1. Native Americans in the 20th Century

2. 1890 to 1920s Forced to live on reservations.
Federal Government provided food and other supplies but often not enough which resulted in poverty and starvation.
The Government & Society attempted to force young Native Americans to adopt culture, language and beliefs of white society.
Native American population was reduced to around 250,000.

3. Age of Reform 1920s to 1940s
Movement developed that advocated protecting and preserving Indian culture, religion, language.
In 1924 the US Government gave citizenship to all Native Americans.
Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 allowed Native Americans to govern their own reservations much like state governments but Federal Government would set limitations.

4. Native Americans & the Civil Rights Movement
1950s saw growing resistance in white society to allow Native Americans to self-govern or preserve their culture.
Native Americans were inspired by the Civil Rights movement to use legal battles and protests to protect their rights to control the reservations and maintain their culture.
Like blacks they created their own Power Movement which became more assertive and militant in demanding their rights.

5. Indian Power Movement Occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969
National Day of Mourning at Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1970.
American Indian Movement seized the Offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C. for a week.
Stand-off at Wounded Knee in 1973
These are all examples of Native Americans taking dramatic actions to address the injustices they faced.

6. 1980s & Cultural Revitalization
Since the 1980s Native Americans have been given greater control over their reservations.
This has led to economic growth and better living conditions.
Indian culture and language have been preserved.
Some tribes have built gambling facilities in agreement with state governments to provide funds for their people.
The Native American population in the US is now over 2 million.

7. Today’s Challenges for Native Americans
There is still high unemployment.
Many still live in poverty.
Many still have limited educational opportunities.
Alcoholism and substance abuse are significant problems on many reservations.
Ongoing struggle to preserve Indian culture and language.
Many tribes still have to fight to make sure that the land that makes up their reservation stays under their control.