the 1920’s after the Meriam Report of 1928 stated that the boarding schools lacked funding and were neglectful. As early as 1899, the federal government started paying for Native American students to attend Minnesota’s public schools. A contract between the state and the BIA in 1934 made Native education a full state responsibility.
Today the majority of Native students attend public school in Minnesota. In schools grades K-12, Native Americans make up about two percent of enrollment. 65 percent of Native students qualify for free or reduced lunches and 20 percent are in special education. Four of the sates tribes however, operate their own K-12 schools on their reservations, and they receive funding from the BIA. Many Native Americans believe that the reason their students do so poorly in public school is because it is still geared towards educating white students. Many parents fear that the public school system will take the heritage out of the students.
Native American education has come a long way since the 19th century, but there are still many problems. Native students are not performing as well as their white peers and there are many factors that contribute to that fact. There are however things that are being done to help Native American students, such as tribal schools and colleges. Although the graduation rate of Native American students is terribly low, it is rising and hopefully it will continue to do so.
Chapter 10 Education (Richard Pendleton)
The Native Americans have gone through their ups and downs with education. Once the whites came around they wanted the Native Americans to convert to christianity and have them adopt the non-american ways. The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions came and started to educate the Native Americans. The Native Americans were not doing well compared to the non-indian students with attendance, grades, graduation and drop outs, but they have been getting better and better as the years pass. They also have been able to control education today and are provided with many educational programs, such as the BIA, U.S. Department of Education, The Office of Indian Education of the Minnesota Department of Education, and others. The Native Americans are also being encouraged to be educated and also to be known in school districts; also they are being helped along through the education process to become successful.
The Native Americans have gone through a lot to get to where they are today with the help of all the services from the state and federal programs, which I believe it has helped a lot. Many of the Native Americans back in my hometown have been succeeding and graduating, which in the past, not many graduated. Also, the elementary school, middle school, and the high school have a room where the Natives can come together and learn about their culture and just to hang out, which non-natives are also welcome. I hope the Native Americans continue to succeed and prove to people wrong about the stereotypes that they have created towards the Native Americans.
The Native Americans have gone through a lot to get to where they are today with the help of all the services from the state and federal programs, which I believe it has helped a lot. Many of the Native Americans back in my hometown have been succeeding and graduating, which in the past, not many graduated. Also, the elementary school, middle school, and the high school have a room where the Natives can come together and learn about their culture and just to hang out, which non-natives are also welcome. I hope the Native Americans continue to succeed and prove to people wrong about the stereotypes that they have created towards the Native Americans.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Employment Patterns and Opportunities by Tracey Weitzel
Unemployment has always been a problem for Native Americans, and although the rate is dropping, today is no exception. The United States government has started different programs to help with unemployment problems, such as the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and Native Employment Works (NEW). Eight of the eleven tribes in Minnesota have seen a decline in unemployment rates, Prairie Island having the highest drop. Gaming has played a huge role on unemployment rates dropping in Minnesota among Native Americans.
The state’s unemployment rate is at only four percent but the Native American unemployment rate is at fifteen percent. It was found from the 2000 U.S. Census that cities that had a higher Native American population also had a higher unemployment rate of Native Americans as well. Duluth, Minneapolis and St. Paul were all around 22 percent unemployment of Natives.
Gaming has played a large part in helping with Native American unemployment problems. In 1989 only 750 people were employed by gaming, which skyrocketed to around 12,000 people in 2000. One of the large problems with casinos however, is that only 27 percent of the people employed by them are Native American, leaving the other 73 percent of casino jobs to non-Native people. Another issue is that the average wage for a casino employee is only $9.19 an hour. Although that is higher than the legal minimum wage, it is less than a recipient of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families receives, and it is not enough to support a family above the poverty line.
The United States government has created employment training programs that Native Americans have taken advantage of. The two main ones are WIA and NEW. WIA’s purpose is to “consolidate, coordinate and improve employment, training, literacy and vocational rehabilitation programs in the United States.” NEW provides culturally appropriate employment and training services to all Minnesota Chippewa Tribe members, that are Minnesota Family Investment Program members, but that are not served by the bands.
Although casinos and employment training programs have helped with unemployment among Native Americans, it is not nearly enough to get rid of the unemployment rate completely. It is also not enough for Native American’s to support their families above the poverty mark. Education must be stressed to the younger Native population to help with future problems.
The state’s unemployment rate is at only four percent but the Native American unemployment rate is at fifteen percent. It was found from the 2000 U.S. Census that cities that had a higher Native American population also had a higher unemployment rate of Native Americans as well. Duluth, Minneapolis and St. Paul were all around 22 percent unemployment of Natives.
Gaming has played a large part in helping with Native American unemployment problems. In 1989 only 750 people were employed by gaming, which skyrocketed to around 12,000 people in 2000. One of the large problems with casinos however, is that only 27 percent of the people employed by them are Native American, leaving the other 73 percent of casino jobs to non-Native people. Another issue is that the average wage for a casino employee is only $9.19 an hour. Although that is higher than the legal minimum wage, it is less than a recipient of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families receives, and it is not enough to support a family above the poverty line.
The United States government has created employment training programs that Native Americans have taken advantage of. The two main ones are WIA and NEW. WIA’s purpose is to “consolidate, coordinate and improve employment, training, literacy and vocational rehabilitation programs in the United States.” NEW provides culturally appropriate employment and training services to all Minnesota Chippewa Tribe members, that are Minnesota Family Investment Program members, but that are not served by the bands.
Although casinos and employment training programs have helped with unemployment among Native Americans, it is not nearly enough to get rid of the unemployment rate completely. It is also not enough for Native American’s to support their families above the poverty mark. Education must be stressed to the younger Native population to help with future problems.
