NIXON (jan 20, 1969 – aug 9, 1974)
Description:
Nixon criticised the treatment of Native Americans in his message to Congress in 1970, attacking the federal programmes that were designed to help them but which had been dominated by white officials. He also attacked the policy of termination which had failed to improve their lives and as a result had ended many lives. Nixon introduced a programme of reform:
- educational provisions for Native Americans improved through the 1972 Indian Education Act
- some Native American nations which had lost their status, regained recognition and rights - allowed them to access courts where they could seek redress for their lost rights
- pledge to restore lost lands was put into practice with the return of lands to the Makah, Taos Pueblo and Yakama Indians
- a Native American, Louis R. Bruce Jr. was appointed Commissioner for Indian Affairs and a policy of affirmative action was pursued in appointments in the Bureau of Indian Affairs
Added to timeline:
Native Americans and Civil Rights
1865 - 1992
Date:
