“From 1865 to 1992, a consistent and prominent aspect of Native American civil rights aspirations was the right to retain elements of self-determination. While the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 and government policy of termination in the 1950s constituted a process of ‘Americanisation’, under which the Federal Government looked to award what might be termed as ‘conventional’ civil rights to Native Americans, it was only in the 1970s and 1980s that the American Indian desire for self-determination began to be implemented, primarily through Supreme Court rulings, so that by 1992 the independence enjoyed by Native American tribes in 1865 had been partially restored. However, only changes in white attitudes towards Native Americans and the example of African American activists in the 1960s enabled the strides made towards securing self-determination in the following two decades.”
Some specific reference required to 1970s/1980s in relation to 1992
Is the interpretation in the title explicitly supported, rejected or amended?
Earlier periods may be characterised as the doomed quest to remain separate from the USA; survival through enforced acquiescence to federal policy. Dates as markers?
Ensure the main body compares + contrasts different periods and is directed towards your line of argument. Persistently point the way to your answer to the interpretation offered in the title.
Significance of Supreme Court rulings
Pueblo Indians ruling in 1913, which removed land from NA possession
Court overrules itself in Oneida v. Oneida and Madison Counties, New York (1985)
Tribal courts gain recognition Fisher v. Montana (1976)
Essential role of Supreme Court and Presidency: not large enough voting block to put pressure on Congress
Off the back of liberal Supreme Court that started to take off after the Brown Case 1954 in relation to AA.
Strengthen