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Citizenship for Native Veterans

During World War I, about 9,000 American Indians served in the armed services. They fought and died in defense of a nation that still denied most of them the right to participate in the political process. Congress, as a result, enacted legislation on November 6, 1919, granting citizenship to Indian veterans of World War I who were not yet citizens.

"BE IT ENACTED . . . that every American Indian who served in the Military or Naval Establishments of the United ... Read more

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Native American Citizenship

Activities: 1900-1924: Native American Citizenship - Grade Level [4-12]

Key Dates in the History of Relations between the United States and Native American Tribes.
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U.S. Indian Policy Timeline

Key Policy Milestones – 1900-1924

• Between 1900 & 1910 Winters Doctrine
• Late 1920s Snyder Act
• 1924 Indian Citizenship Act
• Late 1940s Indian Claims Commission
• Mid 1970s PL93-638 Indian Self Determination Act

It is easy for most of us to become a citizen of the United States. For most U.S. citizens, ... Read more

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What Does It Mean?

Judge Dundy’s decision in the case Standing Bear vs. Crook was an important development in the history of Indian-white relations. It established for the first time that Indians were something more than just "Uncle Sam’s stepchildren" to be regulated by the Interior Department as they pleased. Standing Bear and his followers were now free. But, the unanswered questions were: Free to do what? Free to go where?

They had no place to live, no food to eat, nor clothing to wear. ... Read more