OCR Text |
Show Unfulfilled Promises: Negotiations with the Intruders, 1849-1882 The United States government developed a policy of Indian relations based on colonial experience which treated the Indian tribes as separate nations. The Indians were dealt with by the federal government, rather than the states, through treaties and agreements arrived at by diplomatic relations. Federal officials worked out treaties and agreements whereby the citizens of the United States could secure possession of Indian lands and natural resources. Treaties A treaty is an agreement between nations which places them under obligation to each other. In the case of Indian treaties, the Indian tribes agreed to give up part of their land holdings and settle in Indian country or, after 1850, on reservations. The United States government was to provide them with materials and training to adapt to a new life style, since they could no longer range over their lands gathering, fishing, hunting, and farming. Treaties were made to "insure civilization for the Indians and peace and safety for the whites."1 Thus, the relationship between the Indian tribes and the United States government was one of trust. The government acted as trustee for the Indians and was responsible for certain obligations to them. However, the history of Indian treaties is one of broken promises. The Indians were at a disadvantage. Treaties were written in English, and the terms were often not explained correctly to the Indians. Land ownership and government systems which were made part of treaties were concepts often foreign to Indians. And the government often negotiated with persons whom it had selected, but who were not the accepted leaders of the entire tribe. There was often reluctance on the part of the federal government and its agents to fulfill the obligations of the treaty. Indian people were often not supplied with food, clothing, and utensils to replace the game and plants which were being destroyed. Indian lands were often not protected from trespass. |