100+ Years of Cultural Appropriation (A Timeline)
As articles are added to the blog, this timeline
will be updated. Plus, additional factual dates
will be included to give context to events listed. Be
sure to click the links to read the entire story.
1751 - Benjamin Franklin quote " It would be a strange thing if Six Nations of ignorant savages should be capable of forming a scheme for such an union, and be able to execute it in such a manner as that it has subsisted ages and appears indissoluble; and yet that a like union should be impracticable for ten or a dozen English colonies, to whom it is more necessary and must be more advantageous, and who cannot be supposed to want an equal understanding of their interests." He was inspired by the six tribes of the Iroquois Nation - which has a similar structure of democracy.
1778 - The first of 371 treaties was signed, with the Delaware Nation, to enlist their fight against the British.
1787, July 13 - Northwest Ordinance established a paternalistic policy for dealing with Native nations and people. The ordinance said "the utmost good faith shall always be observed towards the Indians; their land and property shall never be taken from them without their consent; and in their property rights and liberty they shall never be invaded or disturbed, unless in just and lawful wars authorized by Congress; but laws founded in justice and humanity shall from time to time be made for preventing wrongs being done to them and for preserving peace and friendship with them."
1787 - First federal treaty enacted with the Delaware Indian.
1789 - The Indian Affairs Office was placed in the War Department, which basically viewed first people as hostiles.
1790, March 1 - First United States Census was taken. Slaves and free Africans were included. Native Americans were not.
1817 - the Cherokee became the first Native Americans recognized as U.S. citizens. Under Article 8 of the 1817 Cherokee treaty, "Upwards of 300 Cherokees (Heads of Families) in the honest simplicity of their souls, made and election to become American citizens."
1828 - Elias Boudinot and Sequoyah launch the first Native American newspaper, in Cherokee language, called the Cherokee Phoenix.
1830 - Chief Justice John Marshall wrote an opinion establishing Indians as "dependent sovereign nations."
1830 - Indian Removal Act (nearly all the 100,000 Indians living east of the Mississippi River were forced to move west of the river and onto land already occupied and under control of distinct, ancestral tribal nations.)
1830, Nov 4 - Advertisement of Indian cough drops
1831 - The Marshall Trilogy helped define sovereignty by stating that the Cherokee nation was a distinct political society but a domestic dependent nation and one that "resembles that of a ward to a guardian".
1833 - A federal law is passed making it illegal for an Indian person to remain in Florida.
1849 - The Indian Affairs Office was put under the new Interior Department.
1849, Feb 28 - An early ad for Indian exhibition performances - to see Pocahontas saving the life of Capt Smith, Spy Dance, a real Indian marriage, Green corn dance, burning at the stake, canoe hunting, meataway dance, war dance, scalp dance, and snake dance - ending with Indian Merry-Making (or, the effects of the first whiskey introduced among Indians.)
1856 - Attorney General Caleb Cushing stated, “Indians are the subjects of the United States, and therefore are not, in mere right of home-birth, citizens of the United States.
1863, April - Superintendent J. W. Perit Huntington forced 500 Native Americans to return from the Willamette Valley who had violated the pass system, and estimated that up to 300 Natives were still in the area without US authorization. Native Americans having to remain on a reservation land - irregardless of whether or not they were starving, in need of medical care, homeless, devastated by disease, or simply wanted to leave to hunt or visit family - did not end with the citizenship of 1924. This freedom was not guaranteed to wards of the government, and the pass system continued (the exact date of its end is unknown at this time.)
1790, March 1 - First United States Census was taken. Slaves and free Africans were included. Native Americans were not.
1817 - the Cherokee became the first Native Americans recognized as U.S. citizens. Under Article 8 of the 1817 Cherokee treaty, "Upwards of 300 Cherokees (Heads of Families) in the honest simplicity of their souls, made and election to become American citizens."
1828 - Elias Boudinot and Sequoyah launch the first Native American newspaper, in Cherokee language, called the Cherokee Phoenix.
1830 - Chief Justice John Marshall wrote an opinion establishing Indians as "dependent sovereign nations."
1830 - Indian Removal Act (nearly all the 100,000 Indians living east of the Mississippi River were forced to move west of the river and onto land already occupied and under control of distinct, ancestral tribal nations.)
1830, Nov 4 - Advertisement of Indian cough drops
1831 - The Marshall Trilogy helped define sovereignty by stating that the Cherokee nation was a distinct political society but a domestic dependent nation and one that "resembles that of a ward to a guardian".
1833 - A federal law is passed making it illegal for an Indian person to remain in Florida.
1849 - The Indian Affairs Office was put under the new Interior Department.
1849, Feb 28 - An early ad for Indian exhibition performances - to see Pocahontas saving the life of Capt Smith, Spy Dance, a real Indian marriage, Green corn dance, burning at the stake, canoe hunting, meataway dance, war dance, scalp dance, and snake dance - ending with Indian Merry-Making (or, the effects of the first whiskey introduced among Indians.)
1856 - Attorney General Caleb Cushing stated, “Indians are the subjects of the United States, and therefore are not, in mere right of home-birth, citizens of the United States.
1863, April - Superintendent J. W. Perit Huntington forced 500 Native Americans to return from the Willamette Valley who had violated the pass system, and estimated that up to 300 Natives were still in the area without US authorization. Native Americans having to remain on a reservation land - irregardless of whether or not they were starving, in need of medical care, homeless, devastated by disease, or simply wanted to leave to hunt or visit family - did not end with the citizenship of 1924. This freedom was not guaranteed to wards of the government, and the pass system continued (the exact date of its end is unknown at this time.)
1864 - Ad for the "Long sought yor" "Discovered at last" Cherokee Remedy for urinary organ diseases.
1866 - Fourteenth Amendment and the first civil rights act were passed - citizenship of Natives was defined as well. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 states, “That all persons born in the United States, and not subject to any foreign power, excluding Indians not taxed, are hereby declared to be citizens of the United States".
1866 - “I am not yet prepared to pass a sweeping act of naturalization by which all the Indian savages, wild or tame, belonging to a tribal relation, are to become my fellow-citizens and go to the polls and vote with me… " Senator Jacob Howard of Michigan. (Congressional Globe 1866, 2895)
1866, July 25 - "We hear many rumors concerning threatening Indian troubles in the southern and south eastern portion of this Territory. The noble red men of the forest have stolen a large number of oxen, horses, etc., besides killing several residents. The only good Indians on the plains are the dead ones. The life of one white man, woman or child, is worth more than all the red scoundrels in existence."
1866, April 14 - The people of the Owyhee country (Idaho) have held a meeting and appointed three persons to select twenty-five men to go on the way path against the Indians. The committee are to give "one hundred dollars for every buck scalp, and fifty dollars for every squaw scalp."
1868, May 28th - James Cavanaugh, US Rep Minn - "I will say that I like an Indian better dead than living. I have never in my life seen a good Indian (and I have seen thousands) except when I have seen a dead Indian."
1868, Oct 30 - "The reservation system is an exploded humbug. The man who says he is not afraid of an Indian is a liar or a fool. The only good Indian is a dead one." Colonel Cremony
1868/69 - General Sheridan is incorrectly credited for coining the phrase "the only good Indian is a dead Indian," tho he might have said it, he was not first.
1868, Aug 14 - Ad for Tobacco House (snuff, cigars) Look for the sign of the Indian Chief
1871 - Congress revoked first people's right to be sovereign nations, and ended all treaty-making policies.
1872, March 6 - Snake Dance article
1877 Congress voted to ignore an 1868 treaty recognizing the Black Hills of South Dakota as Sioux land. Unable to get the Sioux to cede the land after gold was found in the Hills and Custer and his 7th Cavalry troops were wiped out, Congress passed a law taking the area from the Sioux.
1879, Oct 3 - Article published about the Hopi Snake Dance and how "means of propitiating the spirit of the summer rain"
1881, Jan 15 - Buffalo Bill said "the Indians are more honest than the white people who deal with them."
1881, April 26 - Luther Standing Bear is 16 years old and sees the sights of the city with Carlisle students.
1883 - The wild Sun Dance was held.
1883, Oct 3 - Carver & Cody's Wild West Show advertises, and entices boys to put down their dime novels and see realistic western life - and a mimic representation of Indians attacking an overland stage and cowboy & Indian fights.
1881, Jan 15 - Buffalo Bill said "the Indians are more honest than the white people who deal with them."
1881, April 26 - Luther Standing Bear is 16 years old and sees the sights of the city with Carlisle students.
1884 - John Elk, an American Indian from Omaha, Nebraska, attempted to register to vote and was refused a ballot based on his race. He took his case to the Supreme Court (Elk vs Wilkins) and he lost his case because his people, the Native Americans, did not fall under the protection of the 14th Amendment.
1884 - Racist soap ad, saying that using soap has civilized the "fierce and wild" Indians.
1886, Feb 6 - Author, former Assemblyman and cowboy - Theodore Roosevelt - said, at age 28 "I don't go so far as to think that the only good Indians are the dead Indians, but I believe nine out of every ten are, and I shouldn't like to inquire too closely into the case of the tenth."
1886, Aug 4 - The wild Sun Dance "will never again be repeated."
1887 - the Allotment Act was passed, in an effort to break up Indian reservations and allot small land areas to families. The goal was for Natives to, through assimilation, "adopt the habits of civilized life"
1888, Jan 11 - A "Cherokee Lady" writes a letter to the editor saying "We are not what [Senator Dawes] terms us - squaws."
1889, Nov 10 - Iroquois from Canada are left, suffering from hunger, when their Wild West showman runs out of money and leaves them in Australia. They were "rescued" by anther agent, who put them to work. They want to go home.
1890, March 22 - the Indian Office, and President Harrison, are refusing all application for circus and Wild West showmen to exhibit American Indians. The Indians must, also, stay on their reservations.
1890, July 22 - "Three Hungry Indians" - "With eyes full of tears three native-born Americans stood under the eaves of the Barge Office" .. they were seasick, neglected .. Shunka-Ka-Sea (White Horse), "says all the Indians in Buffalo Bill's show are discontented, ill-treatment and anxious to come back home. Food and clothing, they say, are scarce, and Rocky Bear, the chief, and Bronco Bill, the interpreter, are cruel in their treatment of the Indians. They want to go home to Pine Ridge. "The fact that these Indians were able to cry is an evidence that they have been weakened by contact with civilization and the show business."
1890, Nov 10 - Painted Horse, of Pine Ridge, gave a statement about the treatment of 20 Wild West performers: "During our travels over Europe we were beaten, kicked and shot at." .. "Our money was not paid regularly, and the whites in both shows tried in every way to corrupt the red men. " "Three braves were in a dying condition when were left." An infant died, and they returned with nothing. And --- "I was in Buffalo Bill's show before I went to Carver's. I saw him knock down two braves, both of them died on their return to Pine Ridge. The food Buffalo Bill supplied was bad and the braves who ate it were sick. Buffalo Bill was brutal."
1890, Nov 14 - The Wild West Show that Painted Horse complained about on Nov 10th, docked and inspectors were barred from investigating claims of abuse.
1891, March 6 - Buffalo Bill is granted permission to take "all the Indians he wants" for his Wild West Show, from Sioux reservations (where they are prisoners). The Secretary of the Interior found that Buffalo Bill did not demoralize the Indians, and he can gather them for show business as he sees fit. They will be absent a full year.
1891, March 27 - William Cody (Buffalo Bill) took about 50 American Indians from the Sioux reservation for his world tour. A large crowd gathered, saying goodbye.. "while the old squaws did their part in chanting, weeping, wailing, crying and howling, mostly howling, and prolonged as long as appreciated and even longer." They will be gone a year.
1891, April 1: Headline reads "Red Warriors in Town. Buffalo Bill and his Fresh Supply of Savages. A Quick Trip from Pine Ridge."
1891, April 18 - "There was nothing more to be desired for one night at least, so the boys went home to dream of deeds of daring.." (Of Buffalo Bill's Show)
1891, May 2 - Willaim "Buffalo Bill" Cody announces to Europe that his show is coming - ""with fifty of the worst Indians who had been engaged in the Wounded Knee fight." Of course, this is a lie.
1891, June 6 - Mary C Collins, who spent 16 years among the Sioux, drew up a protest against the employment of Indians as Show Men.
1891, July 27 - In Europe, more than 25,000 people attended a Buffalo Bill Wild West Show on one day.
1891, Sept 5 - Eagle Star, Sioux, dies from injuries resulting in the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show
1896 - Racist soap ad saying "If we could teach the Indians to use Sapolio it would quickly civilize them"
1898, Nov 6 - "We smoked our pipe of peace and put our cross mark on the white man's paper and thought all was well, but now our eyes are open." Carlos Montezuma M.D
1899, June 25 - The Order of the Red Men explain why they mimic Native Americans: "we are the acknowledged conservators of the history, the customs and the virtues of the original American people."
1899, Sept 16 - Real Red Men Excluded from Red Men Order. American Indians are forbidden to join the Order of Red Men and the Oddfellows. Meanwhile, the Red Men Order base their entire group off of ancient Indian customs.
1899, Dec 22 - Famous Carlisle football players travel to California. An image is published of what people expected them to look like (feathers, blankets, moccasins, tomahawks) and how they arrived (like normal folks.) Illustration of them scalping & playing in headdresses was later published.
1900, June 12 - Edison Laboratory films Buffalo Bills Wild West Show.
1901 - President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed that 60,000 Native Americans had already become U.S. citizens under the Dawes Act (meaning, they gave up their tribal affiliations for a plot of land - still managed by the government - and volunteered for assimilation.)
1902, Jan 16 - Indians must cut their hair, stop dancing, and become civilized. -- For the young Indians "No more for them the blanket, the paint and the uncut hair of their ancestors." .. "They must be submit to" being "benevolently assimilated."
1866 - Fourteenth Amendment and the first civil rights act were passed - citizenship of Natives was defined as well. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 states, “That all persons born in the United States, and not subject to any foreign power, excluding Indians not taxed, are hereby declared to be citizens of the United States".
1866 - “I am not yet prepared to pass a sweeping act of naturalization by which all the Indian savages, wild or tame, belonging to a tribal relation, are to become my fellow-citizens and go to the polls and vote with me… " Senator Jacob Howard of Michigan. (Congressional Globe 1866, 2895)
1866, July 25 - "We hear many rumors concerning threatening Indian troubles in the southern and south eastern portion of this Territory. The noble red men of the forest have stolen a large number of oxen, horses, etc., besides killing several residents. The only good Indians on the plains are the dead ones. The life of one white man, woman or child, is worth more than all the red scoundrels in existence."
1866, April 14 - The people of the Owyhee country (Idaho) have held a meeting and appointed three persons to select twenty-five men to go on the way path against the Indians. The committee are to give "one hundred dollars for every buck scalp, and fifty dollars for every squaw scalp."
1868, May 28th - James Cavanaugh, US Rep Minn - "I will say that I like an Indian better dead than living. I have never in my life seen a good Indian (and I have seen thousands) except when I have seen a dead Indian."
1868, Oct 30 - "The reservation system is an exploded humbug. The man who says he is not afraid of an Indian is a liar or a fool. The only good Indian is a dead one." Colonel Cremony
1868/69 - General Sheridan is incorrectly credited for coining the phrase "the only good Indian is a dead Indian," tho he might have said it, he was not first.
1868, Aug 14 - Ad for Tobacco House (snuff, cigars) Look for the sign of the Indian Chief
1871 - Congress revoked first people's right to be sovereign nations, and ended all treaty-making policies.
1872, March 6 - Snake Dance article
1877 Congress voted to ignore an 1868 treaty recognizing the Black Hills of South Dakota as Sioux land. Unable to get the Sioux to cede the land after gold was found in the Hills and Custer and his 7th Cavalry troops were wiped out, Congress passed a law taking the area from the Sioux.
1879, Oct 3 - Article published about the Hopi Snake Dance and how "means of propitiating the spirit of the summer rain"
1881, Jan 15 - Buffalo Bill said "the Indians are more honest than the white people who deal with them."
1881, April 26 - Luther Standing Bear is 16 years old and sees the sights of the city with Carlisle students.
1883 - The wild Sun Dance was held.
1883, Oct 3 - Carver & Cody's Wild West Show advertises, and entices boys to put down their dime novels and see realistic western life - and a mimic representation of Indians attacking an overland stage and cowboy & Indian fights.
1881, Jan 15 - Buffalo Bill said "the Indians are more honest than the white people who deal with them."
1881, April 26 - Luther Standing Bear is 16 years old and sees the sights of the city with Carlisle students.
1884 - John Elk, an American Indian from Omaha, Nebraska, attempted to register to vote and was refused a ballot based on his race. He took his case to the Supreme Court (Elk vs Wilkins) and he lost his case because his people, the Native Americans, did not fall under the protection of the 14th Amendment.
1884 - Racist soap ad, saying that using soap has civilized the "fierce and wild" Indians.
1886, Feb 6 - Author, former Assemblyman and cowboy - Theodore Roosevelt - said, at age 28 "I don't go so far as to think that the only good Indians are the dead Indians, but I believe nine out of every ten are, and I shouldn't like to inquire too closely into the case of the tenth."
1886, Aug 4 - The wild Sun Dance "will never again be repeated."
1887 - the Allotment Act was passed, in an effort to break up Indian reservations and allot small land areas to families. The goal was for Natives to, through assimilation, "adopt the habits of civilized life"
1888, Jan 11 - A "Cherokee Lady" writes a letter to the editor saying "We are not what [Senator Dawes] terms us - squaws."
1889, Nov 10 - Iroquois from Canada are left, suffering from hunger, when their Wild West showman runs out of money and leaves them in Australia. They were "rescued" by anther agent, who put them to work. They want to go home.
1890, March 22 - the Indian Office, and President Harrison, are refusing all application for circus and Wild West showmen to exhibit American Indians. The Indians must, also, stay on their reservations.
1890, July 22 - "Three Hungry Indians" - "With eyes full of tears three native-born Americans stood under the eaves of the Barge Office" .. they were seasick, neglected .. Shunka-Ka-Sea (White Horse), "says all the Indians in Buffalo Bill's show are discontented, ill-treatment and anxious to come back home. Food and clothing, they say, are scarce, and Rocky Bear, the chief, and Bronco Bill, the interpreter, are cruel in their treatment of the Indians. They want to go home to Pine Ridge. "The fact that these Indians were able to cry is an evidence that they have been weakened by contact with civilization and the show business."
1890, Nov 10 - Painted Horse, of Pine Ridge, gave a statement about the treatment of 20 Wild West performers: "During our travels over Europe we were beaten, kicked and shot at." .. "Our money was not paid regularly, and the whites in both shows tried in every way to corrupt the red men. " "Three braves were in a dying condition when were left." An infant died, and they returned with nothing. And --- "I was in Buffalo Bill's show before I went to Carver's. I saw him knock down two braves, both of them died on their return to Pine Ridge. The food Buffalo Bill supplied was bad and the braves who ate it were sick. Buffalo Bill was brutal."
1890, Nov 14 - The Wild West Show that Painted Horse complained about on Nov 10th, docked and inspectors were barred from investigating claims of abuse.
1891, March 6 - Buffalo Bill is granted permission to take "all the Indians he wants" for his Wild West Show, from Sioux reservations (where they are prisoners). The Secretary of the Interior found that Buffalo Bill did not demoralize the Indians, and he can gather them for show business as he sees fit. They will be absent a full year.
1891, March 27 - William Cody (Buffalo Bill) took about 50 American Indians from the Sioux reservation for his world tour. A large crowd gathered, saying goodbye.. "while the old squaws did their part in chanting, weeping, wailing, crying and howling, mostly howling, and prolonged as long as appreciated and even longer." They will be gone a year.
1891, April 1: Headline reads "Red Warriors in Town. Buffalo Bill and his Fresh Supply of Savages. A Quick Trip from Pine Ridge."
1891, April 18 - "There was nothing more to be desired for one night at least, so the boys went home to dream of deeds of daring.." (Of Buffalo Bill's Show)
1891, May 2 - Willaim "Buffalo Bill" Cody announces to Europe that his show is coming - ""with fifty of the worst Indians who had been engaged in the Wounded Knee fight." Of course, this is a lie.
1891, June 6 - Mary C Collins, who spent 16 years among the Sioux, drew up a protest against the employment of Indians as Show Men.
1891, July 27 - In Europe, more than 25,000 people attended a Buffalo Bill Wild West Show on one day.
1891, Sept 5 - Eagle Star, Sioux, dies from injuries resulting in the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show
1896 - Racist soap ad saying "If we could teach the Indians to use Sapolio it would quickly civilize them"
1898, Nov 6 - "We smoked our pipe of peace and put our cross mark on the white man's paper and thought all was well, but now our eyes are open." Carlos Montezuma M.D
1899, June 25 - The Order of the Red Men explain why they mimic Native Americans: "we are the acknowledged conservators of the history, the customs and the virtues of the original American people."
1899, Sept 16 - Real Red Men Excluded from Red Men Order. American Indians are forbidden to join the Order of Red Men and the Oddfellows. Meanwhile, the Red Men Order base their entire group off of ancient Indian customs.
1899, Dec 22 - Famous Carlisle football players travel to California. An image is published of what people expected them to look like (feathers, blankets, moccasins, tomahawks) and how they arrived (like normal folks.) Illustration of them scalping & playing in headdresses was later published.
1900, June 12 - Edison Laboratory films Buffalo Bills Wild West Show.
1901 - President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed that 60,000 Native Americans had already become U.S. citizens under the Dawes Act (meaning, they gave up their tribal affiliations for a plot of land - still managed by the government - and volunteered for assimilation.)
1902, Jan 16 - Indians must cut their hair, stop dancing, and become civilized. -- For the young Indians "No more for them the blanket, the paint and the uncut hair of their ancestors." .. "They must be submit to" being "benevolently assimilated."
1902, Jan 21 - "Indians must cut hair," or face possibility of supplies being withheld. It also prohibits either sex from "painting their faces or the holding of dances and so-called Indian feasts." They must "adopt citizens' clothing" .. progress is to be made "in the suppression of the evils."
1902, Jan 22 - Young Indians, and those who work for the government, must cut their hair, wear white men's clothes, stop dancing, etc. "Then, after they have learned to wear store clothes and have concealed as many as possible of the characteristics of their race, the tribes may be broken up, the members distributed all over the country and their lands thrown open to settlers, who are so crowded now, or given to corporations." The commissioner changed it to just the young people and employees, fearing resistance from the older generations.
1902, March 11 - As with many towns across the US, festivals and fairs would portray Native American reenactments- such as "Indian massacres" and "miscellaneous villainy."
1902, June 15 - Plays Indian, Shoots a boy. Amateur Wild West Show has the customary ending.. Stanley Dorney, age 12, that he shot Paul Lehman, age 10, in the jaw.
1902, June 28 - The Wild West show is considered educational, like school history "a curriculum of the progress of warlike methods throughout the world during half a century." It's about heroes and Indians. It's said to be true (but it's not).
1902, June 29 - Article about seeing Buffalo Bill's Wild West show: "So it will soon be with the people of America, for the real red warriors of the Western plains is rapidly disappearing. Now is the time to study these types of a race of fighters whose systems and methods of warfare have to a certain extent been lately adopted by his conquerors; warriors who fought not for two, three or four years, but for 400 years, bravely, bitterly, pitilessly, persistently and gamely, resisting the advance of the white invaders into their chosen territory and preserves. "
1902, Jan 22 - Young Indians, and those who work for the government, must cut their hair, wear white men's clothes, stop dancing, etc. "Then, after they have learned to wear store clothes and have concealed as many as possible of the characteristics of their race, the tribes may be broken up, the members distributed all over the country and their lands thrown open to settlers, who are so crowded now, or given to corporations." The commissioner changed it to just the young people and employees, fearing resistance from the older generations.
1902, March 11 - As with many towns across the US, festivals and fairs would portray Native American reenactments- such as "Indian massacres" and "miscellaneous villainy."
1902, June 15 - Plays Indian, Shoots a boy. Amateur Wild West Show has the customary ending.. Stanley Dorney, age 12, that he shot Paul Lehman, age 10, in the jaw.
1902, June 28 - The Wild West show is considered educational, like school history "a curriculum of the progress of warlike methods throughout the world during half a century." It's about heroes and Indians. It's said to be true (but it's not).
1902, June 29 - Article about seeing Buffalo Bill's Wild West show: "So it will soon be with the people of America, for the real red warriors of the Western plains is rapidly disappearing. Now is the time to study these types of a race of fighters whose systems and methods of warfare have to a certain extent been lately adopted by his conquerors; warriors who fought not for two, three or four years, but for 400 years, bravely, bitterly, pitilessly, persistently and gamely, resisting the advance of the white invaders into their chosen territory and preserves. "
1902, June 29 - "THE GREAT BUFFALO AND WILD WEST SHOWS UNITED - The Indians traveling with the Wild West show are from all the different tribes of the northwest, including many noted chiefs, braves and warriors who took active part in the great struggle for supremacy between civilizations and savagery. These Indians will be seen in realistic deeds of cunning and daring, together with tribal dances and weird ceremonies, togged out in fancy costumes and vivid colors.
1902, July 8 - Cheyenne tribe holds council, protesting the ban on religious dancing by the government. About 2000 participated in the dance the week before, but the government agent will stop the next Cheyenne dance, for the first time.
1902, July 26 - Of a Buffalo Bill Wild West Show - Young America feasted its eyes yesterday on everything that young America most admires. It winked those orbs rapidly when gaudily painted Indians dashed into the arena. It applauded liberally when reckless cowboys, wild looking Cossacks and fierce Mexicans swarmed after those Indians.
1902, July 27 - Boys often runaway to Chicago, Ill and it's becoming a serious problem. Many come armed, thinking there's Indian's in the city. It's often because of Dime Novels that glorify Indian-hunting, crime and the West.
1902, Aug 21 - Byron Rein is the victim of juvenile enthusiasm stirred by Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show - he was shot in the leg by an 11-year old, while watching a crowd of boys give a representation of the Wild West.
1902, Aug 22 - Buckskin Bill's Wild West show was in town, "and gave all the small boys and some of the big ones virulent attacks of Wild West fever. The desire to go out on the plains and slay Indians and buffalo, although there are few Indians and no buffalo left to slay, was planted in the breasts of about a thousand youngsters..."
1902, Aug 31 - Ad for Buffalo Bills show - It is the most intensely interesting and strangest entertainment ever organized or dreamed of.
1902, Sept 27 - Order of the White Men are set to throw an Indian party. They are to wear buckskin, blankets, moccasins, black wigs, wampum belts, bows, and hold tomahawks.
1902, Oct 7 - Order of the Red Men parade of about 200 dressed up: "So realistic were their costumes that had it not been for the fact that only about half those in line were in disguise, they would have been mistaken for real Indians."
1902, Nov 1 - Government wanted Native people to be more like white people - one way was to stop them from performing in Wild West Shows, and being exhibited. Problem was, there was a World's Fair coming up and people wanted to see wild Indians - so there was an educated Indian exhibit, and a wild Indian exhibit. People wanted to see the latter. The more paint and feathers he has and the wilder he is the better the exhibition from the promoter's viewpoint.
1902, Dec 6 - "Nobody wants to see an Indian in citizens' dress," said the Indian commissioner (of the World's Far exhibit in St Louis) "For all exhibition purposes the Indian must have a tomahawk in his hand and grease on his face. He must be a savage of the old fashioned type and do a war dance. The more paint and feathers he has and the wilder he is the better the exhibition from the promoter's viewpoint. I am opposed to the Wild West shows and all of the usual Indian exhibits. They are absolutely demoralizing and every time a few braves are paraded we lose ten years in the development of the particular tribe from what they come. The Sioux are the greatest show Indians." -- Sound familiar???
1902, Dec 20 - Charles Block age 12, ran away from home with Walter Utcher, age 15, to exterminate Indians. They were found before they could actually hurt anyone. They liked to read Dime Novels.
1903, Jan 11 - There is presently a ban on tribes having long hair - but some white people request that a few keep their long hair, "for circuses and wild west shows, so that we can occasionally get the flavor of the red man without subjecting ourselves to any actual danger. "
1903, Jan 11 - Commissioner of Indian Affairs Jones states that one reason the Native people can not paint their bodies is because it can get in their eyes when they sweat (though there is no medical evidence of disease happening in this way). He admits that the Indians paint their bodies to control their body temperature in summer, and winter.
1903, June 29 - Some American Indians are treated like Wild West Show celebrities: Young-Man-Afraid-of-His-Horses, White Wolf (Comanche), Stumbling Bear (Cheyenne), Bright Stars ("Indian Princess"), Spotted Tail, Chief Bear Shield, Joe-Po-Dict, Princess Neola, Ku-Suck-Sela.
1903, Oct 22 - An anthropologist from the Museum of Chicago comes to the defense of the American Indian - especially the Cheyenne in Oklahoma - stating that "the sun dance is religion to the Indians and that they have a right to celebrate it, under a clause of the constitution granting American citizens freedom of worship."
1904, April 14 - The Great Buckskin Bill's New Consolidated Wild West Shows says the red men of North American are a "fast expiring race" - and are disappearing..
1904, May 8 - Oklahoma reported on 2000 delegates from various Indian tribes holding a dance - they called it "heathen religious revival and pagan love feast .."
1904, June 17 - White men, dressed as Indians, performed at the 55th annual Order of the Red men convention in Harrisburg, Penn. --- "The imitation Red Man seemed to elicit a stronger interest [than "real Indians]. Probably it was due to the entertainment human nature finds in drawing comparisons." Real Indians don't look Indian enough, apparently.
1904, Aug 7 - Indians Have Able Historians - "Redskins who write books of history prose and poetry."
1904, Aug 21 - Headline from the St Louis World's Fair: Feathered Indian As Exhibit is a Better Attraction than his Educated Brother. And, " The public's tendency to regard the red man as a show is well known, and they are used to him in his show clothes - that is, feathers, paint and buckskin leggings."
1904, Sept 11 - Hopi perform the Snake Dance at the World's Fair .
1905, March 27 - Albert Green, Otoe: "The Indians want to hold medicine dance. Nothing bad. White man go to church, pray, sing. That's good for him. That is his way serving Christ. Indians want to hold medicine dance. That good for him."
1905, July 29 - Photographs are published showing the sacred Hopi Snake Dance religious ceremony
1906, May 14 - Order of the Red Men: "Costumed as Indian braves, blankets, moccasins, feathers and beads included, the local lodge of Elks is planning to attend the Elks reunion to be held at Denver... fifty strong."
1906, Aug 11 - Although Indian dancing is still illegal - some agents allow it. "...and today we find one of these functionaries forbidding such heathenism absolutely, yet another -- he of the adjoining reservation -- shutting his eyes in dance season. "
1907 - Indian Territory was abolished, and the land is now called Oklahoma.
1908, Jan 18 - A show called "The Redskin" is being performed, and after "the Sioux, of whom there are a number here; will give their famous war dance -- the same sung when they massacred the Custer party." (They always say they are people from a great battle/massacre.. usually they aren't.) The article also says "The Indians are peculiarly averse to dancing in public, and especially of making a spectacle of their dances, as to them they are sacred rites and religious ceremonials." But they were talked into performing, so they will appear after the show.
1907, Feb 8 - There are 159,000 Indians who wear citizens’ dress, in whole or in part, and 70,000 who can read and speak English. There are 28,000 Indian families now living in comfortable dwellings.
1908, Feb 23 - Imperial Order of Red Men will give a scalp dance and Indian wedding ceremony.
1908, Sept 13 - Article advertising Indian parade and moon dance and people shouldn't miss it because it might be the last one: "the red man is growing more and more averse to performing his religious rites in the presence of assemblies of white men,..."
1909, Feb 13 - Order of the Red men put on a show - "One pale face was scalped and burned, and was witnessed by many interested spectators." - they liked to imitate scalping and burning at the stake, while dressed as Indians.
1909, Feb 17 - Geronimo died at Fort Sill hospital, while still a prisoner of war. He was imprisoned for 23 years.
1909, May - The Order of the Red Men are angry that a black group wants to mimic their club. The Red Men are angry and don't want the black men to copy their emblem. -- All the white, the real Native Americans are still not permitted to join, and will not be permitted to be full members in the organization (as a whole) until the 1970's. Crazy, I know.
1909, June 9 - More than 3500 from the Red Men Order, dress up in moccasins, war bonnets and war paint, and march through the streets of Pennsylvania.
1909, June 13 - The Order of the Red Men post a list of words that are banned via by-laws: "squaw," "pappoose," "scalped," "Tomahawked."
1909, June 13 - The Order of the Red Men say that they use indigenous symbolism and customs because "these are thoroughly typical of the New World." This has been repeated since the 1700's - that dressing as an "Indian" is these white men being "real Americans."
