Indian Trade and Intercourse Act
Reflecting on the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act of 1790
On July 22, 1790, Congress passed the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act, a significant piece of legislation that marked the first attempt to regulate trade between Native Americans and colonists. This Act was a foundational moment in the history of Native American and federal relations, setting the precedent for future interactions and policies.
Understanding the Act: The Indian Trade and Intercourse Act of 1790 aimed to establish federal control over all interactions between Native Americans and non-Indians. This included trade, land transactions, and other interactions, ensuring they were conducted under federal authority. The Act proclaimed the U.S. government's treaty-making policy, which required that any agreements or treaties with Native American tribes be handled at the federal level, rather than by individual states or local entities.
Significance of the Act:
Federal Authority: The Act asserted federal control over Native American affairs, centralizing power and attempting to standardize interactions to prevent abuses and conflicts.
Treaty-Making Policy: By mandating that all treaties with Native Americans be made by the federal government, the Act aimed to provide a more consistent and lawful approach to Native American relations.
Regulating Trade: The Act sought to regulate trade to protect Native American communities from exploitation and unfair practices by traders and settlers.
Why It's Important to Remember: Reflecting on the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act of 1790 helps us understand the historical context of federal Native American policies and the beginnings of federal control over Native American affairs. While the Act was intended to protect Native American interests, it also laid the groundwork for future federal policies that often resulted in significant challenges and injustices for Native American communities.
Remembering this Act allows us to acknowledge the complexities of early U.S. policies toward Native Americans and the enduring impact these policies have had on Native communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fair and just treatment of all peoples and the need for continued advocacy for Native American rights and sovereignty.
As we reflect on this historical event, let us honor the resilience of Native American communities and continue to work towards a future of respect, understanding, and equitable treatment for all.
Coastal Trail of Tears
[July 9, 1856] Coastal Trail of Tears– march of Tecumtum followers, Chetco and Pistol Rivers up the coast to Coast reservation. They arrive about August 9th. (Palmer letter of 7 3 1856)
2nd Voyage of Steamship Columbia
[July 8, 1856] after more native prisoners had been brought to Fort Orford, a second voyage of the Steamer Columbia took away about 700 more individuals.
End of Rogue Indian Wars
[July 2, 1856] Tecumtum surrenders at Fort Orford, marks the end of the Rogue River War (Schwartz marks the end with the removal of the tribes from the region, but this removal went on for another decade) (Schwartz).
Coquille Indian Tribe Restoration
On June 28, 1989, Congress restored the Tribe’s trust relationship with the federal government.
https://www.coquilletribe.org/our-heritage/restoration/
Celebrating the Sacred Summer Solstice: Nee-dash
This important ceremony is held twice a year and serves as a way of giving thanks for the gifts and blessings that sustain us— the interconnected natural cycles, animals, and plants that we rely on to live. It ensures that these relationships continue for future generations.
Forced relocation begins 1856
In the early hours of June 20, 1856, at 2am, the Steamship Columbia dropped anchor in the Fort Orford harbor. Later that day, approximately 670 of our ancestors were forcibly loaded onto the Columbia, a ship designed to hold only 100 passengers.
Juneteenth
This day, known as Juneteenth, symbolizes the triumph of freedom and the enduring spirit of resilience among African Americans. It has grown from local commemorations in Texas to a nationally recognized day of reflection, education, and celebration. Juneteenth is a time to honor the struggles and achievements of African Americans, acknowledging their critical contributions to the nation’s history and the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
Steamship Sea Gull lands
June 9, 1851: Captain William Tichenor of the Steamship Sea Gull landed 9 men to establish a white settlement, leading to a battle against the Quo-to-ma Indians at what is now known as Battle Rock.
100 YEARS OF NATIVE AMERICAN U.S. CITIZENSHIP
This election year marks 100 years since Native Americans were conferred U.S. Citizenship. Despite being Indigenous to the country, it wasn’t until the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act, also known as the Snyder Act, was signed into law by President Calvin Coolidge that all Native peoples born in the U.S. were conferred U.S. citizenship.