Broken Treaties and Native American Displacement

This curation examines the historical context and impact of treaties between Native American tribes and the U.S. government. It reveals how broken promises have shaped Native American displacement and ongoing struggles for sovereignty. Readers will gain insight into the complexities of treaty relationships and their lasting consequences on Indigenous communities.

1. Read
   Cherokee treaties · Wikipedia

   Traces the extensive history of Cherokee treaties, detailing their participation in over forty agreements over three centuries. The Cherokee faced devastating consequences, including population loss and forced relocation, primarily during the Trail of Tears.

2. Read
   

   A 400-Mile Ride to Mark 150 Years of the Fort Laramie Peace Treaty · The Atlantic

   Documents a commemorative ride marking 150 years of the Fort Laramie Peace Treaty, emphasizing the ongoing significance of this agreement for the Sioux Nation. The event highlights the historical context of the treaty and its role in shaping Indigenous resistance.

3. Watch
   

   Treaties with Indigenous peoples in Canada, explained | CBC Kids News · YouTube

   Explains the foundational role of treaties between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian Crown, noting that these agreements predate the establishment of Canada. The piece illustrates that the language in these treaties often reflects promises that were systematically broken.

4. Book
   

   Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee · Bookshop.org

   Chronicles the systematic displacement of Native American tribes, focusing on the experiences of those affected by colonization. Dee Brown presents harrowing accounts, including the massacre at Wounded Knee, which symbolizes the broader struggle for Indigenous rights.

The selected pieces collectively illustrate the historical narrative of treaty-making and the subsequent violations that have led to significant displacement of Native American tribes. They highlight both specific treaties and broader themes of colonialism, sovereignty, and cultural resilience. Through a combination of articles, visual media, and a seminal book, readers will engage with the multifaceted impacts of these broken agreements.

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