1909, Aug 11 - The Snake Dance will Draw a Crowd - article - about annual Arizona event of the Hopi Indians
1902, July 8 - Cheyenne tribe holds council, protesting the ban on religious dancing by the government. About 2000 participated in the dance the week before, but the government agent will stop the next Cheyenne dance, for the first time.
1902, July 26 - Of a Buffalo Bill Wild West Show - Young America feasted its eyes yesterday on everything that young America most admires. It winked those orbs rapidly when gaudily painted Indians dashed into the arena. It applauded liberally when reckless cowboys, wild looking Cossacks and fierce Mexicans swarmed after those Indians.
1902, July 27 - Boys often runaway to Chicago, Ill and it's becoming a serious problem. Many come armed, thinking there's Indian's in the city. It's often because of Dime Novels that glorify Indian-hunting, crime and the West.
1902, Aug 21 - Byron Rein is the victim of juvenile enthusiasm stirred by Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show - he was shot in the leg by an 11-year old, while watching a crowd of boys give a representation of the Wild West.
1902, Aug 22 - Buckskin Bill's Wild West show was in town, "and gave all the small boys and some of the big ones virulent attacks of Wild West fever. The desire to go out on the plains and slay Indians and buffalo, although there are few Indians and no buffalo left to slay, was planted in the breasts of about a thousand youngsters..."
1902, Aug 31 - Ad for Buffalo Bills show - It is the most intensely interesting and strangest entertainment ever organized or dreamed of.
1902, Sept 27 - Order of the White Men are set to throw an Indian party. They are to wear buckskin, blankets, moccasins, black wigs, wampum belts, bows, and hold tomahawks.
1902, Oct 7 - Order of the Red Men parade of about 200 dressed up: "So realistic were their costumes that had it not been for the fact that only about half those in line were in disguise, they would have been mistaken for real Indians."
1902, Nov 1 - Government wanted Native people to be more like white people - one way was to stop them from performing in Wild West Shows, and being exhibited. Problem was, there was a World's Fair coming up and people wanted to see wild Indians - so there was an educated Indian exhibit, and a wild Indian exhibit. People wanted to see the latter. The more paint and feathers he has and the wilder he is the better the exhibition from the promoter's viewpoint.
1902, Dec 6 - "Nobody wants to see an Indian in citizens' dress," said the Indian commissioner (of the World's Far exhibit in St Louis) "For all exhibition purposes the Indian must have a tomahawk in his hand and grease on his face. He must be a savage of the old fashioned type and do a war dance. The more paint and feathers he has and the wilder he is the better the exhibition from the promoter's viewpoint. I am opposed to the Wild West shows and all of the usual Indian exhibits. They are absolutely demoralizing and every time a few braves are paraded we lose ten years in the development of the particular tribe from what they come. The Sioux are the greatest show Indians." -- Sound familiar???
1902, Dec 20 - Charles Block age 12, ran away from home with Walter Utcher, age 15, to exterminate Indians. They were found before they could actually hurt anyone. They liked to read Dime Novels.
1903, Jan 11 - There is presently a ban on tribes having long hair - but some white people request that a few keep their long hair, "for circuses and wild west shows, so that we can occasionally get the flavor of the red man without subjecting ourselves to any actual danger. "
1903, Jan 11 - Commissioner of Indian Affairs Jones states that one reason the Native people can not paint their bodies is because it can get in their eyes when they sweat (though there is no medical evidence of disease happening in this way). He admits that the Indians paint their bodies to control their body temperature in summer, and winter.
1903, June 29 - Some American Indians are treated like Wild West Show celebrities: Young-Man-Afraid-of-His-Horses, White Wolf (Comanche), Stumbling Bear (Cheyenne), Bright Stars ("Indian Princess"), Spotted Tail, Chief Bear Shield, Joe-Po-Dict, Princess Neola, Ku-Suck-Sela.
1903, Oct 22 - An anthropologist from the Museum of Chicago comes to the defense of the American Indian - especially the Cheyenne in Oklahoma - stating that "the sun dance is religion to the Indians and that they have a right to celebrate it, under a clause of the constitution granting American citizens freedom of worship."
1904, April 14 - The Great Buckskin Bill's New Consolidated Wild West Shows says the red men of North American are a "fast expiring race" - and are disappearing..
1904, May 8 - Oklahoma reported on 2000 delegates from various Indian tribes holding a dance - they called it "heathen religious revival and pagan love feast .."
1904, June 17 - White men, dressed as Indians, performed at the 55th annual Order of the Red men convention in Harrisburg, Penn. --- "The imitation Red Man seemed to elicit a stronger interest [than "real Indians]. Probably it was due to the entertainment human nature finds in drawing comparisons." Real Indians don't look Indian enough, apparently.
1904, Aug 7 - Indians Have Able Historians - "Redskins who write books of history prose and poetry."
1904, Aug 21 - Headline from the St Louis World's Fair: Feathered Indian As Exhibit is a Better Attraction than his Educated Brother. And, " The public's tendency to regard the red man as a show is well known, and they are used to him in his show clothes - that is, feathers, paint and buckskin leggings."
1904, Sept 11 - Hopi perform the Snake Dance at the World's Fair .
1905, March 27 - Albert Green, Otoe: "The Indians want to hold medicine dance. Nothing bad. White man go to church, pray, sing. That's good for him. That is his way serving Christ. Indians want to hold medicine dance. That good for him."
1905, July 29 - Photographs are published showing the sacred Hopi Snake Dance religious ceremony
1906, May 14 - Order of the Red Men: "Costumed as Indian braves, blankets, moccasins, feathers and beads included, the local lodge of Elks is planning to attend the Elks reunion to be held at Denver... fifty strong."
1906, Aug 11 - Although Indian dancing is still illegal - some agents allow it. "...and today we find one of these functionaries forbidding such heathenism absolutely, yet another -- he of the adjoining reservation -- shutting his eyes in dance season. "
1907 - Indian Territory was abolished, and the land is now called Oklahoma.
1908, Jan 18 - A show called "The Redskin" is being performed, and after "the Sioux, of whom there are a number here; will give their famous war dance -- the same sung when they massacred the Custer party." (They always say they are people from a great battle/massacre.. usually they aren't.) The article also says "The Indians are peculiarly averse to dancing in public, and especially of making a spectacle of their dances, as to them they are sacred rites and religious ceremonials." But they were talked into performing, so they will appear after the show.
1907, Feb 8 - There are 159,000 Indians who wear citizens’ dress, in whole or in part, and 70,000 who can read and speak English. There are 28,000 Indian families now living in comfortable dwellings.
1908, Feb 23 - Imperial Order of Red Men will give a scalp dance and Indian wedding ceremony.
1908, Sept 13 - Article advertising Indian parade and moon dance and people shouldn't miss it because it might be the last one: "the red man is growing more and more averse to performing his religious rites in the presence of assemblies of white men,..."
1909, Feb 13 - Order of the Red men put on a show - "One pale face was scalped and burned, and was witnessed by many interested spectators." - they liked to imitate scalping and burning at the stake, while dressed as Indians.
1909, Feb 17 - Geronimo died at Fort Sill hospital, while still a prisoner of war. He was imprisoned for 23 years.
1909, May - The Order of the Red Men are angry that a black group wants to mimic their club. The Red Men are angry and don't want the black men to copy their emblem. -- All the white, the real Native Americans are still not permitted to join, and will not be permitted to be full members in the organization (as a whole) until the 1970's. Crazy, I know.
1909, June 9 - More than 3500 from the Red Men Order, dress up in moccasins, war bonnets and war paint, and march through the streets of Pennsylvania.
1909, June 13 - The Order of the Red Men post a list of words that are banned via by-laws: "squaw," "pappoose," "scalped," "Tomahawked."
1909, June 13 - The Order of the Red Men say that they use indigenous symbolism and customs because "these are thoroughly typical of the New World." This has been repeated since the 1700's - that dressing as an "Indian" is these white men being "real Americans."
1909, Aug 11 - The Snake Dance will Draw a Crowd - article - about annual Arizona event of the Hopi Indians
1909, Aug 28 - Article says "The term 'squaw' is misused by white people. An Indian's squaw is a Indian's woman of low repute. To call an Indian's woman a squaw would be an insult."
1909, Oct 16 - A hazing incident took place at Mount Union college (Alliance, Ohio) where they kidnapped a freshman, tarred and feathered him, and then did an Indian war dance around him.
1909, Dec 17 - Uncle Sam Puts Indian Dance Under the Ban.
1909, Dec 19 - The Improved Order of the Red Men support a giant memorial - to the Vanishing Race."
1910, June 24 - Article: Boys, want to Play Indian right? And shows how to make an Indian tepee, moccasins, and arrow.
1910, June 30 - Brant Sero/Ojijatekha (Mohawk) - declared his disdain for the publishers of books that "depicts the American Indians exclusively as a race of bloodthirsty scalpers and horse thieves." Soon after,
1910,July 2 The New York Times publishes a response to Sero's plea, entitled "A Mohawk Makes a Mistake" - stating that the dime novels paint his people "majestically," fairly viewed," and "an admirable as well as a picturesque savage" with "courage, dignity, and innate self-respect..." It's ended with "Certainly he has no need to be ashamed of them or to resent their exploitation by romancers who keep within the legend." --- Sound familiar? That was more than 100 years ago.
1911, Aug 10 - "It's a shame," said G C Griggs, of Texas, who wants the picturesque aboriginal Americans to join their picturesque aboriginal American-inspired fraternity, "that the Indian at present cannot join the order. The Independent Order of Red Men has one of its objects the perpetuation of Indian romance and tradition."
1910, Oct 25 - Arthur C. Parker, Seneca Nation objects to Native Indian performers misused in wild west and circus shows. "These are in most instances compelled to dress in Indian costume, generally that of the Sioux of the plains. " .. For the sum of from six to ten dollars a week these Indians are asked to misrepresent their people..." and "The great majority of Indians resent this, they feel the sting of its humiliation and they protest most emphatically. ... "
1911, February: 50+ delegates representing various tribal nations petition President Taft to prohibit moving-picture companies from falsely portraying the American Indians. Click below to read the many articles from this protest: " it is not only unfair to the Indian to paint him as given to the old excesses of his savage days but such representations have a demoralizing effect upon the youths that attend the moving picture shows."
* "the pictures grossly exaggerate true Indian life, portraying to the youth of our country that which is entirely false."
* "This picture we have just seen is absolutely devoid of anything like what an Indian would do under the circumstances." - A "movie man" responded, saying he doesn't see the problem.
* A letter from a non-Indian said "If the moving-picture film makers would try to make real representation of real Indians they would be valuable to preserve. But the way they are doing it now is simply to bring obloquy upon all concerned."
* "(Cheyenne Indian chiefs) objects to having theirrace depicted as villains with the most savage of instincts and little of thehumanitarian qualities which are supposed to characterize the white man."
* Shoshone delegates asked for Congressional legislation "prohibiting motion picture theaters exhibiting EXAGGERATED PICTURES OF INDIAN CUSTOMS."
1911, Feb 16 - "Only too often these blood-curdling dramas give an impulse .. (for boys) .. to go out and 'fight Indians'. "
1911, Feb 17 - “We have to go home tonight – if we didn’t, I would go to President Taft in the morning and ask him to close up this house. It is bad to be lied about to so many people and be helpless to defend yourself. We have a petition for the President, on the subject, but have not had a chance to present it, so we will attend to the business after we get home.” – Feb 17, 1911. The Washington Post.
1911, Feb 21 - (Cheyenne Indian chiefs) objects to having their race depicted as villains with the most savage of instincts and little of the humanitarian qualities which are supposed to characterize the white man.
1911, Feb 23 - A letter is written to the National Tribune stating that all Indian movies "put on war bonnets made of a feather duster, fold their arms and look as stern.."
1911, March 5 - Seminole Indians were in Washington (Taft would, that year, set aside land for reservation use) and were taken to theaters, and the tribe spokesman made a "vigorous objection to the Indian as portrayed in the motion picture, where they had found he was shown as either a coward or cruel and rapacious. This may possibly result in a different series of Indian views."
1911, March 5 - Seminole Indians were in Washington (Taft would, that year, set aside land for reservation use) and were taken to theaters, and the tribe spokesman made a "vigorous objection to the Indian as portrayed in the motion picture, where they had found he was shown as either a coward or cruel and rapacious. This may possibly result in a different series of Indian views."
1911, March 14 - Images of Hopi life and the Snake Dance appear in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
1911, April 24 - Navajo Indians sail to London to be part of a coronation parade in June - there were men, women and children - from Colorado and will represent, in the parade, the period when Great Britain controlled North America.
1911, July 13 - Laws are created to stop Indian Dances occurring on Sundays (called Blue Laws).
1911, July 18 - An article author, after seeing Wild West Indians parade through town, and whites dressed up as Indians, pondered -- What might Native people think of being copied: "-- whether they felt it to be a subtle form of flattery or a species of indignity to which the red man was forced to submit in the land of his fathers. "
1911, Aug 10 - The Order of the Red Men debate whether Aborigines should be granted membership, saying that their organization "has as one of its objects the perpetuation of Indian romance and tradition." It is rejected.
1911, Aug 20 - Indian Dances Become Thing of Past - because "These big meetings revive memories and traditions of the Indians and tend to discourage them in their efforts toward the simple life on the farm."
1911, Aug 24 - Thousands seek Snake Dance. Four non-Indians admitted to "Hopi Holy of Holies" and "Watch the priests wash and bless the serpents."
1911, Oct 22 - Article: Indianism of American Boys. I firmly believe that all American boys, at any rate those that are normal, are born Indians. This Indianism is suppressed by surrounding circumstances in babyhood and early boyhood. But, while it can be kept suppressed for a time, it is bound to break out eventually....
1911, Nov 11 - Fearful that the Indian agent at Segar will carry out his threat to abolish the "willow" and "gift" dances of the Cheyenne and Kiowa tribes, a delegation of braves has requested the Governor of Oklahoma to use his influence at Washington to prevent it.
1911, Nov 16 - Resentment of a proposed order which would prohibit Cheyenne and Kiowa Indians from holding their ancient willow dance and gift dance led a party of braves from those tribes to take the trail to the capital to ask Governor Cruce to use his influence with the Indian commission at Washington to stop the interference with the old tribal customs. The Cheyennes were headed by Cloud Chief, while Chief Washee was spokesman for the Kiowas. .... The Indians explained that they do not want to give up their two dances which are about to be put under the ban, as they are tribal affairs dating from time immemorial, when the Indians roamed the plains and were their own masters...
1911, Nov 22 - The false portrayal of Native people in film -- " it is instilling an antagonistic germ in the mind of the young American against the American Indian that, if continued may cause a bitterness." .... "To the average child - and adults too - the Indian is a yelling, paint-be-daubed creature, reeking of barbarism and possessing little or no intelligence.
1911, Nov 24 - Senator William J. Stone of Missouri loves cowboy & Indian movies (the ones being protested against) -- "His historical knowledge concerning the Indians is refreshed after viewing an Indian picture, and he says that he is in better position to discuss the affairs of the first Americans after he peruses an Indian picture on the films."
1911, Dec 3 - Indians Would Keep Their Tribal Dances - Cloud Chief and Warriors Protest to Oklahoma Governor - Red Men Say Their Rights Are Being Encroached Upon. -- "The swift stream of civilization is taking away from the Indian about all his forms of entertainment," the interpreter, speaking for Cloud Chief, told the governor, "and he wants to know if there is not some way this last encroachment upon the Indians' rights can be stopped."
1911, Dec 9 - Red Men [white guys] Held Big Peace Dance - Under the shadow of the Hunting Moon.... [Order of Red Men] held their annual pow-wow... About 150 braves and palefaces mingled on this joyous occasion.... Thirty-two war dances were on the program...
1911, Dec 13 - Two books for sale "How to Play Indian Successfully" and "Two Little Savages" - Woodcraft series
1911, Dec 19 - Ad: Boys $1.25 Indian Suits, 65c. Every boy likes to play Indians. Here's a chance..
1912, Jan - Moses Friedman, superintendent 1908-1914 of the Carlisle Indian school said he, and Native people, object to the movies that depict indigenous people. "Quite often the Indians are made to do acts of seemingly heartless cruelty. No possible good can come from these representation, and I am convinced that much hard and prejudice will result."
1912, April 10 - "The Indian Massacre" is on the screen across America. Children reenact such violent scenes, killing each other accidentally.
1912, May - The Lieutenant's Last Fight released. Thomas H. Ince, director. (watch video here)
1912, May 5 - Five-year-old Charles Harris is fatally burned Playing Indian (imitating moving pictures).
