Date
3-2025
Department
History
Abstract
While many Americans today recognize the continuing paternalism of the federal government towards Tribal governments, much still remains unknown to the public regarding the specific laws, policies and treaties that have provided the continuing legal authority for this paternalism. Throughout American history, the relationship between the federal government and Native American tribes can be seen through the use of violence both in law, and outside of it. Treaties, the basis for removal, have been used by both the federal government and subsequently tribal governments to assert their authority over land. In the Upper Midwest, various Anishinaabe tribes signed several treaties ceding large portions of land under the threat of, or in addition to, violence, while still retaining unique tribal rights. This project will examine the always present, but only sometimes explicit violence that is inherent in Tribal-Federal relations. Further, it will examine how various laws, treaties, and policies that were designed to harm the Anishinaabe were co-opted by the Anishinaabe, and how they are used today to strengthen tribal sovereignty both on and off reservations.
Recommended Citation
Ludwig, Jacob R A, "Life, Liberty and Property: Property as a Weapon Utilized Against Native Peoples and as a Tool to Strengthen Native Sovereignty in the Upper Midwest" (2025). HS 390 Primary Research Papers. 2.
https://commons.nmu.edu/hs_390_primary_research_papers/2
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