Oct 12, 2008

Salem on History | American Indian Religious Freedom Act

At a glance:

Series: American Indians Ready Reference
Categories: Religion, Ethics, Social Issues, Reform, and Protest
Subcategories: Civil Rights, Minority Rights, Minorities, Native Americans, American Indians, Laws, Acts, Legislation
Curriculum: American History 1951-present, American Indian History
Geographical Location: United States
Date: August 11, 1978

Article abstract: The U.S. Congress recognizes its obligation “to protect and preserve for American Indians their inherent right of freedom to believe, express, and exercise traditional religions.”

Throughout most of U.S. history, the federal government has discouraged and abridged the free exercise of traditional American Indian religions. The federal government provided direct and indirect support to a variety of Christian denominations who sought to Christianize and “civilize” American Indians. In 1883, bowing to pressure from Christian churches, the...

[The entire page is 1488 words long]

Salem on History | American Indian Religious Freedom Act

At a glance:

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