1912, Sept 16 - In an article titled "Poor Lo" Asserting Himself - says that a movement of the Society of American Indians are made of indigenous leaders (lawyers, farmers, doctors, artists, scientists, politicians, etc) who are marching "out of the dark ages."
1912, Sept 18 - Gov Wilson is initiated into a municipal organization called "Tribe of the Sioux" - with this statement "On the sacred tomahawk and pipe, I solemnly and sincerely promise and vow that henceforth and forever I shall endeavor to be a 'good Indian' whether successful or unsuccessful in the quest of moose or any other game, and that no matter how exalted my situation in life I shall neglect no opportunity to contribute to the welfare of the Tribe of the Sioux."
1912, Oct 4 - Francis Ford directed "Custer's Last Fight" (click here to watch video)
1912, Nov 29 - The Invaders, directed by Francis Ford (click here to watch video)
1913, Feb 4 - Article states that Geronimo (pronounced Heronimo), chief of the Apaches, discovered the mescal bean.
1913, Feb 13 - "The Indian has been commercialized, and Buffalo Bill is largely responsible for it," .. "As a result,"... "the old heathen custom of the dance, with all its heathenish practices, is being revised."
1913, May 31 - Washington permits the Sioux to revive the Indian Ghost Dance - for exhibition purposes only (meaning, to put on a show for white audiences, and not for themselves).
1913, July 29 - Wild West Films Blamed for Shooting of Boy.
1913, July 31 - The Sheriff having "seen" Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill, it is reported that their Wild West show will go out of existence. But aren't there any other "Bills" to fill the American youngster with longing to shoot Indians and rope cows?"
1913, Aug 7 - Of the Wild West show, a writer said "While this civilizing process is beneficial in the majority of instances, it destroys for the public the romance of the Indian character. The public prefers to see the real Indian, fresh from his wild state on the reservations, and not the Indian whose only claim to being an aborigine is his color and an Indian dress which he may doff after the show."
1913, Aug 25 - Thousands see Snake Dance in Arizona, Four palefaces admitted to Hopi Holy of Holies
1913, Aug 25 - Buffalo Bill is retiring from the Wild West business and going bankrupt. One of the causes is the moving pictures of Wild West scenes and the many imitations of his Wild West shows that "flooded the country.."
1913, Aug 28 - Buffalo Bill Cody is producing battle films that wrongfully depict "battles" between the US government and Native Americans. "The pictures are being prepared from an education standpoint, as well as for the purpose of financial gain, and promise to be the best and most fascinating, instructive and entertaining western pictures ever produced."
1913, Oct 14 - Chauncey Yellow Robe (Sioux Nation) gives a speech at the Society of American Indians conference, the topic: The Indian and the Wild West Show, which he calls "degrading, demoralizing and degenerating" because the American Indian participates in "fraudulent savage demonstrations before the world. All these Wild West Shows are exhibiting the Indian worse than he ever was, and deprive him of his high manhood and individuality."
1913, Oct 16 - Chauncey Yellow Robe ridiculed Buffalo Bill's reenactment of Wounded Knee in a battle film (meant for historical preservation." "Heroes who weren't there," he said, "mocked our tragedy for cheap glory." In another article, he says: "You laugh, but my heart does not laugh. Women and children and old men of my people, my relatives, were massacred with machine guns by the soldiers of this Christian nation while the fighting men were away. It was not a glorious battle and I should think these two men would be glad they were not there. But no, they want to be heroes for moving pictures."
1913, Oct 18 - Gertrude Price, a reporter from Indiana, is on site of the filming of Buffalo Bills portrayal of Wounded Knee, in South Dakota.
1913, Nov 3 - Curator of the University of Nebraska, spoke out against a fictionalized Wounded Knee battle film: "In the picture the Indians are given all the blame for the massacre, when, .. the soldiers were the ones to blame and the reproduction of the fight the way it was taken by the motion picture company is a disgrace to the government under whose sanction it was taken."
1913, Nov 11 - Boy Kills Sister in Mimic Battle
1913, Dec 13 - A Sioux delegation spoke out, in Washington, about battle film reenactments filmed by Buffalo Bill Cody. They said the film is full of one-sided historical inaccuracies.
1914, Jan - E.H. Gohi (Tyagohwens) - adopted Onondaga - wrote of The Effect of Wild Westing, in which he says the Native performers are demoralized, mistreated, and deceived, and they are portrayed as savages. "Both sides lose, the whites as well as the red man. The spectator gains no real knowledge of the manners, costumes, and institutions of the Indian. Show managers compel the red man to act the white man's idea of a war dance. All is burlesque. The whole thing is deception." He said accurate books and historical plays are needed: The contrast between the morbid curiosity to see the red man as a savage in war-paint and the desire to see the Indian as a fellow human being, with the aid of good books by the family fireside, is a great advance. Dr. F.G. Speck, in the January Quarterly Journal, makes a just plea when he says, "Educate the white man up to the Indian."
1914, Feb 7 - The Indians are enraged at the film people, whom they claim distorted the action of the battle to belittle prowess of the redskins. Sioux nation is still planning to send a delegation to Washington DC.
1914, April 2 - Ogallala representatives petition Washington to suppress a battle film made of Wounded Knee. They object to the film being deemed as accurate and historical, being labeled a "battle" and not a "massacre," and the Indians painted as equal opponents to the white soldiers, rather than helpless, unarmed, innocent children, women, and elderly men.
1914, May 10 - Indian Dances Put Under Ban, Uncle Sam Assumed Role of Official Censor for Red Men. The Indian, regardless of statements to the contrary, holds the "Great White Father" in fearful esteem even to the point of abandoning many of their tribal dances.
1914, June 4 - "Red men who scalp, howl, gamble, thieve, murder, and burn have no place in the "movies." Such depictions are an insult to the civilized American Indian, who are now in the majority," says an Assistant Curator of the American Museum of Natural History. "
1914, June 13 - Order of Red Men continue to dress as Indians for community events, put on sham battles, give Indian dances, and pretend to scalp people.
1914, July - William F Cody (Buffalo Bill)'s movie, Indian Wars Refought by United States Army, is a hit. It is entered into the historic records of Washington, as an accurate portrayal of actual conflicts between the US military and indigenous people. American Indians tried to stop the film, saying it it one-sided, inaccurate, biased and hurtful.
1914, August 20 - American Indian children see non-Indian children dressed in Indian costumes - and laugh.
1914, Sept 7 - When the West Was Young directed by Colin Campbell (watch video here)
1914, Oct - Chauncey Yellow Robe (Sioux), spoke at the Society of Indians conference about The Menace of the Wild West Show: he wished " to call your attention to the evil and degrading influence of commercializing the Indian before the world" He also spoke out about the US government filming the Wounded Knee battle scene incorrectly, "This is a disgrace and injustice to the Indian race."
1914, Dec 11 - 100 American Indians present their petition to the President, asking to investigate the condition of their people, and to help minors in probate court and help secure defense of American Indians.
1914, Dec 26 - Well renowned Winnebago painter, illistrator, rights advocate, indigenous art expert and teacher - Angel De Cora Deitz - protested against the US government using the indigenous symbol of a Thunderbird on the soldiers clothing. She called it "an unfortunate perversion" of Native American culture.
1915, Jan 22 - The Cleveland writers had a brunch of Cleveland Club officers - resulting in deciding to call their club the Indians.
1915, Feb 5 - (Cleveland changed their name) "But you'll notice that the fans and scribes outside of Cleveland are calling 'em Naps, because "Indians" doesn't strink one as appropriate in any way.
1915, April 4 - "Following the example of the Boston Braves" article about the Cleveland Indians.
1914, April-May - There is yet a widespread tendency to think of the American Indian as he used to be, rather than as he now it. Where is the small boy who does not picture the Indian as a savage in war paint and feathers, ready to sally forth with tomahawk and spear to avenge himself upon his foes? Where is the small girl who does not avoid reading the Indian stories which so delight her brother, and does not feel sorry for other little girls who live on prairies where they are liable to an unexpected visit from the Indians almost any hour of the day or night? Where is the father who does not enjoy getting an Indian costume for his little boy and even take pleasure in helping him put up a wigwam in the back yard? And where is the mother who does not clap her hands over her ears when that same small son and his pals chase one another round the house, "yelling like Indians"? - American Indian Magazine
1915, Aug 10 - Rev. Sherman Coolidge, Arapaho, president of the American Society of Indians, declared that Wild West shows depicting Indian massacres were evil. He said Buffalo Bill and others who make their money exploiting the Indian race, were making children fear Indians. These shows, and the movies, "grossly misrepresent the Indian race.
1915, Oct 14 - "The Christian or progressive Indians do not like the way in which he dances are performed by the Indians engaged. The Indians do not paint themselves or don fantastic garb when they give the real dances in the Long House. The rites as given on a recent Sunday are repugnant to the Christian Indians.
1916, Jan 10 - Boy Scouts will give an Indian Dance to the public.
1916, May - Article appears in the Christian Science Monitor, The First Indian Day. One of the quotes: "We do not wish to be known as savages, but we wish to be known as we really are."
1916, Sep 10 - Picturesque Indian Dance Now Filmed - by special permission, on the Hoopa reservation (Cal), of the White Deer Dance - which few white people have ever seen.
1917, July 5 - Indians Protest Against Ban on Medicine Dance - a Delegation of Chippewas (Red Lake Reservation) - representing about 1000 Chippewas, visits Minnesota Governor to request him to use influence in Washington.
1918 - the Native American Church was founded and “emphasiz[ed] the importance of monogamy, sobriety, and hard work”
1918, Dec 12 - .."the word 'squaw' is not an Indian word, but one manufactured by the English speaking people.. We have always resented this word, which carries with it a sense of derision and insult."
1918, Dec 15 - Cecil B. DeMille releases The Squaw Man. (Click here to see video)
1919, Nov 6 - After WWI, any Native American who had fought with honorable discharge was also considered a citizen through a citizenship Act.
1920, June 25 - Prescott, Arizona puts on a Frontier Days fundraiser - which included a mock tribe of white businessmen - The Smoki's - that put on a zany performance of the sacred, Hopi Snake Dance. It became a yearly tradition, with the town building their entire tourism industry (and a museum) around this mockery - until they were forced to end it in 1991.
1920, Aug 28 - An estimated 250 automobiles from all over the US traveled to Arizona to see Hopi perform their annual Snake Dance. It's not unusual for 400 to 500 people to see the Snake Dance.
1920, Aug 29 - The Los Angeles Times reports, after witnessing the Hopi Snake Dance, that it is a religious ceremony, one of the most important dances of the Hopi, and the ancient rites are understood ONLY by the Priests.
1921, March 6 - Native American actress Esther Deer (Princess White Deer) sues a magazine for violating her Civil Rights - when they published her photo without permission.
1921, March 14 - A Romanian Queen visits the US and wants to see "American life," which includes cowboys and Indians."
1921, May 13 - Kate T. Cory, a painter from Arizona, who resided with the Hopi Indians for a time and learned some of the ancient, traditional ways, told the people of Prescott, Ariz. some of the secrets told to her by the Hopi's - so the people could mock the ancient ceremonies for tourist dollars in their areas and create their own "tribe" - the Smoki's.
1921, Sep 4 - The Hopi Indians do gain tourism dollars from their annual Snake Dance ceremonies, and even said: "And the folk who make the 100 or more miles' trip into desert require all kinds of services and help that gives the thrifty Hope extremely profitable employment." Therefore, when the Prescott, Az "Smoki tribe" hold their "fundraiser" 3 months earlier, they had to be fully aware that they were taking tourist dollars from Hopi's.
1921, Dec 12 - American Indians are joining the Chinese to film their own movies - making themselves the heroes, for once.
1923, Jan 1 - "Blanket" Indians replaced by Modern Dressed Man (who is taking more interest in his community and state)
1923, April - Popular Mechanics - Article A White Brother of the Snake - When asked if the Hopi like the Smoki imitation Snake Dance, an interviewed man says the Hopi are jealous of the white men's ceremonies, and most Hopis have not yet seen it - but will in 1924. The Smoki fake tribe planned to expand their dances (and their cultural appropriation).
1923, June 10 - "the weird snake dance of the Pueblo Indians, done to the beating of tomtoms, will continue," wrote the Arizona Daily Star, "To these redskins the dance symbolizes a form of worship. And for a government to attempt to legislate religion is not only against the American constitution but is folly as well." "What Easter signifies to the Christian world, what the Feast of Passover is to the Jews, so is the snake dance to the Red Man."
1923, June 19 - The fake tribe of "Smoki Indians from Prescott, Arizona, "In order that the sacred ritual of the Hopi snake dance may not pass, Indians have initiated a select number of whites into its mysteries. These neophytes, prominent business men of Prescott, Ariz, made up to resemble Hopi, call themselves the Smoki People. Only old-timers can detect the masquerade. .." -- This is a lie.
1924, March 1 - A cartoon for children - Felix Goes West - is released where a cat is attacked by Indians with bows and arrows.
1924, June 2 - Indian Citizenship Act gave citizenship to all Indian people, but not the right to vote to everyone.
1924, July 18 - While the Bureau of Indian Affairs continues to prohibit many Indian dances (including the Hopi Snake Dance) " white folk are organized to perpetuate them so that they may not vanish from the soil of their inception when the last Moki trails beyond the portals of his lost land." (This is cultural appropriation and cultural theft)
1925, June 13 - "Throng at Rites of Smokis In Prescott Shatters All Records" - the fake Smoki tribe continues to mock the Hop Snake Dance - while the Hopi fight to hold their own dances without government interference.
1925, Dec 26 - Ad for "The Red Rider" show with "Indians! Palefaces! Tomahawks! Tom Toms! Medicine Men!" also says "The redskins in all his glory of attack, the redskin in treachery, the redskin as ruler of the forest and plain fighting to hold back the on-rush of pioneer caravans. The shrill warwhoop... It's a great Indian drama..."
1926, Jan 30 - In the filming of the movie, "The Scarlet West," Indian actors refused to "be killed."
1926, March 28 - "An Indian boy" named Blue Arrow wrote into an advice columnist, Aunt Dolly, stating that "white boys jeer me in school and call me distasteful names, "Redskin" and "Injun" and it hurts." He asked how to handle them.
1926, June 11 - The Smoki (fake - white men ) Indians put on a better show.. while a Hopi chief begs Washington to continue their sacred, ancient rites. "The big hit of that first day was a snake dance, a dance that was suggested by a young man of Prescott and intended to be an amusing travesty of the Hopi Indian snake dance.." Up to 10,000 tourists would visit
1926, July 10 - world's first privately erected free rural Indian school (according to newspaper story) is dedicated at Glacier Park, Mont.
1926, July 10 - " the Indians didn't have to die to become good Indians. They just had to cease being real contenders for the source of all the white man's wealth -- which is the land upon which we stand." -Chief Heavy Breast
1926, Aug 9 - Chief Soloftoche, Hopi, and his men are performing their Hopi dances for the public in an effort to have white people judge for themselves, whether their dances are bad and deserve to be banned by the government.
1926, Sep 22 - While the Hopi's fight a ban to have their sacred, religious dances prohibited by the federal government, the Smoki fake tribe (of white businessmen) from Prescott, Arizona, say "They do dramatize and build to a better climax than the Indians themselves do, and they add greatly to the spectacle value of the original rites..
1927, Jan 7 - A legal battle to determine whether North American Indians are to be treated as aliens when entering the United States from Canada or accorded the rights under treaties nearly 200 years old, opened in federal district court...
1927, March 12 - Hopi tribal representatives continue their tour of the US, showing their dances, such as the Snake Dance, that the government is trying to ban, but the white businessmen of Prescott, Arizona are turning into a pageant show.
1927, March 18th - Is an Iroquois with supposed dual citizenship (US and Canada) an alien in the USA? Judge Oliver B. Dickinson ruled that for the American Indian, no boundary line exists.
1927, June 10 - Article states that the fake Smoki Tribe (of white Arizona businessmen) are preserving Indian Ritual in Annual Presentation of Hopi Dances - while Hopi representatives are touring, and trying to lift a government ban.
1927, Aug 19 - "Indians resent terms derogatory to race" .. [ words such as buck squaw, papoose is an offense] "of all the wrongs and injustices suffered by the Indian race.. none causes more bitter, burning resentment.. than this of declassing Indians apart from all human kind..."
1927, Sept 29 - The War Paint Club is established to fight for rights and roles of Hollywood Native actors.
1927, Nov 9th - Syndicated educational column, High Lights of History, tells a one-sided story of Beecher's Island - showing Cheyenne massacring settlers, attacking railroads, and impeding American progress.
1927, Nov 27th - "In our Indian history we have had many great men, commanders, statesmen, farmers, lawyers. These men should be represented to the school children." - Scott H Peters, Chippewa, representing the Grand Council of American Indians. " If history textbooks need revision let us use the occasion to do justice to the 100 percent Americans. ".. The Indian has long been hurt by these unfair books. We ask only that story be told in fairness. We do not ask you to overlook what we did, but we do as you to understand it. A true program of America first will give a generous place to the culture and history of the American Indian.
1927, Dec 1 - a delegation of American Indians make a statement to Chicago mayor demanding that the truth about American Indian people be told - and included - in the new history books that are being written. "We [first Americans].. ask you while you are teaching school children about America first, teach them the truth about the first Americans."
1927, Dec 2 - Grand Council of American Indians (all Native group) ask Chicago mayor for a fair and honest portrayal of American Indians - and their history - in school textbooks.
1927, Dec 15 - High Lights of History (an educational comic series) depicts one-sided Custer's Last Campaign strip
1928, March 20 - Article states that "The genuine Smokis and Hopis are of the same tribe and the names are used interchangeably." - The Smoki tribe of white businessmen are promoting themselves as part of the Hopi nation.
1928, April 18 - Paul Diabo, Iroquois (Canadian) fights for rights of dual citizenship - as ancient rights.
1928. June 22 - The Hopi continue to perform their annual Snake Dance to hundreds, though it's supposed to be banned.
1929, Aug 22 - Luther Standing Bear criticizes scanty clothing of white women (saying Native women are modest)
1930, Jan 5 - Hopi Indian chiefs saved their right to perform their Snake Dance freely, without government interference, after 6 years of touring and performing their dances by 5 men. The men returned home to Arizona.
1932, May 21 - The War Paint Club - is founded, made up of 14 tribes. They work as a casting agency and advocacy group.
1933 - William Henry Dietz, who falsely called himself "Lone Star," and who was proven to be a German Indian impostor, is hired by the Washington Redskins as a coach.
1933, April 2 - "I think they should use bona fide Indians as extras and in atmosphere scenes. For a long time almost every nationality has represented us, often to the discredit of the Indian, on the screen" - Jim Thorpe
1934 - Indian Reorganization Act restored recognition of the tribal system and reservations - but more than 90 million acres passed from the Indians, leaving them 48 million of their own land.
1934. March 15 - "This business of motion picture companies casting Mexicans, Hawaiians, Arabs, Negroes and Chinese as American Indians in their productions has got to stop." - Chief Many Treaties, Blackfoot. A Hollywood producer replied that most local Indians don't look Indian-enough for the audience so they cast other races who do.
1934, March 25 - Hollywood Indians demand producers be prohibited from using non-Indians in roles.
1934, Sept 15 - Order of Red Men give credit to the Aborigines for our democracy: "500 years ago, in the lake regions of central New York, brought forth upon this continent the first principle of democratic government known in the world"
1935, June 9 - Indians in Hollywood for jobs as extras have gone on the warpath against phony aborigines... Jim Thorpe leads a movement to have "Only American Indians for American Indian parts."
1936. May 9 - "We want Indians who can ride and who look like Indians," said the casting director looking for "types" for "Ramona." The film, with Loretta Young, starts son in technicolor. Too many of Hollywood's Indians look like white men, and in a color picture the make-up men haven't time to concentrate on the atmosphere players."
1936, Aug 16 - "We want storm and rain from every direction so our springs may be filled and the life-saving corn may grow, and so we will have food for our children. Then when our children have eaten may there be food for all." - Hopi prayer chanted at beginning of 9-day Hopi festival that is free from government ban since 1930.
1936, Sept 14 - Jim Thorpe said studios mistreat real Indians by painted white actors skins, putting them in feathers and costumes and calling them Indians
1936, Oct 12 - A Hollywood film company was filming southwestern first people who were putting on a demonstration. After about 6 days, the performers were done. They announced, "We want to quit now. We're tired of playing Indian!"
1936, Oct 12 - directors call for Indian actors, but often use Filipino, Asians, etc in roles because Native people didn't look like Indian enough... "He couldn't understand that Indians of various tribes may be as different as Spaniards and Swedes." Jim Thorpe, who turned into a Hollywood activist and actor, says "... this sort of thing is grossly unfair to our people. If such discrimination continues, it will mean that most of us simply cannot make a living."
1937, June 14 - Though the Hopi have been free from a government ban since 1930, and performing their annual Snake Dance for the public, the Smoki Tribe of white businessmen, imitating the Hopi Dance, continue to say ""These ceremonials will be handed down so the impressive rituals of the Indians, some of whom have abandoned their tribal rites, will not die." The white men continue to justify their mocking of the religious ritual as them saving the sacred rite.
1937, Sept 18 - Article in opposition to the mural 'Dangers of the Mail' - that is supposed to be historically accurate.
1937, Oct 14 - Historians, American Indians, and Ethologists, and BIA Commissioner all call out the "craziest thing" Washington DC mural - Dangers of the Mail - for being completely historically inaccurate, and racist towards Native people, who are portrayed as savages killing nude women. Mechau, the artist, can not prove the validity of the depiction, because it never happened, and said the brutality is creative - and the women are only "roughly handled," not scalped.
1937, Nov 24 - Chief Fred Eitawageshik, leader of the Michigan Indian Defense association announced he is preparing an active campaign to stop portrayals of "phony Indians" in fiction and plays.
1938, Feb 12 - Children should learn the "truth about Indians." (the whitewashed truth.. but still)
1938, Aug 4 - Hopi tried to persuade the Indian Bureau in Washington recently to issue an injunction or something against the Smokis (fake "Indian tribe" of white Arizona businessmen), but the government said they had no power over the white men, who just built a $100,000 theater backdrop (Over $1.7 million in today's dollars). "The snake dance belongs to the Hopis," said the Chief.. The dance is a part of our faith. The paleface has no more right to make mockery of it than we have to mock the paleface's God." The Smoki's admitted that the Hopi's had been disgusted with their mockery since the beginning.
1938, Aug 9 - Francis Coleman, Chippewa Nation, is disgusted with "white men trying to imitate us in our ceremonial dances" at the appearance of white men dressed as Indians in Milwaukee's midsummer festival.
1939, Nov 23 - "..no matter how much hard the white man has done, he’ll never be able to destroy the poetry and depth of feeling in the ritual of the Indian.”
1939, March 20 - Article: "The Indians are Coming!" - A movie film is using actual Indians.
1939, Dec 3 - Indians Protest Hollywood's Casting Snub - "Isn't it only fair to the public to ask that movie Indians be real Indians?"
1940 - WWII drafted in more American Indian soldiers under the Nationality Act of 1940, and when some 25,000 veterans returned home, still, not everyone was allowed to vote.
1940's - the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) created a campaign to eliminate negative stereotyping of Native American people in the media.
1940, March 24 - Canadian Iroquois Not Aliens, Not Citizens. (the debate continues)
1940, July 30 - Hopi continue to want a ban on the white businessmen of Prescott, Arizona calling themselves "Smoki Indians" and imitating their religious dances. A newspaper article with the Smoki's photo said "No Injuns Needed."
1940, Dec 19 - As of today, Canadian Indians will register "under protest" to comply with the act that they are aliens on USA soil. They protested, in war regalia, holding signs "We did not fingerprint the pilgrims when they arrived"
1941, March 10 - Deeply grieved over "profanation" of their sacred ceremonial dances by profit-minded white people and tribal renegades, responsible heads of the Hopi Indians are in Phoenix to protest - the Smoki fake tribe of Arizona. Newspapers across the country write about the Smoki-Hopi feud, while Max Factor makeup labs are photographed adding their makeup to "Smoki Indian" actors. Another article said the actors "paints his body like a while Indian."
1941, May 1 - Terms such as squaw, buck, brave and papoose - "carry a stigma which the Indians do not deserve." The Clearing House for Southwestern Museums voted to abolish offensive words and phrases.
1941, Aug 11 - Navajos Flock to Defense of Country (WWII)
1941, Aug 20 - Hopi Snake Dance Remain the Same After 400 Years (article). "Modern civilization has introduced iron bedsteads, canned groceries, velvet to make bright colored blouses and rattley pickup trucks. But the life of the Hopi still is bound up in his religious ceremonies that continue throuhout the year. "
1942, Aug 10: The Hopi continue to stage their Snake Dance for the public... and it is awesome.
1944, Nov 17: The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is born. It is the oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities. Wikipedia page is here.
1946, July 28 - Of the Hopi Snake Dance "During the 65 years since accounts of the dance first were published, the Hopis have guarded carefully the secrets of the ritual handed down for hundreds of years." -- The Smoki fake tribe in Prescott continues.
1948, June 18 - The Smoki (fake tribe of white businessmen from Prescott, Arizona) continue to claim that they "depict Indian ceremonials in an effort to keep alive the lore of the past" .. even though Hopi have asked them to stop.
1949, April 18 - Outraged Native people protest an art exhibit depicting the New Ulm Indian "massacre" at Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Stating that events aren't true and offer not context, "...a display like this will give people an entirely erroneous idea of Indians."
1951, Nov 1 - The Hopi complained to the Arizona State Fair that their 60-foot Kachina statue was incorrect. The fair corrected their display.
1952, April 27 - Photo essay of "the oldest of all continuously inhabited communities in the United States is the little Indian town of Oraibi, Ariz."
1952, Aug 28 - White men Mocking Sacred Dance, Indian Priest Says. Hopi ask, again, for the Smoki (white businessmen) to stop imitating their sacred ceremonies. "They are making fun of our religion and we wish they would not continue"
1952, Sept 23 - The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper published an apology to the Hopi/Pueblo tribes for publishing a photograph of William Field dressed as a Kachina Hopi religious figure, with the caption "Ever see a Kachina Charleston?" Hopi leaders were furious. The newspaper wrote: "This newspaper, through sheer ignorance, abetted an affront to sacred Indian rituals by publishing a photograph of a white man dancing a modern dance while wearing an accurate copy of a sacred ceremonial mask. The New Mexican intended no disrespect to the Hopi or Pueblo tribes, or to their religious beliefs. Our profound apology is hereby extended. " Mr Field also apologized, saying .." beg you to believe that I meant no harm in this display of ignorance."
1952, Sept 25 - Hopi may bar white men from witnessing their sacred rituals - if white people don't stop disrespecting their sacred religious ceremonies - includes the Smoki fake tribe of Arizona, and a young man who dressed up in a Hopi Katchina costume for a Santa Fe, NM fiesta.
1953, July 10 - Photograph of boy scouts, in "Indian clothing," wearing headdresses, tepees in the background, practicing a "Snake Dance" of the Comanche Indians.
1953, Aug 9 - Article - The Hopi Mesa - Land of the Snake Dancers - is published in Arizona Republic
1954, Aug 3 - Hopi continue to battle with the Smoki "Indian Tribe" (white businessmen of Prescott, Arizona) who mock their sacred dances. "The leaders are at a loss to understand why the white man expects everyone to show deep respect for his religion but would show a total disregard and disrespect for the religion and sacred ceremonies of others." The Hopis stage a protest, asking Prescott NOT to perform their sacred bean dance. Prescott not only ignored the protest, they also dressed in Kachina masks and further disrespected the Hopi and their culture.
1955. May 29 - A newspaper printed that the Cleveland Indians were named after Sockalexis, which was not true.
1956, Nov 8 - Dispelling the myth that "squaws were slaves and drudges for their husbands when in reality [they] were not purchased.. and their work easily equaled by that of their husbands."
1957, Aug 2 - Hopi leaders close their ceremonies to the pubic - because the public disrespected the sacred rituals.
1959, April 11 - Yugoslavia businessman wants to see "real Indians with tepees and bows and arrows."
1963, Aug 23 - Hopi Indians stage Ancient Snake Rite (to the public, I believe)
1964, March 29 - Wagon Train critic: ..the main trouble comes from the script, which consists of bits and pieces from all only-good-Indian-is-dead-Indian stories every done. A superficial examination of prejudice on the frontier, with a lot of stock footage Indian fights.
1965 - the Voting Rights Act (VRA) ended states suffrage for American Indians and created a federal law allowing ALL American Indians the right to vote.
1966, May 8 - terms such as "squaw," "papoose," and "redskin" are out-of-date.
1967, Oct 13 - The Kokomo High School homecoming theme is "Beat the Indians" (a rival team: South Bend St Joseph Indians) and they burn an Indian in effigy, paraded floats called "Exterminate," "Ham's Fort Kill," "Indians Beware," "The only good Indian is a dead Indian" and someone playing a dead Indian, being killed, under a sign saying Massacre.
1967, Dec 9 - The Order of the Red Men are called out: [the order] whose purpose is "to keep alive the customs, ceremonies and philosophies of American Indians," but bars Indians from membership.
1968 - The Indian Civil Rights Act was passed, guaranteeing many civil/voting rights guaranteed to every US citizen, plus others specifically for Native people (sovereignty, hunting and fishing rights, etc.)
1968, Dec 1 - Letter to the editor by George C Whyte says that a previous story "eloquently showed how interested people are in this "dead" or "extinct" Indian culture, which was destroyed upon the arrival of white man."
1969 - After years of unequal schooling, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was formed to fight for equal education for Native Americans
1970 - President Nixon renounced termination of tribal status policies in favor of retaining government trusteeship over Indians and increasing federal spending on Indina programs.
1970, April 3 - American Indian Movement representatives charge Chief Wahoo as insulting.
1971, June 6 - Newspaper article "Indians Cannot be Red Men but Fraternal Order Proud to Perpetuate 'The Nobelest Type of Man.'
1971, Aug 18 - The Hopis claim that rude tourists came to see their sacred ceremonies and they are closing it to the public.
1972, Jan 23 - An ad is published showing two racist portrayals of Native Americans. A letter to the editor is published, with Fred Myer (president of American Indian Cultural Center in Iowa) objects to the stereotypes. "The modern Indian people should be no more pictured with a tomahawk, pot-belly and war bonnet than modern white man should be pictured as a slave owner, buffalo slaughterer and ruthless conqueror of 150 years ago."
1973, Feb 13 - The Cleveland Indians stated a PR campaign, stating a false story about their team name: They stated that the team was named after Sockalexis who played in 1897, and died in absurdity in 1913.
1973, June 27 - Article about the struggle for indigenous rights says "'Only Good Indian Dead Indian' -- With Whites It Was All Too True" and .. "a treaty was good only until the government changed its mind."
1973, Aug 5 - Indian author, Virginia Sneve, says "We prefer Dakota women, not Squaw."
1976, Aug 19 - 53 years after telling the world that the Hopi Snake Dance is the same as Easter to a Christian, the Hopi say it once more: "The ceremonial is as sacred to us as your church services, your Easter sunrise ceremony, for instance, are to you." They have rules for whites attending their rites - and open the ceremonies back to the public.
1978 - The American Indian Religious Freedom Act was passed.
1978, May 21 - The lie told by the Cleveland Indians - that their team was named to honor a 1897 player who died in 1913 - Sockalexis - goes around the newspapers again.
1983, April 30 - "Words like that [squaw] are used to make people of color feel inferior, like they are less than human." .. The National Congress of American Indians is pushing for legislation to remove the word squaw - a term for female genitalia in certain languages - from federal lands and property.
1983, Sept 19 - Hopi elders say, again, that the Prescott Smoki fake Indian tribe should stop mocking their sacred dances and ceremonies, saying the white men are exploiting their religion for greed, "He tried to tell them that it was not a plaything... (that) the performance of these rituals should not be for commercial purposes." They continue.
1984, July 15 - An interview with the white business-people from Prescott, Arizona defend their right to mock/recreate sacred Indian dances saying "It's entertainment," but "when I was outfitted in my Snake costume it was serious business. When the drum and chanting started I reverted to an Indian. I was making rain." ....
1988 – The Minnesota State Board of Education adopts a resolution stating that the “use of mascots, emblems, or symbols depicting American Indian culture or race (is) unacceptable” and encourages all districts to immediately proceed to remove such mascots.
1988 – The State of Wisconsin Department of public Instruction issues a directive “strongly urging” all schools to discontinue using American Indian mascots. To date, 32 of 52 schools have changed.
