Research Guides: Marxe School Race Study Guide: Indigenous matters

Native Americans

Today there are more than 500 Indian tribes in the United States. Their histories are complex. The following represents a number of resources available:

National Archives- Native Peoples of the Northeast Research Guide
National Archives - Rights of Native Americans
U.S. Department of Justice- Indian Resources Timeline
Cherokee Nation Announces Appointment of Delegate to U.S. Congress
Smithsonian video- How the Brutal Trail of Tears Got Its Name
C-Span Video: American Indian Imagery and Tour of Smithsonian's Exhibit on the Cherokee Removal and The Trail of Tears
Smithsonian Magazine: How Native American Slaveholders Complicate the Trail of Tears Narrative
Digital Public Library of America: The American Indian Movement 1968-1978
Video: Taking AIM
Interview with Wilma Mankiller, first female leader of the Cherokee Nation

National Museum of the American Indian-New York City
Native American Indian Language and Culture in New York Resource Guide

Photo of Cherokee Nation's Nominate to be Delegate in the U.S. Congress

The United States and the Cherokees signed treaties in 1785, 1835 and 1866 which, among other things, contained a clause in which the Cherokee could appoint a member to be a delegate in the United States Congress. Recently, Kim Teehee, the Cherokee Nation's Vice President of Government Relations, was nominated to be this delegate. She is the first such nominee. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. has said that the nation will uphold its treaty obligations and hopes the United States will too. The nomination of a delegate is aimed at strengthening the tribe's sovereignity.