How Has the United States Tried to Improve Its Relationship With the Cherokee
The relationship between the United States and the Cherokee Nation has been tumultuous and marked by periods of conflict, forced removals, and broken treaties. However, over the years, there have been efforts to improve this relationship and rectify past injustices. This article will explore the various ways in which the United States has attempted to mend its relationship with the Cherokee and promote a more positive and inclusive partnership.
1. Historical Background
To understand the efforts made by the United States to improve its relationship with the Cherokee, it is crucial to acknowledge the historical context. The Cherokee Nation, one of the largest Native American tribes, inhabited vast territories in the southeastern United States. However, in the early 19th century, the United States government pursued policies aimed at removing Native American tribes from their ancestral lands, leading to the forced removal of the Cherokee people in what is famously known as the Trail of Tears. This tragic event has heavily impacted the relationship between the two.
2. Treaty of New Echota
In an attempt to address past wrongs, the United States signed the Treaty of New Echota in 1835. This treaty, however, was not representative of the Cherokee Nation as a whole, as it was signed by a faction that did not have the authority to represent the entire tribe. Despite this fact, the treaty led to the removal of thousands of Cherokee people from their lands. Recognizing the injustice, the United States acknowledged the illegitimacy of the treaty in later years.
3. Restoration of Cherokee Lands
In recent decades, the United States has taken steps to restore Cherokee lands. The Cherokee Nation has successfully reclaimed parts of their ancestral territories through legal battles and negotiations. This restoration process is aimed at rectifying the past injustices inflicted upon the Cherokee people and acknowledging their sovereignty.
4. Government-to-Government Relationship
The United States has recognized the Cherokee Nation’s sovereign status and established a government-to-government relationship. This recognition allows the Cherokee Nation to maintain their own laws, governance, and cultural preservation. It signifies a shift from previous policies that aimed to assimilate Native American tribes into mainstream American culture.
5. Education and Cultural Preservation
To improve the relationship, the United States has invested in education and cultural preservation efforts. The federal government has supported initiatives that prioritize the preservation of Cherokee language, traditions, and history. Additionally, educational programs have been implemented to ensure the accurate portrayal of Native American history, including the Cherokee experience, in schools and curriculums.
6. Healthcare and Social Services
Efforts have been made to improve healthcare and social services for the Cherokee Nation. The Indian Health Service, a federal agency, provides healthcare services to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee. The United States has also worked with the Cherokee Nation to address social and economic disparities, providing resources and support to improve the overall well-being of Cherokee citizens.
7. Reparations and Apologies
While no amount of reparations can fully rectify the injustices inflicted upon the Cherokee, the United States has made efforts to provide restitution. In 2019, the Cherokee Nation was awarded a $136 million settlement from the federal government for mismanagement of tribal assets. Additionally, various government officials have issued apologies for the historical mistreatment of Native American tribes, acknowledging the pain and suffering caused.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Are all Cherokee lands restored?
No, not all Cherokee lands have been restored. The process of land restoration is ongoing and involves legal battles and negotiations.
2. Why was the Treaty of New Echota controversial?
The Treaty of New Echota was controversial because it was signed by a faction that did not represent the entire Cherokee Nation, leading to the forced removal of many Cherokee people.
3. How does the government-to-government relationship benefit the Cherokee Nation?
The government-to-government relationship acknowledges the Cherokee Nation’s sovereignty and allows them to maintain their own laws, governance, and cultural preservation.
4. How is the United States improving education about Cherokee history?
The United States has implemented educational programs to ensure the accurate portrayal of Native American history, including the Cherokee experience, in schools and curriculums.
5. What healthcare and social services are provided to the Cherokee Nation?
The Indian Health Service provides healthcare services to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee. Efforts are also made to address social and economic disparities.
6. What reparations have been provided to the Cherokee Nation?
The Cherokee Nation received a $136 million settlement from the federal government in 2019 for the mismanagement of tribal assets. However, reparations cannot fully rectify the historical injustices.
7. Have all past wrongs been addressed?
While efforts have been made to improve the relationship, not all past wrongs have been fully addressed. The impact of historical injustices continues to be felt, and the journey towards reconciliation is ongoing.