1988, May 22 - Dennis the Menace cartoon starts with "Vamoose, squaws! We're braves on the warpath." A letter to the editor says "Being Indian is a game of pretend for little white children. It is okay to make fun of or fun out of being Indian. Male Indians are called braves, wear a feathered head dress, wave “tommyhawks” and bows, and go on the warpath. Female Indians are called squaws, wear beads, braid their hair and carry pottery. Indians are wild. Not one of these statements is true of my tribe. Not all are true of any Indian tribe. Where do college students get the ideas which result in “subtle racism?” Where do little children learn that it is right to make fun of other cultures? They learn from your newspaper."
1990, Aug 5 - The Hopi continue to fight the fake Smoki "Indian tribe" of white men mocking their ancient ceremonies, in Arizona. “There was very casual kind of showmanship presented which we found insulting,.. But in terms of the style of singing and dancing, this was hilarious. Watching their dance, our people were swept with laughter.” The Smoki's claim they are not disrespectful, and it is theater.. an act. “Shuck the clothes off a white man, paint his body brown, give him a live snake in one hand and a rattle in the other, state the rhythmic beating of a deep-toned tom-tom, the hackles of his neck rise and he reverts to the primitive."
1990, Aug 12 - 100 Hopi protests the Prescott Smoki with signs saying "Thieves of Religion" and "Hopi Snake Dance is not for Profit." It was the overwhelmingly negative reaction to the Smoki Snake Dance that promoted the Tribal Council to go beyond just talking with the Smokis to staging a protest. "It is very unusual for Hopis to demonstrate,” Kim Secakuku said, “but this has been going on too long.”
1990, Aug 24 - While Hopis protest mimicking of sacred dance by white business-people calling themselves the Smoki (Prescott, Arizona), the Smoki respond with "It’s like when you have a TV program about the Bible, about Jesus. It’s like a pageant. Same thing.” They continue to perform the sacred ceremonies and ignore the Hopi's wishes.
1991, April 26 - The Smoki's FINALLY end their mocking and imitating performance of the sacred Hopi religious dances after 70 years of cultural appropriating and insulting the Hopi people.
1992 - Rep Jack Jackson (Navajo) would introduce a bill to ban "squaw" label for place names.
1994, June 22 - "It is hard to determine just when the word squaw came to have a connotation of contempt"...
1994, Aug 7 - The myth that the Cleveland Indians were named after Sockalexis "in tribute" continues.
1995 - Minnesota passed a law banning the use of "squaw" on geographical features.
1995, March 5 - Erwin High School drops their Squaw mascot (keeps Warriors)
1995, July 22 - Women fight to get "Squaw Creek Road" changed.
1996, Oct 17 - .. people are not looking for reasons to be offended, but many are trying to remove reasons that have been used for centuries-old offenses..
1996, Dec 9 - American Indians say the word "squaw" is derogatory and ask that place names be changed.
1998, June 19 - Time magazine used an offensive word, and Tim Giago called them out.
1999 - Society of Indian Psychologists release the following statement: Stereotypical and historically inaccurate images of Indians in general interfere with learning about them by creating, supporting and maintaining oversimplified and inaccurate views of indigenous peoples and their cultures. When stereotypical representations are taken as factual information, they contribute to the development of cultural biases and prejudices, (clearly a contradiction to the educational mission of the University.) In the same vein, we believe that continuation of the use of Indians as symbols and mascots is incongruous with the philosophy espoused by many Americans as promoting inclusivity and diversity.
2000, April 4 - Maine is to rename all communities and landmarks with the name "Squaw."
2000, Oct 10 - Wisconsin is set to remove "Squaw" from place names
2000, Dec 3 - Frank Mechau's inaccurate and fictionalized mural, Dangers of the Mail, was hung in the brand new EPA building at Washington DC. Native Americans, with 50 working in the building, protested. It remained.
2001 - the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released an advisory opinion calling for an end to the use of Native American images and team names by non-Native schools. Reasons included: the images and names are insensitive, inappropriate, disregard the long history of forced assimilation, should not be in education institutions, creates a hostile environment, may intimidate Native American students, and perpetuates stereotypes by misrepresenting indigenous people, and a lack of accuracy.
2002 – New Hampshire State Board of Education unanimously approves a resolution calling for local school districts to stop using American Indian sports mascots.
2003, April 12 - Squaw Peak will become "Piestewa Peak" - after a fallen American Indian female soldier.
2005 - the American Psychological Association issued a resolution "Recommending the Immediate Retirement of American Indian Mascots, Symbols, Images, and Personalities by Schools, Colleges, Universities, Athletic Teams, and Organizations" due to the harm done by creating a hostile environment, the negative impact on the self-esteem of American Indian children, and discrimination that may violate civil rights. It also impacts non-natives by reinforcing mainstream stereotypes, preventing learning about Native American culture.
2006, Aug 13 - Frank Mechau's painting, Dangers of the Mail, was again in the spotlight, Some people said it was art and shouldn't be censored, others said it was HISTORY and a part of the American heritage, and others said it created a hostile workplace. It was covered with a display. It was eventually moved to the William Clinton Building.
2012 - report from a United Nations indigenous human rights expert said using indigenous-themed mascots and names "obscures understanding of the reality of Native Americans today and instead help to keep alive racially discriminatory attitudes.
2013, Feb - the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) filed a complaint with the US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) stating that schools using Native-themed mascots, names, imagery is a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, because it creates an unequal learning environment and is harmful.
2015 - National Congress of American Indians successfully lobbied the State of California to ban the term "redskins" which is the name of a pro football team in Washington, from being used by public schools in the state of California.
2015, March 29 - Tribes continue to change place names in Oregon that use the word "Squaw."
2016, Jan 7 - ‘Get Off the Stage, Squaw!’ 14-Year-Old Native American Is No Stranger to Racism (by Tara Houska). It's included in this F&P column.
2017, Feb - The false story told by the Cleveland Indians regarding the origin of their name continues in print and on-line.
1909, Oct 16 - A hazing incident took place at Mount Union college (Alliance, Ohio) where they kidnapped a freshman, tarred and feathered him, and then did an Indian war dance around him.
1909, Dec 17 - Uncle Sam Puts Indian Dance Under the Ban.
1909, Dec 19 - The Improved Order of the Red Men support a giant memorial - to the Vanishing Race."
1910, June 24 - Article: Boys, want to Play Indian right? And shows how to make an Indian tepee, moccasins, and arrow.
1910, June 30 - Brant Sero/Ojijatekha (Mohawk) - declared his disdain for the publishers of books that "depicts the American Indians exclusively as a race of bloodthirsty scalpers and horse thieves." Soon after,
1910,July 2 The New York Times publishes a response to Sero's plea, entitled "A Mohawk Makes a Mistake" - stating that the dime novels paint his people "majestically," fairly viewed," and "an admirable as well as a picturesque savage" with "courage, dignity, and innate self-respect..." It's ended with "Certainly he has no need to be ashamed of them or to resent their exploitation by romancers who keep within the legend." --- Sound familiar? That was more than 100 years ago.
1911, Aug 10 - "It's a shame," said G C Griggs, of Texas, who wants the picturesque aboriginal Americans to join their picturesque aboriginal American-inspired fraternity, "that the Indian at present cannot join the order. The Independent Order of Red Men has one of its objects the perpetuation of Indian romance and tradition."
1910, Oct 25 - Arthur C. Parker, Seneca Nation objects to Native Indian performers misused in wild west and circus shows. "These are in most instances compelled to dress in Indian costume, generally that of the Sioux of the plains. " .. For the sum of from six to ten dollars a week these Indians are asked to misrepresent their people..." and "The great majority of Indians resent this, they feel the sting of its humiliation and they protest most emphatically. ... "
1911, February: 50+ delegates representing various tribal nations petition President Taft to prohibit moving-picture companies from falsely portraying the American Indians. Click below to read the many articles from this protest: " it is not only unfair to the Indian to paint him as given to the old excesses of his savage days but such representations have a demoralizing effect upon the youths that attend the moving picture shows."
* "the pictures grossly exaggerate true Indian life, portraying to the youth of our country that which is entirely false."
* "This picture we have just seen is absolutely devoid of anything like what an Indian would do under the circumstances." - A "movie man" responded, saying he doesn't see the problem.
* A letter from a non-Indian said "If the moving-picture film makers would try to make real representation of real Indians they would be valuable to preserve. But the way they are doing it now is simply to bring obloquy upon all concerned."
* "(Cheyenne Indian chiefs) objects to having theirrace depicted as villains with the most savage of instincts and little of thehumanitarian qualities which are supposed to characterize the white man."
* Shoshone delegates asked for Congressional legislation "prohibiting motion picture theaters exhibiting EXAGGERATED PICTURES OF INDIAN CUSTOMS."
1911, Feb 16 - "Only too often these blood-curdling dramas give an impulse .. (for boys) .. to go out and 'fight Indians'. "
1911, Feb 17 - “We have to go home tonight – if we didn’t, I would go to President Taft in the morning and ask him to close up this house. It is bad to be lied about to so many people and be helpless to defend yourself. We have a petition for the President, on the subject, but have not had a chance to present it, so we will attend to the business after we get home.” – Feb 17, 1911. The Washington Post.
1911, Feb 21 - (Cheyenne Indian chiefs) objects to having their race depicted as villains with the most savage of instincts and little of the humanitarian qualities which are supposed to characterize the white man.
1911, Feb 23 - A letter is written to the National Tribune stating that all Indian movies "put on war bonnets made of a feather duster, fold their arms and look as stern.."
1911, March 5 - Seminole Indians were in Washington (Taft would, that year, set aside land for reservation use) and were taken to theaters, and the tribe spokesman made a "vigorous objection to the Indian as portrayed in the motion picture, where they had found he was shown as either a coward or cruel and rapacious. This may possibly result in a different series of Indian views."
1911, March 5 - Seminole Indians were in Washington (Taft would, that year, set aside land for reservation use) and were taken to theaters, and the tribe spokesman made a "vigorous objection to the Indian as portrayed in the motion picture, where they had found he was shown as either a coward or cruel and rapacious. This may possibly result in a different series of Indian views."
1911, March 14 - Images of Hopi life and the Snake Dance appear in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
1911, April 24 - Navajo Indians sail to London to be part of a coronation parade in June - there were men, women and children - from Colorado and will represent, in the parade, the period when Great Britain controlled North America.
1911, July 13 - Laws are created to stop Indian Dances occurring on Sundays (called Blue Laws).
1911, July 18 - An article author, after seeing Wild West Indians parade through town, and whites dressed up as Indians, pondered -- What might Native people think of being copied: "-- whether they felt it to be a subtle form of flattery or a species of indignity to which the red man was forced to submit in the land of his fathers. "
1911, Aug 10 - The Order of the Red Men debate whether Aborigines should be granted membership, saying that their organization "has as one of its objects the perpetuation of Indian romance and tradition." It is rejected.
1911, Aug 20 - Indian Dances Become Thing of Past - because "These big meetings revive memories and traditions of the Indians and tend to discourage them in their efforts toward the simple life on the farm."
1911, Aug 24 - Thousands seek Snake Dance. Four non-Indians admitted to "Hopi Holy of Holies" and "Watch the priests wash and bless the serpents."
1911, Oct 22 - Article: Indianism of American Boys. I firmly believe that all American boys, at any rate those that are normal, are born Indians. This Indianism is suppressed by surrounding circumstances in babyhood and early boyhood. But, while it can be kept suppressed for a time, it is bound to break out eventually....
1911, Nov 11 - Fearful that the Indian agent at Segar will carry out his threat to abolish the "willow" and "gift" dances of the Cheyenne and Kiowa tribes, a delegation of braves has requested the Governor of Oklahoma to use his influence at Washington to prevent it.
1911, Nov 16 - Resentment of a proposed order which would prohibit Cheyenne and Kiowa Indians from holding their ancient willow dance and gift dance led a party of braves from those tribes to take the trail to the capital to ask Governor Cruce to use his influence with the Indian commission at Washington to stop the interference with the old tribal customs. The Cheyennes were headed by Cloud Chief, while Chief Washee was spokesman for the Kiowas. .... The Indians explained that they do not want to give up their two dances which are about to be put under the ban, as they are tribal affairs dating from time immemorial, when the Indians roamed the plains and were their own masters...
1911, Nov 22 - The false portrayal of Native people in film -- " it is instilling an antagonistic germ in the mind of the young American against the American Indian that, if continued may cause a bitterness." .... "To the average child - and adults too - the Indian is a yelling, paint-be-daubed creature, reeking of barbarism and possessing little or no intelligence.
1911, Nov 24 - Senator William J. Stone of Missouri loves cowboy & Indian movies (the ones being protested against) -- "His historical knowledge concerning the Indians is refreshed after viewing an Indian picture, and he says that he is in better position to discuss the affairs of the first Americans after he peruses an Indian picture on the films."
1911, Dec 3 - Indians Would Keep Their Tribal Dances - Cloud Chief and Warriors Protest to Oklahoma Governor - Red Men Say Their Rights Are Being Encroached Upon. -- "The swift stream of civilization is taking away from the Indian about all his forms of entertainment," the interpreter, speaking for Cloud Chief, told the governor, "and he wants to know if there is not some way this last encroachment upon the Indians' rights can be stopped."
1911, Dec 9 - Red Men [white guys] Held Big Peace Dance - Under the shadow of the Hunting Moon.... [Order of Red Men] held their annual pow-wow... About 150 braves and palefaces mingled on this joyous occasion.... Thirty-two war dances were on the program...
1911, Dec 13 - Two books for sale "How to Play Indian Successfully" and "Two Little Savages" - Woodcraft series
1911, Dec 19 - Ad: Boys $1.25 Indian Suits, 65c. Every boy likes to play Indians. Here's a chance..
1912, Jan - Moses Friedman, superintendent 1908-1914 of the Carlisle Indian school said he, and Native people, object to the movies that depict indigenous people. "Quite often the Indians are made to do acts of seemingly heartless cruelty. No possible good can come from these representation, and I am convinced that much hard and prejudice will result."
1912, April 10 - "The Indian Massacre" is on the screen across America. Children reenact such violent scenes, killing each other accidentally.
1912, May - The Lieutenant's Last Fight released. Thomas H. Ince, director. (watch video here)
1912, May 5 - Five-year-old Charles Harris is fatally burned Playing Indian (imitating moving pictures).
1912, Sept 16 - In an article titled "Poor Lo" Asserting Himself - says that a movement of the Society of American Indians are made of indigenous leaders (lawyers, farmers, doctors, artists, scientists, politicians, etc) who are marching "out of the dark ages."
1912, Sept 18 - Gov Wilson is initiated into a municipal organization called "Tribe of the Sioux" - with this statement "On the sacred tomahawk and pipe, I solemnly and sincerely promise and vow that henceforth and forever I shall endeavor to be a 'good Indian' whether successful or unsuccessful in the quest of moose or any other game, and that no matter how exalted my situation in life I shall neglect no opportunity to contribute to the welfare of the Tribe of the Sioux."
1912, Oct 4 - Francis Ford directed "Custer's Last Fight" (click here to watch video)
1912, Nov 29 - The Invaders, directed by Francis Ford (click here to watch video)
1913, Feb 4 - Article states that Geronimo (pronounced Heronimo), chief of the Apaches, discovered the mescal bean.
1913, Feb 13 - "The Indian has been commercialized, and Buffalo Bill is largely responsible for it," .. "As a result,"... "the old heathen custom of the dance, with all its heathenish practices, is being revised."
1913, May 31 - Washington permits the Sioux to revive the Indian Ghost Dance - for exhibition purposes only (meaning, to put on a show for white audiences, and not for themselves).
1913, July 29 - Wild West Films Blamed for Shooting of Boy.
1913, July 31 - The Sheriff having "seen" Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill, it is reported that their Wild West show will go out of existence. But aren't there any other "Bills" to fill the American youngster with longing to shoot Indians and rope cows?"
1913, Aug 7 - Of the Wild West show, a writer said "While this civilizing process is beneficial in the majority of instances, it destroys for the public the romance of the Indian character. The public prefers to see the real Indian, fresh from his wild state on the reservations, and not the Indian whose only claim to being an aborigine is his color and an Indian dress which he may doff after the show."
1913, Aug 25 - Thousands see Snake Dance in Arizona, Four palefaces admitted to Hopi Holy of Holies
1913, Aug 25 - Buffalo Bill is retiring from the Wild West business and going bankrupt. One of the causes is the moving pictures of Wild West scenes and the many imitations of his Wild West shows that "flooded the country.."
1913, Aug 28 - Buffalo Bill Cody is producing battle films that wrongfully depict "battles" between the US government and Native Americans. "The pictures are being prepared from an education standpoint, as well as for the purpose of financial gain, and promise to be the best and most fascinating, instructive and entertaining western pictures ever produced."
