Broken Treaties (Full documentary) | Oregon Experience | OPB
Oregon Public Broadcasting・42 minutes read
Oregon's Indigenous peoples, with diverse cultures and long histories, faced violent displacement and devastation following the arrival of white settlers and the U.S. government's policies that disregarded treaties and land rights. Despite significant loss and challenges, many tribes today prioritize cultural preservation and economic development, actively engaging in resource management and community initiatives.
Insights
- Indigenous peoples have lived in Oregon for thousands of years, with a rich tapestry of cultures and languages shaped by diverse environments; this deep-rooted history contrasts sharply with the violent displacement they faced from white settlers, who often ignored treaties guaranteeing Native American land rights.
- The arrival of Euro-American settlers in the 1840s led to significant conflict, as settlers encroached on Native lands, disregarding Indigenous sovereignty and treaties, which were often negotiated under duress, resulting in the loss of millions of acres and the forced relocation of tribes to less desirable lands.
- Despite historical injustices, many tribes today are focused on cultural preservation and economic development, with initiatives to maintain traditional languages, arts, and resource management, alongside successful ventures like tribal gaming that have revitalized their communities and provided essential funds for development.
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Recent questions
What is the meaning of Indigenous peoples?
Indigenous peoples refer to the original inhabitants of a region, often characterized by distinct cultural practices, languages, and social structures that have developed over thousands of years. These communities typically have a deep connection to their ancestral lands and maintain traditions that reflect their historical experiences and relationships with the environment. In many cases, Indigenous peoples face challenges related to land rights, cultural preservation, and social justice, particularly in the context of colonization and modern state policies. Their knowledge systems, languages, and cultural practices are vital to the diversity of human heritage and contribute significantly to global cultural richness.
How can I support Native American communities?
Supporting Native American communities can be achieved through various means, including educating oneself about their histories, cultures, and current issues. Engaging with and purchasing from Native-owned businesses, artists, and craftspeople helps to sustain their economies. Additionally, advocating for policies that respect tribal sovereignty and land rights is crucial. Volunteering time or resources to organizations that focus on Native American education, health, and cultural preservation can also make a significant impact. Lastly, amplifying Indigenous voices and supporting their initiatives in environmental protection and resource management demonstrates solidarity and respect for their rights and traditions.
What are the effects of colonization on Indigenous peoples?
The effects of colonization on Indigenous peoples have been profound and often devastating. Colonization typically led to the displacement of Native communities from their ancestral lands, resulting in loss of territory, resources, and cultural practices. Many Indigenous populations faced violence, forced assimilation, and the imposition of foreign governance structures, which disrupted their traditional ways of life. The introduction of diseases by colonizers decimated populations that lacked immunity, further weakening communities. Additionally, the legacy of colonization continues to affect Indigenous peoples today, manifesting in socio-economic challenges, cultural erosion, and ongoing struggles for rights and recognition. The historical trauma associated with these experiences has lasting implications for identity and community cohesion.
What is tribal sovereignty?
Tribal sovereignty refers to the inherent authority of Indigenous tribes to govern themselves and make decisions regarding their own affairs, free from external control. This concept recognizes tribes as distinct political entities with the right to establish their own laws, manage resources, and maintain cultural practices. Tribal sovereignty is rooted in treaties, historical agreements, and the recognition of tribes as nations within the United States. However, this sovereignty is often challenged by state and federal policies, leading to ongoing legal battles and negotiations. Upholding tribal sovereignty is essential for the preservation of Indigenous cultures, self-determination, and the ability to address contemporary issues facing Native communities.
Why is cultural preservation important for Indigenous peoples?
Cultural preservation is vital for Indigenous peoples as it helps maintain their unique identities, languages, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. This preservation fosters a sense of belonging and pride within communities, reinforcing social cohesion and resilience against external pressures. Cultural practices, including storytelling, art, and traditional knowledge, are essential for the transmission of values and worldviews that shape Indigenous ways of life. Furthermore, preserving culture contributes to biodiversity and environmental stewardship, as many Indigenous practices are closely tied to sustainable resource management. In a rapidly changing world, cultural preservation empowers Indigenous peoples to assert their rights, advocate for their interests, and ensure the survival of their heritage for future generations.
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Summary
00:00
Oregon's Indigenous History and Settler Conflicts
- Oregon has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, comprising dozens of tribes living in diverse environments with abundant natural resources.
- The arrival of white settlers led to violent conflicts, displacing Native Americans from their ancestral lands despite treaties promising their ownership.
- Oregon is home to nine federally recognized tribes, many of which are confederations of multiple tribes, with over 60 tribes historically present, speaking at least 18 languages.
- Each tribe's culture and traditions were shaped by their specific geographic areas, influencing their lifestyles, technologies, and relationships with other tribes.
- The Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes were significant traders, controlling key economic routes into the Great Basin and southern Canada.