Chapter 8 (Richard Pendleton)
The chapter is about the Economic Development of each tribe and the tribes/casinos overall. The Native Americans have been doing very well since the start of the establishment of the casinos. The casinos provide many positive outcomes such as more job opportunities and improvements to the casino and the surrounding communities. The casinos have built arcades for the young kids, community centers, exhibition centers, health clinics, new schools, and improvements to roads; not only that these have benefitted the Native Americans but also the surrounding communities. Also, the Native Americans are the only ones that are able to build Casino facilities, which the government has to get permission from the tribes; The government has asked before and they also try to get some of the reservations' profits but it was unsuccessful.
I agree with Larry Kitto when he stated, " In the history of the relationship between Indian and non-Indian communities, we have been ignored until someone wants something of ours." He is completely right because since the Native Americans became successful with the casino businesses, the government tries to get their profits to try to get rid of the state's debt. This would just benefit the government and not the reservations since the reservations are doing well as it is.
I agree with Larry Kitto when he stated, " In the history of the relationship between Indian and non-Indian communities, we have been ignored until someone wants something of ours." He is completely right because since the Native Americans became successful with the casino businesses, the government tries to get their profits to try to get rid of the state's debt. This would just benefit the government and not the reservations since the reservations are doing well as it is.
Ch. 8 - Economic Development by Kendra Rasmuson
Reservation economies have their ups and downs, but lately, with the emergence of casinos, there seems to be a way to stay up. Gambling in Minnesota has been legal since 1976, but U.S. Congress still passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988 to codify the court's decision and federal justification for the operation. Since their inception, casinos have had a major effect on the economy of reservations. Major hotels, day care centers, youth arcades, swimming pools, restaurants, facilities for entertainment have been built to make the casinos more attractive, but these new renovations have also benefited the people. With some money earned from gambling, reservations have seen an improvement in sewage and water systems, community buildings, tribal offices, libraries, clinics, schools, housing programs, and even the chance for graduating high schoolers to go to college. It is also estimated that 33,900 jobs have been created within Minnesota by both direct and indirect effects from casino gambling.
Casinos bring with them a positive future for Minnesota's Indians, but it also gives them a sense of pride. Having the ability to choose what they want to do with the money and with the running of the casinos gives them something that is theirs and that cannot be touched by any government.
However, with this happiness, comes the dark side. Gambling does bring in money that is truly needed on reservations, but it adds strain on their governing systems. Some say that the gambling operation will not last the next ten years and when it falls apart, the reservations will go back to being federally funded or financially insecure. I want to end with the a quote that left me thinking what this operation really could do to the Indian way of life. Indian leader Jim Northrup, Jr., "Is Indian gambling going to do what assimilation, relocation, acculturation, termination couldn't? Is gambling going to change us from generous people into greedy, money-centered dark imitations of white people?".
Casinos bring with them a positive future for Minnesota's Indians, but it also gives them a sense of pride. Having the ability to choose what they want to do with the money and with the running of the casinos gives them something that is theirs and that cannot be touched by any government.
However, with this happiness, comes the dark side. Gambling does bring in money that is truly needed on reservations, but it adds strain on their governing systems. Some say that the gambling operation will not last the next ten years and when it falls apart, the reservations will go back to being federally funded or financially insecure. I want to end with the a quote that left me thinking what this operation really could do to the Indian way of life. Indian leader Jim Northrup, Jr., "Is Indian gambling going to do what assimilation, relocation, acculturation, termination couldn't? Is gambling going to change us from generous people into greedy, money-centered dark imitations of white people?".
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Natural Resources: Sam Costigan
In the beginning of Chapter Seven there is a quote by an Ojibwe spiritual leader, Jimmy Jackson. He said, "Plants, animals, grasses and flowers don't need us, but we need them. This quote really sets the stage for chapter seven. It talks about tribes in Minnesota and their connection with the land and also their battle to keep what little resources they still have. The Ojibwe Tribe has natural resource departments. The 1837 Treaty addressed the issue of Indian hunting and fishing rights. It reserves the tribes right to hunting and fishing and gathering in the designated areas, which cover land in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. The chapter went on to talk about tribal rights near and on Mille Lacs Lake. A case was brought to the Supreme Court which ruled in the Indians favor. Also, timber resources have played a large part in the loss of Indian reservation land in northern Minnesota. The land that was given to the Indians later was suitable for farming and without any timber. By 1920 almost all of the timber in northern Minnesota had been harvested. This subject relly got me thinking, because when I travel to this area of the state I see so much forest and pine trees that I cannot imagine who would have possibly been able to cut down so many trees. All that has since grown back would take years to remove again. It shocked me to think about the clearing of entire forests of that size. Overall, I am glad that Rights to hunt and fish and gather have been put into the hands of the Indians. If anyone knows how to take care of resources it is them. Also I am happy that I can travel to northern Minnesota to places like the Boundry Waters and see what things would have been like hundreds of years ago.
Chapter 7- Natural Resources- Stephanie Gronewold
A quote stated by Jimmy Jackson an ojibwe spiritual leader says " Plants,animals, grasses, and flowers don't need us but we need them." To me this is true because we need all of these things to survive. While they do not need us in order to survive. In the chapter it states that Native Americans have always been linked with Nature and the world around them. The Native American people used the land to ensure their long term survival focusing on more than one crop at a time. To me this seems like a pretty smart idea because what if one of these crops did not make it then they would always have another one just in case.
1971 U.S. District Court decision in a case brought up by Leech Lake Reservation upheld tribal members rights to hunt and fish throughout their reservation without state interference, and with this many of the tribal communities are exerting control over the hunting and fishing rights on their reservation. Why if the land belongs to the Native Americans did the United States government think they had a right to enforce laws on the land? In the 1837 treaty it included lands in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The portion of land involved with the treaty in Minnesota was just over three million acres. Twelve ojibwe bands signed the treaty getting their rights to hunting, fishing and gathering in these areas . A part of the treaty gives the Native Americans the right to spear and net fish and the right to regulate their own resources without state interference. Why if we had this treaties did it take us so long to keep our end of the bargain?
