Record of Rights - Rights of Native Americans

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During the 19th and 20th centuries, Native American leaders traveled to Washington, DC, to defend tribal interests against the pressures of an ever-expanding United States. Delegations arrived at the capital assuming they would negotiate as equals. However the Government, through demonstrations of its wealth and power—such as military displays—hoped to convince them of the futility in resisting its demands. Nonetheless, many tribal leaders traveled to Washington multiple times and became skilled negotiators for their tribes. Tribal delegations continue to be an important part of Federal-tribal relations today.

This is included in an online exhibit produced by the National Archives explore records of the National Archives documenting the ongoing struggle of Americans to define, attain, and protect their rights. The exhibit has 6 categories, as follows:

• Equal Rights
• Rights to Freedom and Justice
• Rights to Privacy and Sexuality
• Work Place Rights
• First Amendment Rights
• Rights of Native Americans