1913, Oct 14 - Chauncey Yellow Robe (Sioux Nation) gives a speech at the Society of American Indians conference, the topic: The Indian and the Wild West Show, which he calls "degrading, demoralizing and degenerating" because the American Indian participates in "fraudulent savage demonstrations before the world. All these Wild West Shows are exhibiting the Indian worse than he ever was, and deprive him of his high manhood and individuality."
1913, Oct 16 - Chauncey Yellow Robe ridiculed Buffalo Bill's reenactment of Wounded Knee in a battle film (meant for historical preservation." "Heroes who weren't there," he said, "mocked our tragedy for cheap glory." In another article, he says: "You laugh, but my heart does not laugh. Women and children and old men of my people, my relatives, were massacred with machine guns by the soldiers of this Christian nation while the fighting men were away. It was not a glorious battle and I should think these two men would be glad they were not there. But no, they want to be heroes for moving pictures."
1913, Oct 18 - Gertrude Price, a reporter from Indiana, is on site of the filming of Buffalo Bills portrayal of Wounded Knee, in South Dakota.
1913, Nov 3 - Curator of the University of Nebraska, spoke out against a fictionalized Wounded Knee battle film: "In the picture the Indians are given all the blame for the massacre, when, .. the soldiers were the ones to blame and the reproduction of the fight the way it was taken by the motion picture company is a disgrace to the government under whose sanction it was taken."
1913, Nov 11 - Boy Kills Sister in Mimic Battle
1913, Dec 13 - A Sioux delegation spoke out, in Washington, about battle film reenactments filmed by Buffalo Bill Cody. They said the film is full of one-sided historical inaccuracies.
1914, Jan - E.H. Gohi (Tyagohwens) - adopted Onondaga - wrote of The Effect of Wild Westing, in which he says the Native performers are demoralized, mistreated, and deceived, and they are portrayed as savages. "Both sides lose, the whites as well as the red man. The spectator gains no real knowledge of the manners, costumes, and institutions of the Indian. Show managers compel the red man to act the white man's idea of a war dance. All is burlesque. The whole thing is deception." He said accurate books and historical plays are needed: The contrast between the morbid curiosity to see the red man as a savage in war-paint and the desire to see the Indian as a fellow human being, with the aid of good books by the family fireside, is a great advance. Dr. F.G. Speck, in the January Quarterly Journal, makes a just plea when he says, "Educate the white man up to the Indian."
1914, Feb 7 - The Indians are enraged at the film people, whom they claim distorted the action of the battle to belittle prowess of the redskins. Sioux nation is still planning to send a delegation to Washington DC.
1914, April 2 - Ogallala representatives petition Washington to suppress a battle film made of Wounded Knee. They object to the film being deemed as accurate and historical, being labeled a "battle" and not a "massacre," and the Indians painted as equal opponents to the white soldiers, rather than helpless, unarmed, innocent children, women, and elderly men.
1914, May 10 - Indian Dances Put Under Ban, Uncle Sam Assumed Role of Official Censor for Red Men. The Indian, regardless of statements to the contrary, holds the "Great White Father" in fearful esteem even to the point of abandoning many of their tribal dances.
1914, June 4 - "Red men who scalp, howl, gamble, thieve, murder, and burn have no place in the "movies." Such depictions are an insult to the civilized American Indian, who are now in the majority," says an Assistant Curator of the American Museum of Natural History. "
1914, June 13 - Order of Red Men continue to dress as Indians for community events, put on sham battles, give Indian dances, and pretend to scalp people.
1914, July - William F Cody (Buffalo Bill)'s movie, Indian Wars Refought by United States Army, is a hit. It is entered into the historic records of Washington, as an accurate portrayal of actual conflicts between the US military and indigenous people. American Indians tried to stop the film, saying it it one-sided, inaccurate, biased and hurtful.
1914, August 20 - American Indian children see non-Indian children dressed in Indian costumes - and laugh.
1914, Sept 7 - When the West Was Young directed by Colin Campbell (watch video here)
1914, Oct - Chauncey Yellow Robe (Sioux), spoke at the Society of Indians conference about The Menace of the Wild West Show: he wished " to call your attention to the evil and degrading influence of commercializing the Indian before the world" He also spoke out about the US government filming the Wounded Knee battle scene incorrectly, "This is a disgrace and injustice to the Indian race."
1914, Dec 11 - 100 American Indians present their petition to the President, asking to investigate the condition of their people, and to help minors in probate court and help secure defense of American Indians.
1914, Dec 26 - Well renowned Winnebago painter, illistrator, rights advocate, indigenous art expert and teacher - Angel De Cora Deitz - protested against the US government using the indigenous symbol of a Thunderbird on the soldiers clothing. She called it "an unfortunate perversion" of Native American culture.
1915, Jan 22 - The Cleveland writers had a brunch of Cleveland Club officers - resulting in deciding to call their club the Indians.
1915, Feb 5 - (Cleveland changed their name) "But you'll notice that the fans and scribes outside of Cleveland are calling 'em Naps, because "Indians" doesn't strink one as appropriate in any way.
1915, April 4 - "Following the example of the Boston Braves" article about the Cleveland Indians.
1914, April-May - There is yet a widespread tendency to think of the American Indian as he used to be, rather than as he now it. Where is the small boy who does not picture the Indian as a savage in war paint and feathers, ready to sally forth with tomahawk and spear to avenge himself upon his foes? Where is the small girl who does not avoid reading the Indian stories which so delight her brother, and does not feel sorry for other little girls who live on prairies where they are liable to an unexpected visit from the Indians almost any hour of the day or night? Where is the father who does not enjoy getting an Indian costume for his little boy and even take pleasure in helping him put up a wigwam in the back yard? And where is the mother who does not clap her hands over her ears when that same small son and his pals chase one another round the house, "yelling like Indians"? - American Indian Magazine
1915, Aug 10 - Rev. Sherman Coolidge, Arapaho, president of the American Society of Indians, declared that Wild West shows depicting Indian massacres were evil. He said Buffalo Bill and others who make their money exploiting the Indian race, were making children fear Indians. These shows, and the movies, "grossly misrepresent the Indian race.
1915, Oct 14 - "The Christian or progressive Indians do not like the way in which he dances are performed by the Indians engaged. The Indians do not paint themselves or don fantastic garb when they give the real dances in the Long House. The rites as given on a recent Sunday are repugnant to the Christian Indians.
1916, Jan 10 - Boy Scouts will give an Indian Dance to the public.
1916, May - Article appears in the Christian Science Monitor, The First Indian Day. One of the quotes: "We do not wish to be known as savages, but we wish to be known as we really are."
1916, Sep 10 - Picturesque Indian Dance Now Filmed - by special permission, on the Hoopa reservation (Cal), of the White Deer Dance - which few white people have ever seen.
1917, July 5 - Indians Protest Against Ban on Medicine Dance - a Delegation of Chippewas (Red Lake Reservation) - representing about 1000 Chippewas, visits Minnesota Governor to request him to use influence in Washington.
1918 - the Native American Church was founded and “emphasiz[ed] the importance of monogamy, sobriety, and hard work”
1918, Dec 12 - .."the word 'squaw' is not an Indian word, but one manufactured by the English speaking people.. We have always resented this word, which carries with it a sense of derision and insult."
1918, Dec 15 - Cecil B. DeMille releases The Squaw Man. (Click here to see video)
1919, Nov 6 - After WWI, any Native American who had fought with honorable discharge was also considered a citizen through a citizenship Act.
1920, June 25 - Prescott, Arizona puts on a Frontier Days fundraiser - which included a mock tribe of white businessmen - The Smoki's - that put on a zany performance of the sacred, Hopi Snake Dance. It became a yearly tradition, with the town building their entire tourism industry (and a museum) around this mockery - until they were forced to end it in 1991.
1920, Aug 28 - An estimated 250 automobiles from all over the US traveled to Arizona to see Hopi perform their annual Snake Dance. It's not unusual for 400 to 500 people to see the Snake Dance.
1920, Aug 29 - The Los Angeles Times reports, after witnessing the Hopi Snake Dance, that it is a religious ceremony, one of the most important dances of the Hopi, and the ancient rites are understood ONLY by the Priests.
1921, March 6 - Native American actress Esther Deer (Princess White Deer) sues a magazine for violating her Civil Rights - when they published her photo without permission.
1921, March 14 - A Romanian Queen visits the US and wants to see "American life," which includes cowboys and Indians."
1921, May 13 - Kate T. Cory, a painter from Arizona, who resided with the Hopi Indians for a time and learned some of the ancient, traditional ways, told the people of Prescott, Ariz. some of the secrets told to her by the Hopi's - so the people could mock the ancient ceremonies for tourist dollars in their areas and create their own "tribe" - the Smoki's.
1921, Sep 4 - The Hopi Indians do gain tourism dollars from their annual Snake Dance ceremonies, and even said: "And the folk who make the 100 or more miles' trip into desert require all kinds of services and help that gives the thrifty Hope extremely profitable employment." Therefore, when the Prescott, Az "Smoki tribe" hold their "fundraiser" 3 months earlier, they had to be fully aware that they were taking tourist dollars from Hopi's.
1921, Dec 12 - American Indians are joining the Chinese to film their own movies - making themselves the heroes, for once.
1923, Jan 1 - "Blanket" Indians replaced by Modern Dressed Man (who is taking more interest in his community and state)
1923, April - Popular Mechanics - Article A White Brother of the Snake - When asked if the Hopi like the Smoki imitation Snake Dance, an interviewed man says the Hopi are jealous of the white men's ceremonies, and most Hopis have not yet seen it - but will in 1924. The Smoki fake tribe planned to expand their dances (and their cultural appropriation).
1923, June 10 - "the weird snake dance of the Pueblo Indians, done to the beating of tomtoms, will continue," wrote the Arizona Daily Star, "To these redskins the dance symbolizes a form of worship. And for a government to attempt to legislate religion is not only against the American constitution but is folly as well." "What Easter signifies to the Christian world, what the Feast of Passover is to the Jews, so is the snake dance to the Red Man."
1923, June 19 - The fake tribe of "Smoki Indians from Prescott, Arizona, "In order that the sacred ritual of the Hopi snake dance may not pass, Indians have initiated a select number of whites into its mysteries. These neophytes, prominent business men of Prescott, Ariz, made up to resemble Hopi, call themselves the Smoki People. Only old-timers can detect the masquerade. .." -- This is a lie.
1924, March 1 - A cartoon for children - Felix Goes West - is released where a cat is attacked by Indians with bows and arrows.
1924, June 2 - Indian Citizenship Act gave citizenship to all Indian people, but not the right to vote to everyone.
1924, July 18 - While the Bureau of Indian Affairs continues to prohibit many Indian dances (including the Hopi Snake Dance) " white folk are organized to perpetuate them so that they may not vanish from the soil of their inception when the last Moki trails beyond the portals of his lost land." (This is cultural appropriation and cultural theft)
1925, June 13 - "Throng at Rites of Smokis In Prescott Shatters All Records" - the fake Smoki tribe continues to mock the Hop Snake Dance - while the Hopi fight to hold their own dances without government interference.
1925, Dec 26 - Ad for "The Red Rider" show with "Indians! Palefaces! Tomahawks! Tom Toms! Medicine Men!" also says "The redskins in all his glory of attack, the redskin in treachery, the redskin as ruler of the forest and plain fighting to hold back the on-rush of pioneer caravans. The shrill warwhoop... It's a great Indian drama..."
1926, Jan 30 - In the filming of the movie, "The Scarlet West," Indian actors refused to "be killed."
1926, March 28 - "An Indian boy" named Blue Arrow wrote into an advice columnist, Aunt Dolly, stating that "white boys jeer me in school and call me distasteful names, "Redskin" and "Injun" and it hurts." He asked how to handle them.
1926, June 11 - The Smoki (fake - white men ) Indians put on a better show.. while a Hopi chief begs Washington to continue their sacred, ancient rites. "The big hit of that first day was a snake dance, a dance that was suggested by a young man of Prescott and intended to be an amusing travesty of the Hopi Indian snake dance.." Up to 10,000 tourists would visit
1926, July 10 - world's first privately erected free rural Indian school (according to newspaper story) is dedicated at Glacier Park, Mont.
1926, July 10 - " the Indians didn't have to die to become good Indians. They just had to cease being real contenders for the source of all the white man's wealth -- which is the land upon which we stand." -Chief Heavy Breast
1926, Aug 9 - Chief Soloftoche, Hopi, and his men are performing their Hopi dances for the public in an effort to have white people judge for themselves, whether their dances are bad and deserve to be banned by the government.
1926, Sep 22 - While the Hopi's fight a ban to have their sacred, religious dances prohibited by the federal government, the Smoki fake tribe (of white businessmen) from Prescott, Arizona, say "They do dramatize and build to a better climax than the Indians themselves do, and they add greatly to the spectacle value of the original rites..
1927, Jan 7 - A legal battle to determine whether North American Indians are to be treated as aliens when entering the United States from Canada or accorded the rights under treaties nearly 200 years old, opened in federal district court...
1927, March 12 - Hopi tribal representatives continue their tour of the US, showing their dances, such as the Snake Dance, that the government is trying to ban, but the white businessmen of Prescott, Arizona are turning into a pageant show.
1927, March 18th - Is an Iroquois with supposed dual citizenship (US and Canada) an alien in the USA? Judge Oliver B. Dickinson ruled that for the American Indian, no boundary line exists.
1927, June 10 - Article states that the fake Smoki Tribe (of white Arizona businessmen) are preserving Indian Ritual in Annual Presentation of Hopi Dances - while Hopi representatives are touring, and trying to lift a government ban.
1927, Aug 19 - "Indians resent terms derogatory to race" .. [ words such as buck squaw, papoose is an offense] "of all the wrongs and injustices suffered by the Indian race.. none causes more bitter, burning resentment.. than this of declassing Indians apart from all human kind..."
1927, Sept 29 - The War Paint Club is established to fight for rights and roles of Hollywood Native actors.
1927, Nov 9th - Syndicated educational column, High Lights of History, tells a one-sided story of Beecher's Island - showing Cheyenne massacring settlers, attacking railroads, and impeding American progress.
1927, Nov 27th - "In our Indian history we have had many great men, commanders, statesmen, farmers, lawyers. These men should be represented to the school children." - Scott H Peters, Chippewa, representing the Grand Council of American Indians. " If history textbooks need revision let us use the occasion to do justice to the 100 percent Americans. ".. The Indian has long been hurt by these unfair books. We ask only that story be told in fairness. We do not ask you to overlook what we did, but we do as you to understand it. A true program of America first will give a generous place to the culture and history of the American Indian.
1927, Dec 1 - a delegation of American Indians make a statement to Chicago mayor demanding that the truth about American Indian people be told - and included - in the new history books that are being written. "We [first Americans].. ask you while you are teaching school children about America first, teach them the truth about the first Americans."
1927, Dec 2 - Grand Council of American Indians (all Native group) ask Chicago mayor for a fair and honest portrayal of American Indians - and their history - in school textbooks.
1927, Dec 15 - High Lights of History (an educational comic series) depicts one-sided Custer's Last Campaign strip
1928, March 20 - Article states that "The genuine Smokis and Hopis are of the same tribe and the names are used interchangeably." - The Smoki tribe of white businessmen are promoting themselves as part of the Hopi nation.
1928, April 18 - Paul Diabo, Iroquois (Canadian) fights for rights of dual citizenship - as ancient rights.
1928. June 22 - The Hopi continue to perform their annual Snake Dance to hundreds, though it's supposed to be banned.
1929, Aug 22 - Luther Standing Bear criticizes scanty clothing of white women (saying Native women are modest)
1930, Jan 5 - Hopi Indian chiefs saved their right to perform their Snake Dance freely, without government interference, after 6 years of touring and performing their dances by 5 men. The men returned home to Arizona.
1932, May 21 - The War Paint Club - is founded, made up of 14 tribes. They work as a casting agency and advocacy group.
1933 - William Henry Dietz, who falsely called himself "Lone Star," and who was proven to be a German Indian impostor, is hired by the Washington Redskins as a coach.
1933, April 2 - "I think they should use bona fide Indians as extras and in atmosphere scenes. For a long time almost every nationality has represented us, often to the discredit of the Indian, on the screen" - Jim Thorpe
1934 - Indian Reorganization Act restored recognition of the tribal system and reservations - but more than 90 million acres passed from the Indians, leaving them 48 million of their own land.