To me the fact that during the 1970's the Native American reservations were left without funding is something very disturbing because of all the things that the United States government promised the Native Americans, they were unwilling to help. Basically leaving the Native American people to fend for themselves. So by 1993 there were many serious environmental problems on the reservations. To me the fact that the government just left the Native American people alone before they knew that different things would have a dramatic effect on the land.
When the chapter states that the underlying issue is sovereignty the right to make their own decisions on how to protect their land this to me is so true because the Native American people and the United States government have been fighting about this for so long. After being ignored for so long the Native American reservations are finally getting the help they need. What would Native Americans of the past think of what we are doing to the land today? Would they be upset that we are wasting the land, not using it for our survival leaving it to rot because we as people are to lazy to use it. I really like the way that this chapter ends it says " We do not inherit the land from our ancestors, we rent it from our children."- A Native American leader said this.
1971 U.S. District Court decision in a case brought up by Leech Lake Reservation upheld tribal members rights to hunt and fish throughout their reservation without state interference, and with this many of the tribal communities are exerting control over the hunting and fishing rights on their reservation. Why if the land belongs to the Native Americans did the United States government think they had a right to enforce laws on the land? In the 1837 treaty it included lands in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The portion of land involved with the treaty in Minnesota was just over three million acres. Twelve ojibwe bands signed the treaty getting their rights to hunting, fishing and gathering in these areas . A part of the treaty gives the Native Americans the right to spear and net fish and the right to regulate their own resources without state interference. Why if we had this treaties did it take us so long to keep our end of the bargain?
To me the fact that during the 1970's the Native American reservations were left without funding is something very disturbing because of all the things that the United States government promised the Native Americans, they were unwilling to help. Basically leaving the Native American people to fend for themselves. So by 1993 there were many serious environmental problems on the reservations. To me the fact that the government just left the Native American people alone before they knew that different things would have a dramatic effect on the land.
When the chapter states that the underlying issue is sovereignty the right to make their own decisions on how to protect their land this to me is so true because the Native American people and the United States government have been fighting about this for so long. After being ignored for so long the Native American reservations are finally getting the help they need. What would Native Americans of the past think of what we are doing to the land today? Would they be upset that we are wasting the land, not using it for our survival leaving it to rot because we as people are to lazy to use it. I really like the way that this chapter ends it says " We do not inherit the land from our ancestors, we rent it from our children."- A Native American leader said this.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Natural Resources: Chris Schroeder
Jimmy Jackson, an Ojibwe spiritual leader once said, "Plants, animals, grasses and flowers don't need us, but we need them" (Graves). This statement helps illustrate how nature has always, and continues to be, central in American Indian culture. While this is true, nature has also found it's way into the political sphere and become a central issue in many dealings between tribal lands and the U.S. state and federal governments. Nature and natural resources have been at the center of debates for tribes to maintain and even regain their inherent rights to hunt, fish, and gather on tribal lands, and have been restored based on court cases concerning the 1837 and 1854 treaties (Graves). Another issue that has arisen within the past 10 years is tribal relations with Xcel Energy. Pine Island and Buffalo Ridge are both homes of sort to an Xcel power plant, nuclear on Pine Island, and wind farms along Buffalo Ridge. On Pine Island, storage casks have been filled, and during a special session of legislation in 2003, additional dry casks were approved for the storage of nuclear waste that was originally supposed to be reprocessed (Graves). Down along Buffalo Ridge a permit was approved for the building of an additional 115 kV line, expansion of an existing substation, building of an additional substation and the rerouting of lines and the line structures (Xcel). According to the potential impact #63 of the Environmental Quality Board's findings, "...Five archaeological site locations were identified within one mile of the proposed Project, but no impacts to these sites are anticipated" (Xcel). This became untrue as an access road was built not around these sacred sites as proposed, but through them, forever displacing sacred sites. These examples just further illustrate the disregard to agreements made between American governments and American Indian peoples, and the disregard for the sovereignty bestowed upon Indian peoples by the same governments. Efforts to regain lands and restore the natural cycle of things have been made, and it's as one Indian leader said, "We do not inherit the land from our ancestors, we rent it from our children" (Graves).
Graves, Kathy Davis and Elizabeth Ebbott. Indians in Minnesota. Fifth Edition.
University of Minnesota Press. Minneapolis, MN. 2006.
Xcel Energy's Application to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board for a Route Permit for a Buffalo Ridge-White 115kV Transmission Line. Retrieved from: http://www.eqb.state.mn.us/pdf/FileRegister/04-84-TR-XCEL/finalfindings.pdf.
Graves, Kathy Davis and Elizabeth Ebbott. Indians in Minnesota. Fifth Edition.
University of Minnesota Press. Minneapolis, MN. 2006.
Xcel Energy's Application to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board for a Route Permit for a Buffalo Ridge-White 115kV Transmission Line. Retrieved from: http://www.eqb.state.mn.us/pdf/FileRegister/04-84-TR-XCEL/finalfindings.pdf.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Chapter Six by Sam Costigan
Chapter Six talks about native populations in Minnesota from the years 1990 to 2000. It also deals with education and economic situations that Indians in Minnesota are going through.It states that about 28% of Indians live below the poverty level as of 2000, but this number is down from 1989 when it was at 44%. It also states that Indians make about half of the income of whites on a statewide basis. Anohter thing the chapter talks about is the infant mortality rate of Indians compared to whites. The infant mortality rate of Indians is three and a half times higher than in the white population.
After reading this chapter I feel like the Indian population is a lot worse off than the white population, but feel they are making progress with their community and all these things I have just talked about are looking up for Indian communities in Minnesota. The numbers from 1990 to 2000 show that mortality rates are down since 1990 and so are graduation rates from 68% in 1990 to 74% in 2000. I believe if things continue the way they are it will become less and less difficult for Indians in Minnesota and arouond the country.
