1883: Courts of Indian Offenses established

The federal government establishes the Courts of Indian Offenses to prosecute Indians who participate in traditional ceremonies such as the Sun Dance. The U.S. seeks to replace these ancient spiritual practices with Christianity. The court is one of various methods that the U.S. employs to try to restrict the cultural identity of American Indian tribes. Many political, cultural, and spiritual leaders are imprisoned.

Theme

Federal-Tribal Relations

Region

California, Great Basin, Great Plains, Northeast, Northwest Coast, Plateau, Southeast, Southwest