Explorations in Sights and Sounds
Orginal Publication Date
1984
Journal Title
Explorations in Sights and Sounds
Volume
4
Issue
ess/vol4/iss1
First Page
21
Last Page
22
Abstract
Two attorneys, both professors of political science, have written this book on American Indians and the American legal system to clarify American Indian people's place vis-a-vis the United States system of justice. The first chapter provides a much-needed historical context for the current situations. The authors trace the rather convoluted pattern of Indian-U.S. relationships from first contact with the "great white father" through the treaty system, allotment, the Indian Reorganization Act, termination policies, and self-determination, evaluating the malign or benign effects of several presidents. Franklin Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon had positive influences on legislation focusing on American Indians; however, during the Eisenhower and Carter administrations, Indians did not fare as well. The Reagan administration has been openly hostile to American Indian rights, and Deloria and Lytle provide the historical background for evaluating recent problems.
Rights
Copyright, ©EES, The National Association for Ethnic Studies, 1984