After reading this chapter I feel like the Indian population is a lot worse off than the white population, but feel they are making progress with their community and all these things I have just talked about are looking up for Indian communities in Minnesota. The numbers from 1990 to 2000 show that mortality rates are down since 1990 and so are graduation rates from 68% in 1990 to 74% in 2000. I believe if things continue the way they are it will become less and less difficult for Indians in Minnesota and arouond the country.
chapter 6 byt Jesus Saenz
This chapter talks about what characteristics do the Native Americans in Minnesota have. The BIA says that you need one fourth Indian ancestry or membership in a federally recognized tribe. However Native American medicine man Jimmy Jackson says” if you have one drop of Indian blood, the spirits will accept you and hear you prayers.” The 2000 census counted 54,967 Indians in Minnesota who identify themselves just Native Americans, that is 1.1 % of the total Minnesota state population. The percent hasn’t changed since the 1990 census. This chapter also states an interesting face that the twin cities Minneapolis area ranked 7th in the number of Indians there. Native Americans young population is a median age of 26.3 compared to the state average of 35.4 years of age. There are 6.5% elders which compared to the general population is 15%. The income of a Native American in Minnesota is low. 28% fall below the poverty line. The death rates are 305 times higher as well. 74% of Native Americans have a high school degree a rise from the 1990. 32% of Native Americans live in the Twins Cities and only 23% live on the reservation. However Indian services in the Twin Cities are helping a lot with programs like Indian social services and safe houses for chemically dependent men. The chapter also talks about the Indian advocacy organization call AIM which has been called to help in many situations.
The chapter raises the question of why does the BIA decide who is a Native American. It was a good chapter to read because it shows that there are people and programs out there that are really reaching out to help.
sources are my book and class discussion. American Indians in Minnesota
The chapter raises the question of why does the BIA decide who is a Native American. It was a good chapter to read because it shows that there are people and programs out there that are really reaching out to help.
sources are my book and class discussion. American Indians in Minnesota
Characteristics of the Indian Population of Minnesota - Jasmine Friesen
Chapter Six in our text "Indians of Minnesota" covered many aspects of American Indian life in this state, including state and tribal definitions of who is actually an American Indian. These definitions are important because they determine whether or not people are eligible for Indian-designated programs. I am ashamed to admit that before i read this chapter i did not fully realize the reason or importance of the U.S Census and how up until recently did not accurately represent the American Indian populations in this country, resulting an even larger lack of funding for much needed services and programs.
The reading also discussed social and economic characteristics and while I am glad to see that things are slowly improving, the fact that American Indians are still worse off than any other ethnic groups in the state is proof that there is much more work to be done. Another topic of the chapter is where American Indians live, with focus on reservations and the Twin Cities. Residence is an important issue because American Indians living in urban areas may not be receiving the same access to programs or may become isolated and disenfranchised. I did not realize that living off the reservation could have so many drawbacks. I was very pleased to read about the urban programs and services that are available, especially those provided by individual tribes, which also create jobs and provide an environment that may be more comfortable. Conditions for American Indians have improved on and off the reservation, some credit can be attributed to gaming although mainly benefiting reservations. It is good to see that with the economic clout brought about from the gaming industry is allowing Indians to fight some of the prejudice and discrimination that they face. Although new stereotypes and ways for the government to cut into the profits are inevitable.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
On the Right Track By Jill Docter
Chapter six in "Indians of Minnesota," listed characteristics of the Indian population in Minnesota. Statistics show that the population of Indians has grown substantially since 1930. While I believe the population has increased, I also feel the population growth can be attributed to more pride in the Native American culture. More people who originally wouldn't claim to be of Native American descent are being empowered and educated in their native culture. They are no longer ashamed to be classified as a Native American. Statistics also show that poverty rates have seen a huge decrease from 44 percent in 1989 to 28 percent in 2000. These statistics prove the programs are working. The Gaming Act was a major part of raising people out of poverty. Now if the government continues to aid them, the poverty percent will continue to decrease.
The chapter also highlighted multiple agencies and programs that have been created in the last twenty years to improve the living conditions of Native Americans. Centers have been established in Minneapolis and Saint Paul and also in smaller cities. Both the urban and rural settings are seeing aid. I'm glad the indigenous people of this country are getting the aid they deserve. Obviously, more services and funding can still be provided to help the Native Americans. More health care should be implemented because many diseases Natives have can be treated. Also, the education systems can always continue to improve. Minnesota is definitely on the right track though.
The chapter also highlighted multiple agencies and programs that have been created in the last twenty years to improve the living conditions of Native Americans. Centers have been established in Minneapolis and Saint Paul and also in smaller cities. Both the urban and rural settings are seeing aid. I'm glad the indigenous people of this country are getting the aid they deserve. Obviously, more services and funding can still be provided to help the Native Americans. More health care should be implemented because many diseases Natives have can be treated. Also, the education systems can always continue to improve. Minnesota is definitely on the right track though.
Indian Populations (Chris Schroeder)
The question of who can be considered Indian is defined in a number of different ways. To be qualified for the programs set-up for Indian peoples as part of the treaties and reorganization, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) requires a one-fourth Indian blood ancestry or to be a tribally enrolled member (Graves). The state differs slightly as to whether a person needs to be tribally enrolled (Graves). While this is set up so the federal government can qualify and categorize a people, where do the individuals in question stand on the issue? As Jimmy Jackson, a spiritual medicine man of the Ojibwe nation says, " If you have one drop of Indian blood...Spiritually you can remain an Indian even if the BIA says you're not" (Graves). This differing on qualifications of who is and who is not Indian has led to a sort of Catch-22 between living in urban areas and living on the reservation. While living in suburban areas tends to correlate with higher education, less unemployment, and more stable families among Indian peoples, urban living is quite the contrast as there is a disproportionate number of unemployed and homeless individuals. While there is a movement of Indian peoples back to the reservations and back to their ancestry and family, many of these people live in poverty and in poor health as they do not qualify for the programs set aside for Indians on reservations as they are not "Indian enough" according to the blood quantums of the BIA. While this remains a problem, there are programs in place and being implemented to help combate the issue. Programs and places such as the Minneapolis Area Indian Center (MAIC), the Division of Indian Work (DIW), and the Center for American Indian Resources (CAIR) are set in place to help Indian peoples adjust to urban living, provide health care services, and combat chemical dependency among others (Graves). With the continued success of these programs it will hopefully help erase the stereotype of the poor, homeless, uneducated urban Indian and can help provide the services promised to Indian peoples following a forced move, yet denied to many of their ancestors because the government fails to recognize them as Indians based on blood quantums established by White America.