- The Klamath people, known as E'ukskni or "people of the lake," lived along rivers, lakes, and marshes, utilizing local resources for sustenance.
- Seasonal mobility was common among tribes, who followed the maturation of berries, hunted deer, and returned to rivers for salmon runs.
- The arrival of Euro-American settlers in the 1840s led to clashes, as settlers sought land and resources, often disregarding Native American sovereignty and treaties.
- The U.S. government encouraged settlement through the Oregon Trail and the 1850 Oregon Donation Land Act, which offered 320-acre parcels to white immigrants without Native consent.
- The Doctrine of Discovery and Manifest Destiny justified the appropriation of Native lands, labeling Indigenous peoples as "savages" to facilitate their dispossession.
15:17
Violence and Displacement of Native Americans
- In the 1840s and '50s, violence surged between Native Americans and settlers, notably after Cayuse warriors attacked the Whitman Mission in 1847, blaming missionaries for a measles outbreak.
- Following the Whitman killings, settlers and miners killed hundreds of Native Americans, often with government approval, allowing them to invoice for expenses related to these actions.
- In 1854, miners attacked the Coquille village in Bandon, killing many Native Americans, including women and children, and burning their homes in a pre-dawn massacre.
- Introduced diseases, such as measles and smallpox, devastated tribal populations, with some tribes losing over 90% of their members due to lack of immunity.
- The U.S. Army's overwhelming numbers discouraged tribes from resisting, as each warrior lost was easily replaced, leading to a preference for peaceful settlements over conflict.
- In 1850, Anson Dart negotiated treaties with tribes, resulting in 19 signed agreements ceding nearly 6 million acres, but none were ratified due to tribes' refusal to relocate.
- Joel Palmer later negotiated treaties with the Nez Perce and other tribes, leading to the creation of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, ceding over 6 million acres.
- The 1855 treaty allowed tribes to reserve rights for hunting and fishing, but it wasn't ratified until 1859, during which time violence and bloodshed continued.
- The Warm Springs and Wasco tribes ceded about 10 million acres for a reservation, but were relocated to less desirable lands, leading to economic struggles.
- The Coast Treaty, which promised compensation and support, was never ratified, resulting in the forced relocation of tribes to internment camps, where over 50% perished due to starvation.
29:41
Native Land Loss and Cultural Erosion
- The Siletz Reservation, established after the removal of Indians in 1865, now encompasses less than 4,000 acres, significantly reduced from its original size.
- The Umatilla Treaty of 1855 defined specific boundaries for the Umatilla Reservation, but government surveys later halved the land, leading to further reductions over time.
- The land mass for Native tribes decreased from 500,000 acres to 157,000 acres, allowing settlers to access prime farmland and develop Pendleton.
- The allotment era aimed to dismantle communal structures among Native tribes, resulting in a "checkerboard reservation" and loss of land ownership.
- Assimilation policies encouraged Native Americans to abandon their languages and cultures, with churches and schools established to promote Western values and Christianity.
- The Chemawa Indian School, opened in 1885, remains operational today, having educated multiple tribes under one roof, often punishing native language use.
- The Burns Paiute Tribe faced severe land loss due to white settlement, leading to the creation of the 1.8 million-acre Malheur Reservation, which later shrank significantly.
- After years of captivity, returning Paiutes received 160-acre land allotments, but most were on poor soil, limiting their ability to sustain their families.
- The Burns Paiute Reservation now covers about 770 acres, with tribal members seeking to reclaim parts of the original Malheur Reservation, asserting they never signed treaties.
- The Klamath Tribes thrived economically through timber mills until the 1954 termination laws stripped federal recognition, leading to poverty and loss of treaty benefits.
45:58
Tribal Resilience and Cultural Revival Efforts
- Many tribal members faced challenges after receiving money from liquidated timber holdings, leading to car accidents, alcoholism, and violence, resulting in numerous deaths under 30 years old.
- Only a small number of tribes were terminated, while federally recognized tribes received improved healthcare, housing, and education, excluding the Indians of western Oregon.
- The Klamath Tribes celebrated their restoration on August 26, 1986, after a lengthy process to regain recognition, with their reservation reduced from a million acres to a few hundred.
- Three tribes in western Oregon, including the Cow Creek Band of Umpquas, established independence, while larger confederations like Siletz and Grand Ronde regrouped for future initiatives.
- Many tribes prioritized preserving traditional languages, with the Burns Tribe focusing on maintaining the Paiute language to instill pride in younger generations.
- Artistic traditions are vital, with women teaching traditional crafts like beading and basket weaving, ensuring cultural practices are passed down to younger members.
- Tribal gaming, initiated by the Cow Creek Band of Umpquas in 1994, has significantly boosted tribal economies, providing funds for community development and local employment.
- Tribes are actively involved in resource management, advocating for water rights and environmental protection, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to their ancestral lands and cultures.
