Timeline of Civil Rights for Native Americans (1945-1970s)
1944: The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
1953: The federal government enacts the Termination Policy
1961: The American Indian Chicago Conference discusses issues facing urban Native Americans and marks a growing awareness of their rights.
1968: The American Indian Movement (AIM)
1970: The Occupation of Alcatraz
1972: The Trail of Broken Treaties
1973: AIM
1975: The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
The period between 1945 and the 1970s was significant for the civil rights movement in the United States, including the rights of Native Americans. Here is a brief timeline highlighting key events related to the civil rights of Native Americans during this period:
1940s:
1944: The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is founded to advocate for Native American rights and address issues such as discrimination and misrepresentation.
1950s:
1953: The federal government enacts the Termination Policy, aiming to terminate tribal sovereignty and assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society. This policy leads to the termination of federal recognition for several tribes.
1960s:
1961: The American Indian Chicago Conference discusses issues facing urban Native Americans and marks a growing awareness of their rights.
1968: The American Indian Movement (AIM) is founded in Minneapolis to address issues such as police brutality, discrimination, and poverty affecting Native Americans.
1970s:
1970: The Occupation of Alcatraz begins as a group of Native American activists occupies the abandoned Alcatraz Island in protest against federal policies and the condition of Native Americans.
1972: The Trail of Broken Treaties, a cross-country protest caravan, arrives in Washington, D.C., leading to the occupation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) building.
1973: AIM occupies the village of Wounded Knee in South Dakota, protesting against the tribal government and federal policies. The standoff lasts for 71 days.
1975: The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act is signed into law, allowing tribes more control over their affairs and funding.