Graves, Kathy Davis and Elizabeth Ebbott. Indians in Minnesota. Fifth edition. University of Minnesota Press. Minneapolis. 2006.
Graves, Kathy Davis and Elizabeth Ebbott. Indians in Minnesota. Fifth edition. University of Minnesota Press. Minneapolis. 2006.
Monday, October 5, 2009
State and Local Relations (Lexy Becker)
I'm a bit late due to my forgetfulness! I'm sure everyone read it (or can already assume from the title) but this chapter talked about how the state and the tribe have interacted. One thing I wanted to focus on is the recurring issue of taxation and public services. The book states, "Some local officials complain that Indians living on reservations require services that must be paid for by property taxes, but Indians do not pay this tax."* They also continue to talk about later on how tensions between the tribe and the state are releasing due to the success of the casinos.
I looked up some of the Casinos mentioned in the book and I found the Mille Lac Ojibwe Tribe to be extremely interesting. For those who don't know, they own the Grand Casino enterprise. This may be a good example of a tribe who prefers to have steady connection to the state and various counties. They defend themselves saying,
"The Mille Lacs Band, the Corporate Commission, and Grand Casino Mille Lacs paid $395,226 in property taxes to Mille Lacs County in 2008.The Mille Lacs Band, the Corporate Commission, and Grand Casino Hinckley paid $1,039,881 in property taxes to Pine County in 2008. The Mille Lacs Band and the Corporate Commission paid $56,308 in property taxes to Aitkin County in 2008." **
As we talked about in class today, there are far more tribes who offer money in order prove their willingness to negotiate. If you would like to read more on what's contributed, I provided some links down below.
1. http://www.shakopeedakota.org/4neighbor.html
2. http://www.millelacsojibwe.org/Page_FactSheet_Benefiting.aspx
3.http://www.maicc.org/tourism.aspx
I looked up some of the Casinos mentioned in the book and I found the Mille Lac Ojibwe Tribe to be extremely interesting. For those who don't know, they own the Grand Casino enterprise. This may be a good example of a tribe who prefers to have steady connection to the state and various counties. They defend themselves saying,
"The Mille Lacs Band, the Corporate Commission, and Grand Casino Mille Lacs paid $395,226 in property taxes to Mille Lacs County in 2008.The Mille Lacs Band, the Corporate Commission, and Grand Casino Hinckley paid $1,039,881 in property taxes to Pine County in 2008. The Mille Lacs Band and the Corporate Commission paid $56,308 in property taxes to Aitkin County in 2008." **
As we talked about in class today, there are far more tribes who offer money in order prove their willingness to negotiate. If you would like to read more on what's contributed, I provided some links down below.
1. http://www.shakopeedakota.org/4neighbor.html
2. http://www.millelacsojibwe.org/Page_FactSheet_Benefiting.aspx
3.http://www.maicc.org/tourism.aspx
**Millelacsojibwe.org. Benefiting the Local Economy. Retrieved 5 October 2009 from Millelacsojibwe.org: http://www.millelacsojibwe.org/Page_FactSheet_Benefiting.aspx
Friday, October 2, 2009
State and Local Relations ( Stephanie Gronewold)
How come we as human beings can deny people their rights? When the government first came in to contact with the Native Americans they should have treated them as equals we could have brought together the two cultures. The government and the Native Americans should have come together to form a unified group. If this would have happened we would not be looking for ways to break agreements with the Native Americans for example casinos. We would not be looking at the casinos as a way to get us out of a budget deficit. Once the government saw the money that could be made out of the casinos the government wanted in. In some areas of government the Native American sovereignty is respected while in other areas it is not. For example in some areas the local government and the trial community are not getting along. Casinos have made dramatic impact on local relations by bringing much needed employment and economic benefits. Several tribes have donated money to there neighboring communities. I think that the Native Americans should have the right to govern their own lands and people without the United States government getting involved. Things that are coming about now should been taken care of long ago and we should abide by the rules that were set up. If are not going to abide by the rules then there should be an agreement between the United States government and the tribal communities.
State and Local Relations (Richard Pendleton)
This chapter is about the state and local relations between the government and the Indians. Indians are U.S. citizens and are supposed to be provided with education, health, and public welfare but the government has broken this law. In the 1950’s, the federal policy wanted to stop the responsibilities of the Indians, which Minnesota went against the federal policy and started programs that helped the Indians’ needs; A few of the state Indian programs are: better education, supplemental state aide, and state support. Thanks to the Indian Affairs Council, the Indians actually have protection over themselves, for an example, the Council “has the power to make legislative recommendations administer programs, establish Indian advisory councils to state agencies, investigate and protect Indian burial sites, and act as an intermediary in Indian-state government questions, problems, or conflicts.” Indians had state support but not completely when it comes to jobs. Indians are apart of many positions in the work force but the positions that the governments employ the Indians are lower paid. Another situation that happened with the Indians is that the policymakers tired to go against the tribal-state Indian Gaming Compacts by trying to negotiate with the Indians to start sponsored gaming but it never passed. The relations with local communities were tough towards the Indians; they weren’t allowed to vote since the communities did not want them to be able to be apart of the city office, but it was take to court and it was overruled. Ever since casinos started business, they have provided many incentives to the surrounding communities such as hotels, businesses, treatment centers, etc. The Indians have gone a long way to get to where they are today but even after all the treaties and laws that have been passed, the Indians still are not treated 100% fairly.
