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Native American experience in the United States

Definition

This refers to the historical and contemporary experiences, culture, and societal interactions of Native Americans within the United States. It includes their initial contact with Europeans, forced relocation, cultural assimilation efforts, and ongoing struggles for recognition and rights.

Analogy

Imagine being a long-time resident in your neighborhood. Suddenly, new people move in and start making rules without considering you or your family's needs or traditions. They even try to change how you live your life to fit their own ways. That's similar to what happened to Native Americans when Europeans arrived in America.

Related terms

Reservation System: A system established by the U.S government that allocated land specifically for Native American tribes. The intention was often control and assimilation rather than respect for tribal sovereignty.

Trail of Tears: Refers to the forced removal of Cherokee Indians from their lands in Southeastern U.S to areas west of Mississippi River under harsh conditions leading to many deaths.

Cultural Assimilation: The process by which minority groups are absorbed into the dominant culture losing their original identities.