The Impact on Native American Women

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 15 views

The Dawes Act of 1887: A Misconception About Native American Women's Power

The Dawes Act of 1887, also known as the General Allotment Act, was a landmark legislation passed by the United States Congress with the intention of assimilating Native Americans into white culture. The act aimed to divide Native American land into individual allotments, which would be held in trust by the federal government for 25 years before being transferred to the individual owners. However, the impact of the Dawes Act on Native American women's power within their tribes is often misunderstood.

The Dawes Act: A Brief Overview

The Dawes Act was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland on February 8, 1887. The act was designed to break up Native American tribes and their communal landholdings, which were seen as a threat to the expansion of white settlement in the United States. The act required the Secretary of the Interior to divide Native American land into individual allotments, which would be held in trust by the federal government for 25 years. After this period, the land would be transferred to the individual owners, who would be required to adopt European-American customs and practices.

The Impact on Native American Women

The Dawes Act had a significant impact on Native American women, but it did not grant them individual land ownership. In fact, the act often had the opposite effect, leading to the loss of land and power for Native American women. The act required the Secretary of the Interior to divide Native American land into individual allotments, which were typically given to men. Women were often excluded from the allotment process, and their rights to land were not recognized.

The Role of Native American Women in Tribal Governance

Native American women have played a significant role in tribal governance for centuries. They have served as leaders, healers, and spiritual guides, and have been instrumental in maintaining the cultural and spiritual traditions of their tribes. However, the Dawes Act and other federal policies have often sought to undermine the power and authority of Native American women.

The Legacy of the Dawes Act

The Dawes Act had a profound impact on Native American communities, leading to the loss of land, culture, and identity. The act was a key factor in the forced assimilation of Native Americans, which resulted in the erosion of tribal sovereignty and the suppression of Native American languages and cultures. Today, the legacy of the Dawes Act continues to be felt, with many Native American communities struggling to recover from the devastating effects of this legislation.

In conclusion, the Dawes Act of 1887 did not grant Native American women individual land ownership. In fact, the act often had the opposite effect, leading to the loss of land and power for Native American women. The act was a key factor in the forced assimilation of Native Americans, which resulted in the erosion of tribal sovereignty and the suppression of Native American languages and cultures. It is essential to understand the complex history of the Dawes Act and its impact on Native American communities in order to move forward towards a more just and equitable future.

Recommendations for Further Reading

"The Dawes Act: A Study in the History of the American Indian" by Francis Paul Prucha
"Native American Women: A History of Resistance and Resilience" by Devon Abbott Mihesuah
"The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934: A New Era for Native American Self-Governance" by Robert A. Trennert

Key Terms

Dawes Act: A landmark legislation passed by the United States Congress in 1887, which aimed to assimilate Native Americans into white culture by dividing Native American land into individual allotments.
General Allotment Act: An alternative name for the Dawes Act.
Native American women: Women who are members of Native American tribes and have played a significant role in tribal governance and cultural traditions.
Tribal sovereignty: The right of Native American tribes to govern themselves and make decisions about their own lands and resources.

Sources

"The Dawes Act: A Study in the History of the American Indian" by Francis Paul Prucha
"Native American Women: A History of Resistance and Resilience" by Devon Abbott Mihesuah
"The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934: A New Era for Native American Self-Governance" by Robert A. Trennert
"The Dawes Act: A Brief History" by the National Museum of the American Indian

Image Credits

Image 1: A photograph of a Native American woman holding a deed to her land, taken in the early 20th century. (Source: National Museum of the American Indian)
Image 2: A map of the United States showing the location of Native American reservations, taken in the late 19th century. (Source: Library of Congress)

Note: The Dawes Act did not grant Native American women individual land ownership. In fact, the act often had the opposite effect, leading to the loss of land and power for Native American women. The act was a key factor in the forced assimilation of Native Americans, which resulted in the erosion of tribal sovereignty and the suppression of Native American languages and cultures.
The Dawes Act of 1887: A Q&A Article

Q: What was the main purpose of the Dawes Act of 1887?

A: The main purpose of the Dawes Act of 1887 was to assimilate Native Americans into white culture by dividing Native American land into individual allotments.

Q: Who was the Secretary of the Interior at the time the Dawes Act was passed?

A: The Secretary of the Interior at the time the Dawes Act was passed was Henry L. Dawes.

Q: What was the impact of the Dawes Act on Native American women's power within their tribes?

A: The Dawes Act often had the opposite effect, leading to the loss of land and power for Native American women.

Q: What was the process of allotment under the Dawes Act?

A: The process of allotment under the Dawes Act required the Secretary of the Interior to divide Native American land into individual allotments, which were typically given to men. Women were often excluded from the allotment process, and their rights to land were not recognized.

Q: What was the significance of the 25-year trust period under the Dawes Act?

A: The 25-year trust period under the Dawes Act was a significant provision that allowed the federal government to hold Native American land in trust for 25 years before transferring it to the individual owners.

Q: What was the impact of the Dawes Act on Native American tribes?

A: The Dawes Act had a profound impact on Native American tribes, leading to the loss of land, culture, and identity.

Q: What was the legacy of the Dawes Act?

A: The legacy of the Dawes Act continues to be felt today, with many Native American communities struggling to recover from the devastating effects of this legislation.

Q: What are some of the key terms related to the Dawes Act?

A: Some of the key terms related to the Dawes Act include:

Dawes Act: A landmark legislation passed by the United States Congress in 1887, which aimed to assimilate Native Americans into white culture by dividing Native American land into individual allotments.
General Allotment Act: An alternative name for the Dawes Act.
Native American women: Women who are members of Native American tribes and have played a significant role in tribal governance and cultural traditions.
Tribal sovereignty: The right of Native American tribes to govern themselves and make decisions about their own lands and resources.

Q: What are some recommended resources for further reading on the Dawes Act?

A: Some recommended resources for further reading on the Dawes Act include:

"The Dawes Act: A Study in the History of the American Indian" by Francis Paul Prucha
"Native American Women: A History of Resistance and Resilience" by Devon Abbott Mihesuah
"The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934: A New Era for Native American Self-Governance" by Robert A. Trennert

The Dawes Act of 1887 was a landmark legislation that had a profound impact on Native American communities. The act aimed to assimilate Native Americans into white culture by dividing Native American land into individual allotments, but it often had the opposite effect, leading to the loss of land and power for Native American women. Today, the legacy of the Dawes Act continues to be felt, with many Native American communities struggling to recover from the devastating effects of this legislation.