Finally (Jill Docter)
After reading chapter five, I have conflicting emotions. The chapter before talked about sovereignty and how the tribes and the states are having issues with laws and who has control of what on the reservations. In chapter five, however, the states are helping the tribes with funding and programs. The states have made programs that help with health, education, and burial sights; all of which have been issues in the past. Scholarships are being made for Native American students and Native Americans have been given the chance for seats in community governments. I thought last chapter we had just discussed how the states haven't been working with the Native Americans with rights and their sovereignty. Now we see that the states have been trying to work with the Native Americans which is encouraging.
I'm impressed at efforts the states have been making towards working side by side with the Native Americans. It's about time they were given some respect and representation in the community. I'm also quite astonished at how willing the Native Americans are to give back to communities that aren't their own. The chapter mentioned many instances where a reservation has given some of the casino profits towards scholarships and funding for neighboring communities. I believe the character of the Native Americans is something to strive for. I was highly encouraged by this chapter. I'm glad Minnesota has finally begun to recognize Native Americans as equals and treat them as such.
I'm impressed at efforts the states have been making towards working side by side with the Native Americans. It's about time they were given some respect and representation in the community. I'm also quite astonished at how willing the Native Americans are to give back to communities that aren't their own. The chapter mentioned many instances where a reservation has given some of the casino profits towards scholarships and funding for neighboring communities. I believe the character of the Native Americans is something to strive for. I was highly encouraged by this chapter. I'm glad Minnesota has finally begun to recognize Native Americans as equals and treat them as such.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
State and Local Relationships ( Jesus Saenz)
This chapter talks about the state and local relationships between natives. It starts by the 1887 Supreme Court Noting that tribes are communities dependent on the United States: dependent largely for their daily food: dependent for their political rights. They owe no allegiance to the States, and receive no protection. However, because Indians, as US Citizens, have constitutionally mandated rights to state and county services, states cannot ignore Indian needs (quoted from book by Kathy Graves and Elizabeth Ebbot). It also talks about how many states say supporting Native is a purely Federal function and this still holds true to this very day which is very unfortunate since it is 2009 and you would think that ignorance would go away. However there is light because in the 1928 Meriam Report found that a few states like Minnesota were concerned with the Native Population and help set things in place to help them out. The chapter also talks about the the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council which became the first legislated state body to focus on just Indians. It is the official Liaison between state and tribal government. (Indians in Minnesota). The state helped set programs up for the Native Communities like a joint tribal community college at Fond du Lac and higher education scholarships. Native Americans still have the most problems with local community because of ignorance or just not understanding their way of life, but some places like Prior Lake really are making an effort to help mend things and become a whole community. Private giving’s and foundations are really helping Native American Communities to send their children to college and earn degrees.
The chapter gave a positive outlook on those things that are happening and how communities and states are trying to work together with the Native Nations. However it still raises the question of why is there still such poor cooperation in this time and age.
The chapter gave a positive outlook on those things that are happening and how communities and states are trying to work together with the Native Nations. However it still raises the question of why is there still such poor cooperation in this time and age.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tribal Governments, Sovereignty, and Relations with the U.S. Government (Sade Kelly)
This chapter was difficult to understand, but after speaking with Professor Dass my knowledge of Native Americans and the truth behind the stereotypes and the myths came to light. Growing up in north Minneapolis and going to public schools there weren't very many Native Americans that I had the chance to interact with. There is quite a large community of Native Americans in south Minneapolis, but I'd only passed it by on the bus or in the car. Because of the little interaction I had with the culture and the lack of information I was taught in school I knew nothing about Native American geovernment and how there tribes worked. I was ignorant, I thought Natives had it all I thought a large number of Native Americans and there tribes received money from the U.S. government and form casinos and did nothing productive with it. I was wrong and now looking back I feel disgusted with myself and with my ignorance. Considering I didn't learn much about Native Americans in school I went off of what I heard from other ignorant people. I think a class like the one we all are in now should be mandatory in all high schools across the U.S, especially in states that have Indian reservations.
After speaking with Professor Dass I learned that yes some money from the profits of casinos is distributed throughout the tribe. But BEFORE that happens the money is distributed to the things that the government or the BIA doesn't leave enough money for, like the schools, the garbage and sewage system, the hospitals, the court system and community centers. The community center in a Native community I knew of in south Minneapolis is funded by these casinos, and also the Native American alternative high school down the street from my house is funded by these casinos. Most people dont know this because of the lack of knowledge in our society.
The BIA is funded by Native American land trust, the trust holds the money from the profit of land being sold that was owned by Native Americans. The BIA is the only ones who can distribute the money from the trust used for housing, health care and education. But of course the Native Americans always get the short end of the stick, because eighty percent of this money held in the trust goes to the administration of the BIA and twenty percent goes to the actual needs of the Indian reservations. When I found this out I was baffled!!! The Native Americans land is sold and only TWENTY PERCENT actually goes to there health care, housing and education, and if they don't have private funding like casinos there is no other way for the reservations to receive extra funding. That's outrageous, that's not enough it should be one hundred percent, because it there land that was sold in the first place. Health care, education and housing are extremely important, and its truly sad that these things aren't properly funded on Indian reservations. These things aren't properly funded because after all these years the Native Americans still aren't receiveing righful justice.
After speaking with Professor Dass I learned that yes some money from the profits of casinos is distributed throughout the tribe. But BEFORE that happens the money is distributed to the things that the government or the BIA doesn't leave enough money for, like the schools, the garbage and sewage system, the hospitals, the court system and community centers. The community center in a Native community I knew of in south Minneapolis is funded by these casinos, and also the Native American alternative high school down the street from my house is funded by these casinos. Most people dont know this because of the lack of knowledge in our society.
