Identifying Authentic Native American Design Elements
Impact of the Dawes Act on Tribal Sovereignty
The Dawes Act of 1887 had a tremendous (negative) effect on Native American Tribes! It severely diminished Tribal Sovereignty, and was a major step in the U.S. Government's policy of forcible assimilation. The Act aimed to break up communal tribal lands, which had been held in common since before European contact, and allot them to individual families instead. This disallowed the tribes from collectively managing their lands, which lead to drastic losses for many tribes.
Moreover, individual landholdings were often subject to taxation and mortgage – something that never existed prior to the act – without any recognition of tribal ownership or sovereignty over said land. This created a situation where someone who may have only lived on the land seasonally could be taxed as if it were their primary residence; while, at the same time, they would receive no services or protection from either tribe or state governments.
Furthermore, due to language barriers and lack of familiarity with U.S. law many Native Americans were taken advantage of when signing contracts; this resulted in further loss of land for many individuals and tribes alike! In addition, there was a push towards “Americanizing” native peoples by forcing them into Euro-American culture through schooling and religious conversion – both of which stripped away much traditional knowledge and ceremonial practices that had been passed down for generations within native cultures.
All in all, it is clear that the Dawes Act significantly undermined Tribal Sovereignty by taking away much collective control over resources as well as disrupting traditional ways of living for Native Americans throughout the country. While some positive aspects can be attributed to certain provisions within the act (e.g., granting citizenship), it cannot be denied that its ultimate purpose was ultimately detrimental to native communities everywhere!