The Honor and Violations of Native American Treaties in the United States

My research has uncovered at least 374 treaties within the national archives, and one fascinating discovery was a lost treaty that was not found until 1905. The sheer volume of these treaties is astonishing, and it highlights a complex and often contentious relationship between the United States and its Native American tribes.

Discovering Lost Treaties

One of the most intriguing findings in my research was a lost treaty that surfaced in 1905. This treaty, like others, was a formal agreement meant to establish a mutually beneficial relationship and clarify land and resource rights. The discovery of this lost treaty demonstrates the ongoing effort to uncover and document the true history of the treaties that have shaped the United States.

The Significance of Treaty Obligations

The treaties between the United States and Native American tribes represent not just legal agreements but also solemn promises. Many of these treaties are being challenged in court because they have not been honored. Statutes of limitations are drawing close, and tribes should have the right to demand that their obligations be fulfilled.

Some Native American tribes are currently taking their cases to court, a process that highlights the ongoing dispute over the terms and conditions agreed upon in these treaties. The court challenges reveal that the obligations outlined in these treaties, particularly regarding the rights to land and resources, are still a point of contention.

Endless Friction and Modern Issues

Treaty obligations extend far beyond the original agreements. Modern issues such as taxes, vehicle registrations, gambling rights, and tobacco sales continue to cause friction between the United States and Native American tribes. The terms of these treaties, made decades or even centuries ago, still impact the present-day relationship between the two parties.

This endless friction indicates that the original treaties, while perhaps well-intentioned, often lacked the foresight to anticipate the complex legal and social landscape that developed over time. Complicating matters further, many non-Native Americans do not fully understand or appreciate the true history of these treaties, leading to a general perception that the United States won the land and Native Americans should not expect it to be returned.

Recognition and Casino Permits

The number of recognized Native American tribes that have been granted casino permits has been steadily increasing. The granting of these permits is not just about economic benefits but also about affirming the sovereignty of Native American tribes. It is a recognition that these tribes retain their cultural and historical rights and that their treaties continue to hold legal and moral weight.

However, this recognition does little to address the broader issues of treaty violations that have long been a source of conflict. The granting of casino permits is a limited form of recognition and does not fully resolve the ongoing disputes over the terms of the original treaties.

The Continuing Debate

The debate over the honor and violations of Native American treaties is a part of a larger conversation about US history. It is a deeply emotional and complex issue that touches on matters of justice, sovereignty, and cultural preservation. While many argue that the United States rightfully won the land, the reality of the situation is more nuanced and layered. Native Americans have a legitimate claim to the land based on the treaties that were signed between them and the United States.

It is essential to recognize and respect the treaties that were made, as they are the legal and moral framework upon which the relationship between the United States and Native American tribes should be established. The ongoing effort to honor these treaties is crucial not just for the tribes but also for the broader society, as it fosters a more inclusive and just understanding of American history.

Conclusion

While the number of Native American treaties in the national archives and the existence of lost treaties like the one discovered in 1905 underscore the complex history of these agreements, the real issue at hand is the ongoing violation of these treaties. It is imperative that these issues be addressed, not just in court but also in the broader context of US history and its relationship with Native American tribes.

The path to honoring these treaties involves not just legal action but also a deeper understanding and respect for the cultural and historical contexts that these agreements were made within. It is a challenge that tests the principles of justice and equity, and the resolution of this issue could have far-reaching implications for the future of the United States.

References

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