The BIA is funded by Native American land trust, the trust holds the money from the profit of land being sold that was owned by Native Americans. The BIA is the only ones who can distribute the money from the trust used for housing, health care and education. But of course the Native Americans always get the short end of the stick, because eighty percent of this money held in the trust goes to the administration of the BIA and twenty percent goes to the actual needs of the Indian reservations. When I found this out I was baffled!!! The Native Americans land is sold and only TWENTY PERCENT actually goes to there health care, housing and education, and if they don't have private funding like casinos there is no other way for the reservations to receive extra funding. That's outrageous, that's not enough it should be one hundred percent, because it there land that was sold in the first place. Health care, education and housing are extremely important, and its truly sad that these things aren't properly funded on Indian reservations. These things aren't properly funded because after all these years the Native Americans still aren't receiveing righful justice.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Tribal governments,sovereignty, and the US government ( Stephanie Gronewold)
When reading this chapter my eyes were opened to how badly the US government treated the Native Americans. The US government gave the Native Americans the right to govern their own people and yet as time went on they have to interfere. When reading this do all tribes and communities have their own laws? Would it not be better if they all came together to form one supreme law? That way when dealing with the US government they would have more power. I feel that the things that happen on the reservations should be handled by the laws of the Native Americans. When laws are broken outside of the reservations they should be handed by local authorities. I feel the same is true if we break laws on the reservations. I have an issue with people getting taxed twice for the same thing and being charged twice for the same or similar offense.
I believe that the US government should let the Native American people govern their own people without the government stepping in. When the government interferes they always seem to benefit from the Native Americans. Some Native American tribes are trying to use casino profits to support themselves but there just is not enough income. I don't know what the answer is but somehow we need to find a solution.
I believe that the US government should let the Native American people govern their own people without the government stepping in. When the government interferes they always seem to benefit from the Native Americans. Some Native American tribes are trying to use casino profits to support themselves but there just is not enough income. I don't know what the answer is but somehow we need to find a solution.
Searching for Independence (Jill Docter)
The topic of sovereignty and Native American government is very interesting to me. There are so many different aspects to the governing system. On one hand, the tribes are sovereign meaning the individual tribes have their own government. However, on the other hand, the state governments have major control as well. What upsets me is how unreasonable the state governments can be. How they can try people in court twice for the same crime seems ridiculous. I also don’t understand why the state government wants control over the police force. Why can’t the Native Americans handle that? I don’t see why they government can’t simply just intercede when necessary. The Native Americans have never broken a treaty without proper reasoning, and yet the government still doesn’t trust them?
They have also highly decreased their financial support for the tribes which means decreased education, social service systems, and health care. What is frustrating is that Native Americans are citizens too. Many services are continually to low-income non-Natives like health care, welfare, and multiple social systems. As the chapter noted, gambling is a source of income, however the income isn’t profitable enough to provided for the whole tribe without other financial aid. The government can’t simply stop the funding for their citizens.
I completely support the Native’s ongoing battle to maintain and regain control. I think they are making headway to stopping these ridiculous restrictions put on their people and I hope they can continue to make strides towards sovereignty.
They have also highly decreased their financial support for the tribes which means decreased education, social service systems, and health care. What is frustrating is that Native Americans are citizens too. Many services are continually to low-income non-Natives like health care, welfare, and multiple social systems. As the chapter noted, gambling is a source of income, however the income isn’t profitable enough to provided for the whole tribe without other financial aid. The government can’t simply stop the funding for their citizens.
I completely support the Native’s ongoing battle to maintain and regain control. I think they are making headway to stopping these ridiculous restrictions put on their people and I hope they can continue to make strides towards sovereignty.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tribal Governments,Sovereignty, and Relations with the U.S. Government( Jesus Saenz)
This chapter deals with Native American sovereignty and the complex laws that are placed on them by the U.S. Government. This chapter also goes into detail on how far Native Americans can run their own land as in laws and regulations or when the U.S. Government has to step in. The relationship between the U.S. Government and the Native Americans is a long and rocky relationship starting when the fur traders started coming and choosing “Fur Chiefs” in which they could talk to and in most cases manipulate. Also according to our notes from class the Dawes act which has been referred to the worst piece of legislation made was introduced in 1887 which was made to register Native Americans. It would grant them 160 acres of land, however rarely did that land get to them it was usually taken away or never given. There are still many people fighting land allotments from thirty years back. The sovereignty issues are a long and complex issue. Sovereignty is a nation within a nation with limited powers. Currently there are 400 active treaties in effect acknowledging the tribal sovereign protecting their land and recourses. The U.S. Government holds the right to step in or a Plenary Power which in turn has huge control over tribes and has diminished their form of government.
This chapter really is disturbing because it shows how badly they were treated. I thought I had an idea of how they were treated but this chapter has opened my eyes to how badly it really was and as far as we know it could have been worst. They have been cheated and no one has paid for it. I once thought that they were free to run their land on the reservations but now that I read this chapter it really isn’t like that the government really has both hand deep in their way of life and how things go.
This chapter really is disturbing because it shows how badly they were treated. I thought I had an idea of how they were treated but this chapter has opened my eyes to how badly it really was and as far as we know it could have been worst. They have been cheated and no one has paid for it. I once thought that they were free to run their land on the reservations but now that I read this chapter it really isn’t like that the government really has both hand deep in their way of life and how things go.
