Native American Crisis

Learning Targets I can explain why the buffalo almost became extinct. I can summarize the events of the Massacre at Sand Creek. I can explain how the Dawes Act impacted Native Americans.

Importance of Buffalo (Bison) Meat = food (much healthier than beef) Hides/skin = tepees, clothing, shoes, blankets Sinew/tendons = thread, bowstrings Horns/bones = tools, toys, utensils Hooves = glue Manure = fertilizer Skull = religious object in ceremonies

Buffalo Population

Why U.S. Destroyed Buffalo To eliminate Native Americans’ source of life. Could damage locomotives if they were hit on a railroad track.

Extra Credit Adventure Lord’s Park, Elgin

Massacre at Sand Creek Fighting between Cheyenne and settlers in Colorado over land disputes. Colorado Governor tells the Cheyenne they will be safe at Fort Lyon. He tells the military to kill them all. The military kills them while they were sleeping and mutilates the bodies.

The Dawes Act Broke up reservation land and gave individual Native Americans small plots of land. The gov’t wanted Native Americans to assimilate to the white culture. Native Americans were forced from a collective to an individualistic culture. Problems with inheritance.

Status of Native Americans In 1924, President Coolidge grants citizenship to all Native Americans. In 1968, AIM (American Indian Movement) is founded as a part of the Civil Rights Movement.

Learning Targets I can explain why the buffalo almost became extinct. I can summarize the events of the Massacre at Sand Creek. I can explain how the Dawes Act impacted Native Americans.