“Hitler, in his second book, wrote with envy of the American ability to exterminate the Native Americans.”
Lizzie Collingham: Author, The Taste of War: World War Two and the Battle for Food. As stated in the TV series: Hell on Earth.
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The United States of America was founded on principles of freedom and self-determination. Yet, for centuries, these ideals have been starkly at odds with the country’s treatment of its indigenous peoples. The relentless expansion of European settlement and the forced relocation of Native Americans from their ancestral homelands have left an indelible stain on the nation’s conscience. As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is time to confront a painful truth: the US President has a moral obligation to return the territory of the United States to its rightful owners – the Native American tribes.
The Native American experience under US rule has been one of unrelenting trauma, displacement, and marginalisation. From the Trail of Tears to boarding schools, forced assimilation policies have systematically erased Native cultures and identities. Today, despite comprising 2.9% of the population, Native Americans face alarming rates of poverty, substance abuse, and suicide. The legacy of colonialism and broken treaties continues to haunt tribal communities.
In the name of Manifest Destiny, the US government has seized over 1.3 billion acres of Native land, amounting to nearly 99% of the original territory. Today, Native Americans own less than 50 million acres, mostly in isolated reservations. The remaining lands, once sacred and integral to Native societies, have been repurposed for agriculture, mining, logging, and urban development. These encroachments have led to environmental degradation, sacred site desecration, and the disruption of traditional ways of life.
The argument that Native Americans have “surrendered” these lands through treaties is a myth perpetuated by colonialist narratives. Treaties were often signed under duress, with the US government using military might to coerce Native leaders into ceding land. Moreover, many treaties contained provisions for Native sovereignty and self-governance, which have been consistently disregarded. The US Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled in favour of Native title, yet the federal government has failed to uphold these decisions.
So, when will the US President acknowledge the historical injustice and take concrete steps to rectify it? The answer lies in the pursuit of reparative justice. This would involve a multifaceted approach, including:
Land restoration: The federal government should work with Native tribes to identify and return seized territories, while providing support for tribal self-determination and economic development.
Compensation: A comprehensive reparations programme could include financial restitution for past injustices, such as the loss of land, forced relocation, and cultural destruction.
Sovereignty recognition: The US must recognise and respect Native American sovereignty, including the right to govern their own affairs, protect their cultural heritage, and make decisions about their lands without federal interference.
Education and reconciliation: A national dialogue is needed to educate Americans about the true history of Native American-settler relations and promote healing, truth-telling, and mutual understanding.
The return of Native American lands is not simply a matter of justice; it is a vital step towards reconciliation and the creation of a more inclusive, equitable society. By acknowledging and addressing the ongoing impacts of colonisation, the US can begin to heal the wounds of its troubled past and forge a more sustainable future for all its citizens. The time for change is now.
Worldwide Temple of Aurora 