Friday, September 18, 2009
US-Dakota War (Chris Schroeder)
1861-1865 is a time period that resonates with American history as a dark period of civil unrest in our early years in the form of the Civil War. What gets forcefully overshadowed by this war is another just as influential, horrible, and politically driven war between the Dakota peoples of Minnesota and the surrounding area and the US Government. Much of how the United States came to be is revolved heavily on the institution of treaties, and the events following institution/misuse of these treaties is what has shaped the nation. Events leading to one of the darkest periods in American history is no different. The US Govt. had entered into treaties with many Native Nations, and more specifically the Dakota in and around the Minnesota territory. The US-Dakota War began essentially from strained relations and unfulfilled promises brought about through the abuse of the treaties. Late annuity payments, or non-payments, as much of the annuities went to traders who over-extended credit to many Indians, coupled with a food shortage brought about by drought, lead to the initial conflict and eventually war (US). Following the surrender of the Dakota on Sept. 26th, 1862 at Camp Release, 321 Dakota men were convicted of "war crimes" with all but 18 sentenced to death (US). A petition from Bishop Whipple to President Abraham Lincoln brought the conviction total down to 39: eventually 38 following a mistrial finding (Lecture). Those 38 men were executed by hanging on Dec 26th, 1862 in Mankato, MN and eventually lead to further conflicts between Dakota, as well as other nations, and the US Govt and the eventual more recognized Battle of Little Big Horn. These events helped forever etch a bloody stain on the relations between Native Nations and the US Govt, and helped pave the way for future relations with other countries. If you look at events from the present, you will continue to see the act of implementing treaties and the bloodshed following, as well as the mistreating of peoples (example Bernie Madoff and the credit unions). You cannot help but wonder if we as Americans cannot or will not learn from our past discretion, if we are doomed to forever be caught in the cycle.
(US) The US-Dakota War. EMuseum at Minnesota State University. (2007). Retrieved from: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/history/mnstatehistory/thedakotaconflict.html
(Notes) Class Lecture. American Indians of Minnesota, AIS 230. Dr. Rhonda Dass. September 16,2009.
(US) The US-Dakota War. EMuseum at Minnesota State University. (2007). Retrieved from: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/history/mnstatehistory/thedakotaconflict.html
(Notes) Class Lecture. American Indians of Minnesota, AIS 230. Dr. Rhonda Dass. September 16,2009.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
week four websites (by Jesus Saenz)
These websites talked about how the Dakota Conflict started and what were the reasons behind it. The story goes that the first strike was from a Dakota Hunting group who killed five white settlers. The websites continue to talk about how the war unfolded and how the Dakota had one major victory and after years of fighting surrendered. 394 Dakota are tried however 323 are convicted to murder and 303 are sentenced to hang. However a good man by the name of Bishop Whipple petitioned in behalf of the Natives and Abraham Lincoln looked at the trials and separated who were the warriors and who were just the bystanders. So in the end the biggest mass execution was done right here in Mankato with the hanging of 38 Dakota. The articles were really interesting because I didn't know any of this happened here, so it was nice to learn more history. The article shows the sad truth of how the Natives were treated and how everything seemed to be swept under the rug. The crazy thing about the this all is that the money they were suppose to receive came a day to late and this all could of been prevented.
Week Four Websites
These websites talked about how the Dakota Conflict started and what were the reasons behind it. The story goes that the first strike was from a Dakota Hunting group who killed five white settlers. The websites continue to talk about how the war unfolded and how the Dakota had one major victory and after years of fighting surrendered. 394 Dakota are tried however 323 are convicted to murder and 303 are sentenced to hang. However a good man by the name of Bishop Whipple petitioned in behalf of the Natives and Abraham Lincoln looked at the trials and separated who were the warriors and who were just the bystanders. So in the end the biggest mass execution was done right here in Mankato with the hanging of 38 Dakota. The articles were really interesting because I didn't know any of this happened here, so it was nice to learn more history. The article shows the sad truth of how the Natives were treated and how everything seemed to be swept under the rug. The crazy thing about the this all is that the money they were suppose to receive came a day to late and this all could of been prevented.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Shifting Governmental Relationships-Chaper 2
After reading Chapter two-Shifting Governmental Relationships form our "Indians of Minnesota" book its obvious that the Natives were treated horribly, to say the least. They were treated as if they had no opinion or say in the way things went at all. There fate and the fate of there families and there tribes were left up to Congress, and in my opinion still is. Treaties were the Europeans way of taking land from the Indians and giving very little back of what wasn't there's to govern in the first place. I find it funny how the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 started with "The utmost good faith shall always be observed towards the Indians; their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent..." This was obviously a lie, and the United States didn't hold up to there end of the bargain.
The U.S. Constitution gave Congress the "exclusive rights and power of regulating the trade and managing all affairs with the Indians". The Europeans came to this land and took what wasn't there's and made the Natives there business when that wasn't needed. Affairs didn't need to be managed they should of left the Natives be and at peace, but instead they tried to destroy there culture. Its amazing that still to this very day the Native Americans are still being mistreated by the United States, after everything they have already been through. And its even more crazy that the fate of the Native Americans and there families and there tribes is still left up to the United States Government.
Sade Kelly
The U.S. Constitution gave Congress the "exclusive rights and power of regulating the trade and managing all affairs with the Indians". The Europeans came to this land and took what wasn't there's and made the Natives there business when that wasn't needed. Affairs didn't need to be managed they should of left the Natives be and at peace, but instead they tried to destroy there culture. Its amazing that still to this very day the Native Americans are still being mistreated by the United States, after everything they have already been through. And its even more crazy that the fate of the Native Americans and there families and there tribes is still left up to the United States Government.
Sade Kelly
Shifting Governmental Relationships: Assimilation (Nic Liebl)
The U.S. Federal Government put many policies into place meant to assimilate Indian peoples into the “civilized” Euro-American way of life. Among whites, many viewed Christianity as synonymous with civilization and in 1869 the task of running the reservations was put into the hands of religious groups. One can imagine the intensity at which these groups went about their work to convert the Indian people to Christianity and force them into a “civilized” existence. In extension, Indian children were taken from their families and old way of life and sent to boarding schools where they were conditioned to be “civilized” members of society. What these groups viewed as holy and patriotic was more an arrogant attack on the cultural identity of the Indian people. As a part of the Federal Government’s assimilation policies, this serves as an illustration of the government mentality in its relations with the Indian people.
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