1934. March 15 - "This business of motion picture companies casting Mexicans, Hawaiians, Arabs, Negroes and Chinese as American Indians in their productions has got to stop." - Chief Many Treaties, Blackfoot. A Hollywood producer replied that most local Indians don't look Indian-enough for the audience so they cast other races who do.
1934, March 25 - Hollywood Indians demand producers be prohibited from using non-Indians in roles.
1934, Sept 15 - Order of Red Men give credit to the Aborigines for our democracy: "500 years ago, in the lake regions of central New York, brought forth upon this continent the first principle of democratic government known in the world"
1935, June 9 - Indians in Hollywood for jobs as extras have gone on the warpath against phony aborigines... Jim Thorpe leads a movement to have "Only American Indians for American Indian parts."
1936. May 9 - "We want Indians who can ride and who look like Indians," said the casting director looking for "types" for "Ramona." The film, with Loretta Young, starts son in technicolor. Too many of Hollywood's Indians look like white men, and in a color picture the make-up men haven't time to concentrate on the atmosphere players."
1936, Aug 16 - "We want storm and rain from every direction so our springs may be filled and the life-saving corn may grow, and so we will have food for our children. Then when our children have eaten may there be food for all." - Hopi prayer chanted at beginning of 9-day Hopi festival that is free from government ban since 1930.
1936, Sept 14 - Jim Thorpe said studios mistreat real Indians by painted white actors skins, putting them in feathers and costumes and calling them Indians
1936, Oct 12 - A Hollywood film company was filming southwestern first people who were putting on a demonstration. After about 6 days, the performers were done. They announced, "We want to quit now. We're tired of playing Indian!"
1936, Oct 12 - directors call for Indian actors, but often use Filipino, Asians, etc in roles because Native people didn't look like Indian enough... "He couldn't understand that Indians of various tribes may be as different as Spaniards and Swedes." Jim Thorpe, who turned into a Hollywood activist and actor, says "... this sort of thing is grossly unfair to our people. If such discrimination continues, it will mean that most of us simply cannot make a living."
1937, June 14 - Though the Hopi have been free from a government ban since 1930, and performing their annual Snake Dance for the public, the Smoki Tribe of white businessmen, imitating the Hopi Dance, continue to say ""These ceremonials will be handed down so the impressive rituals of the Indians, some of whom have abandoned their tribal rites, will not die." The white men continue to justify their mocking of the religious ritual as them saving the sacred rite.
1937, Sept 18 - Article in opposition to the mural 'Dangers of the Mail' - that is supposed to be historically accurate.
1937, Oct 14 - Historians, American Indians, and Ethologists, and BIA Commissioner all call out the "craziest thing" Washington DC mural - Dangers of the Mail - for being completely historically inaccurate, and racist towards Native people, who are portrayed as savages killing nude women. Mechau, the artist, can not prove the validity of the depiction, because it never happened, and said the brutality is creative - and the women are only "roughly handled," not scalped.
1937, Nov 24 - Chief Fred Eitawageshik, leader of the Michigan Indian Defense association announced he is preparing an active campaign to stop portrayals of "phony Indians" in fiction and plays.
1938, Feb 12 - Children should learn the "truth about Indians." (the whitewashed truth.. but still)
1938, Aug 4 - Hopi tried to persuade the Indian Bureau in Washington recently to issue an injunction or something against the Smokis (fake "Indian tribe" of white Arizona businessmen), but the government said they had no power over the white men, who just built a $100,000 theater backdrop (Over $1.7 million in today's dollars). "The snake dance belongs to the Hopis," said the Chief.. The dance is a part of our faith. The paleface has no more right to make mockery of it than we have to mock the paleface's God." The Smoki's admitted that the Hopi's had been disgusted with their mockery since the beginning.
1938, Aug 9 - Francis Coleman, Chippewa Nation, is disgusted with "white men trying to imitate us in our ceremonial dances" at the appearance of white men dressed as Indians in Milwaukee's midsummer festival.
1939, Nov 23 - "..no matter how much hard the white man has done, he’ll never be able to destroy the poetry and depth of feeling in the ritual of the Indian.”
1939, March 20 - Article: "The Indians are Coming!" - A movie film is using actual Indians.
1939, Dec 3 - Indians Protest Hollywood's Casting Snub - "Isn't it only fair to the public to ask that movie Indians be real Indians?"
1940 - WWII drafted in more American Indian soldiers under the Nationality Act of 1940, and when some 25,000 veterans returned home, still, not everyone was allowed to vote.
1940's - the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) created a campaign to eliminate negative stereotyping of Native American people in the media.
1940, March 24 - Canadian Iroquois Not Aliens, Not Citizens. (the debate continues)
1940, July 30 - Hopi continue to want a ban on the white businessmen of Prescott, Arizona calling themselves "Smoki Indians" and imitating their religious dances. A newspaper article with the Smoki's photo said "No Injuns Needed."
1940, Dec 19 - As of today, Canadian Indians will register "under protest" to comply with the act that they are aliens on USA soil. They protested, in war regalia, holding signs "We did not fingerprint the pilgrims when they arrived"
1941, March 10 - Deeply grieved over "profanation" of their sacred ceremonial dances by profit-minded white people and tribal renegades, responsible heads of the Hopi Indians are in Phoenix to protest - the Smoki fake tribe of Arizona. Newspapers across the country write about the Smoki-Hopi feud, while Max Factor makeup labs are photographed adding their makeup to "Smoki Indian" actors. Another article said the actors "paints his body like a while Indian."
1941, May 1 - Terms such as squaw, buck, brave and papoose - "carry a stigma which the Indians do not deserve." The Clearing House for Southwestern Museums voted to abolish offensive words and phrases.
1941, Aug 11 - Navajos Flock to Defense of Country (WWII)
1941, Aug 20 - Hopi Snake Dance Remain the Same After 400 Years (article). "Modern civilization has introduced iron bedsteads, canned groceries, velvet to make bright colored blouses and rattley pickup trucks. But the life of the Hopi still is bound up in his religious ceremonies that continue throuhout the year. "
1942, Aug 10: The Hopi continue to stage their Snake Dance for the public... and it is awesome.
1944, Nov 17: The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is born. It is the oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities. Wikipedia page is here.
1946, July 28 - Of the Hopi Snake Dance "During the 65 years since accounts of the dance first were published, the Hopis have guarded carefully the secrets of the ritual handed down for hundreds of years." -- The Smoki fake tribe in Prescott continues.
1948, June 18 - The Smoki (fake tribe of white businessmen from Prescott, Arizona) continue to claim that they "depict Indian ceremonials in an effort to keep alive the lore of the past" .. even though Hopi have asked them to stop.
1949, April 18 - Outraged Native people protest an art exhibit depicting the New Ulm Indian "massacre" at Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Stating that events aren't true and offer not context, "...a display like this will give people an entirely erroneous idea of Indians."
1951, Nov 1 - The Hopi complained to the Arizona State Fair that their 60-foot Kachina statue was incorrect. The fair corrected their display.
1952, April 27 - Photo essay of "the oldest of all continuously inhabited communities in the United States is the little Indian town of Oraibi, Ariz."
1952, Aug 28 - White men Mocking Sacred Dance, Indian Priest Says. Hopi ask, again, for the Smoki (white businessmen) to stop imitating their sacred ceremonies. "They are making fun of our religion and we wish they would not continue"
1952, Sept 23 - The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper published an apology to the Hopi/Pueblo tribes for publishing a photograph of William Field dressed as a Kachina Hopi religious figure, with the caption "Ever see a Kachina Charleston?" Hopi leaders were furious. The newspaper wrote: "This newspaper, through sheer ignorance, abetted an affront to sacred Indian rituals by publishing a photograph of a white man dancing a modern dance while wearing an accurate copy of a sacred ceremonial mask. The New Mexican intended no disrespect to the Hopi or Pueblo tribes, or to their religious beliefs. Our profound apology is hereby extended. " Mr Field also apologized, saying .." beg you to believe that I meant no harm in this display of ignorance."
1952, Sept 25 - Hopi may bar white men from witnessing their sacred rituals - if white people don't stop disrespecting their sacred religious ceremonies - includes the Smoki fake tribe of Arizona, and a young man who dressed up in a Hopi Katchina costume for a Santa Fe, NM fiesta.
1953, July 10 - Photograph of boy scouts, in "Indian clothing," wearing headdresses, tepees in the background, practicing a "Snake Dance" of the Comanche Indians.
1953, Aug 9 - Article - The Hopi Mesa - Land of the Snake Dancers - is published in Arizona Republic
1954, Aug 3 - Hopi continue to battle with the Smoki "Indian Tribe" (white businessmen of Prescott, Arizona) who mock their sacred dances. "The leaders are at a loss to understand why the white man expects everyone to show deep respect for his religion but would show a total disregard and disrespect for the religion and sacred ceremonies of others." The Hopis stage a protest, asking Prescott NOT to perform their sacred bean dance. Prescott not only ignored the protest, they also dressed in Kachina masks and further disrespected the Hopi and their culture.
1955. May 29 - A newspaper printed that the Cleveland Indians were named after Sockalexis, which was not true.
1956, Nov 8 - Dispelling the myth that "squaws were slaves and drudges for their husbands when in reality [they] were not purchased.. and their work easily equaled by that of their husbands."
1957, Aug 2 - Hopi leaders close their ceremonies to the pubic - because the public disrespected the sacred rituals.
1959, April 11 - Yugoslavia businessman wants to see "real Indians with tepees and bows and arrows."
1963, Aug 23 - Hopi Indians stage Ancient Snake Rite (to the public, I believe)
1964, March 29 - Wagon Train critic: ..the main trouble comes from the script, which consists of bits and pieces from all only-good-Indian-is-dead-Indian stories every done. A superficial examination of prejudice on the frontier, with a lot of stock footage Indian fights.
1965 - the Voting Rights Act (VRA) ended states suffrage for American Indians and created a federal law allowing ALL American Indians the right to vote.
1966, May 8 - terms such as "squaw," "papoose," and "redskin" are out-of-date.
1967, Oct 13 - The Kokomo High School homecoming theme is "Beat the Indians" (a rival team: South Bend St Joseph Indians) and they burn an Indian in effigy, paraded floats called "Exterminate," "Ham's Fort Kill," "Indians Beware," "The only good Indian is a dead Indian" and someone playing a dead Indian, being killed, under a sign saying Massacre.
1967, Dec 9 - The Order of the Red Men are called out: [the order] whose purpose is "to keep alive the customs, ceremonies and philosophies of American Indians," but bars Indians from membership.
1968 - The Indian Civil Rights Act was passed, guaranteeing many civil/voting rights guaranteed to every US citizen, plus others specifically for Native people (sovereignty, hunting and fishing rights, etc.)
1968, Dec 1 - Letter to the editor by George C Whyte says that a previous story "eloquently showed how interested people are in this "dead" or "extinct" Indian culture, which was destroyed upon the arrival of white man."
1969 - After years of unequal schooling, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was formed to fight for equal education for Native Americans
1970 - President Nixon renounced termination of tribal status policies in favor of retaining government trusteeship over Indians and increasing federal spending on Indina programs.
1970, April 3 - American Indian Movement representatives charge Chief Wahoo as insulting.
1971, June 6 - Newspaper article "Indians Cannot be Red Men but Fraternal Order Proud to Perpetuate 'The Nobelest Type of Man.'
1971, Aug 18 - The Hopis claim that rude tourists came to see their sacred ceremonies and they are closing it to the public.
1972, Jan 23 - An ad is published showing two racist portrayals of Native Americans. A letter to the editor is published, with Fred Myer (president of American Indian Cultural Center in Iowa) objects to the stereotypes. "The modern Indian people should be no more pictured with a tomahawk, pot-belly and war bonnet than modern white man should be pictured as a slave owner, buffalo slaughterer and ruthless conqueror of 150 years ago."
1973, Feb 13 - The Cleveland Indians stated a PR campaign, stating a false story about their team name: They stated that the team was named after Sockalexis who played in 1897, and died in absurdity in 1913.
1973, June 27 - Article about the struggle for indigenous rights says "'Only Good Indian Dead Indian' -- With Whites It Was All Too True" and .. "a treaty was good only until the government changed its mind."
1973, Aug 5 - Indian author, Virginia Sneve, says "We prefer Dakota women, not Squaw."
1976, Aug 19 - 53 years after telling the world that the Hopi Snake Dance is the same as Easter to a Christian, the Hopi say it once more: "The ceremonial is as sacred to us as your church services, your Easter sunrise ceremony, for instance, are to you." They have rules for whites attending their rites - and open the ceremonies back to the public.
1978 - The American Indian Religious Freedom Act was passed.
1978, May 21 - The lie told by the Cleveland Indians - that their team was named to honor a 1897 player who died in 1913 - Sockalexis - goes around the newspapers again.
1983, April 30 - "Words like that [squaw] are used to make people of color feel inferior, like they are less than human." .. The National Congress of American Indians is pushing for legislation to remove the word squaw - a term for female genitalia in certain languages - from federal lands and property.
1983, Sept 19 - Hopi elders say, again, that the Prescott Smoki fake Indian tribe should stop mocking their sacred dances and ceremonies, saying the white men are exploiting their religion for greed, "He tried to tell them that it was not a plaything... (that) the performance of these rituals should not be for commercial purposes." They continue.
1984, July 15 - An interview with the white business-people from Prescott, Arizona defend their right to mock/recreate sacred Indian dances saying "It's entertainment," but "when I was outfitted in my Snake costume it was serious business. When the drum and chanting started I reverted to an Indian. I was making rain." ....
1988 – The Minnesota State Board of Education adopts a resolution stating that the “use of mascots, emblems, or symbols depicting American Indian culture or race (is) unacceptable” and encourages all districts to immediately proceed to remove such mascots.
1988 – The State of Wisconsin Department of public Instruction issues a directive “strongly urging” all schools to discontinue using American Indian mascots. To date, 32 of 52 schools have changed.
1990, Aug 5 - The Hopi continue to fight the fake Smoki "Indian tribe" of white men mocking their ancient ceremonies, in Arizona. “There was very casual kind of showmanship presented which we found insulting,.. But in terms of the style of singing and dancing, this was hilarious. Watching their dance, our people were swept with laughter.” The Smoki's claim they are not disrespectful, and it is theater.. an act. “Shuck the clothes off a white man, paint his body brown, give him a live snake in one hand and a rattle in the other, state the rhythmic beating of a deep-toned tom-tom, the hackles of his neck rise and he reverts to the primitive."
1990, Aug 12 - 100 Hopi protests the Prescott Smoki with signs saying "Thieves of Religion" and "Hopi Snake Dance is not for Profit." It was the overwhelmingly negative reaction to the Smoki Snake Dance that promoted the Tribal Council to go beyond just talking with the Smokis to staging a protest. "It is very unusual for Hopis to demonstrate,” Kim Secakuku said, “but this has been going on too long.”
1990, Aug 24 - While Hopis protest mimicking of sacred dance by white business-people calling themselves the Smoki (Prescott, Arizona), the Smoki respond with "It’s like when you have a TV program about the Bible, about Jesus. It’s like a pageant. Same thing.” They continue to perform the sacred ceremonies and ignore the Hopi's wishes.
1991, April 26 - The Smoki's FINALLY end their mocking and imitating performance of the sacred Hopi religious dances after 70 years of cultural appropriating and insulting the Hopi people.
1992 - Rep Jack Jackson (Navajo) would introduce a bill to ban "squaw" label for place names.
1994, June 22 - "It is hard to determine just when the word squaw came to have a connotation of contempt"...
1994, Aug 7 - The myth that the Cleveland Indians were named after Sockalexis "in tribute" continues.
1995 - Minnesota passed a law banning the use of "squaw" on geographical features.
1995, March 5 - Erwin High School drops their Squaw mascot (keeps Warriors)
1995, July 22 - Women fight to get "Squaw Creek Road" changed.
1996, Oct 17 - .. people are not looking for reasons to be offended, but many are trying to remove reasons that have been used for centuries-old offenses..
1996, Dec 9 - American Indians say the word "squaw" is derogatory and ask that place names be changed.
1998 – New York state education department encourages high
schools to change nicknames and mascots that signal a racial stereotype.
1998, June 19 - Time magazine used an offensive word, and Tim Giago called them out.
1999 - Society of Indian Psychologists release the following statement: Stereotypical and historically inaccurate images of Indians in general interfere with learning about them by creating, supporting and maintaining oversimplified and inaccurate views of indigenous peoples and their cultures. When stereotypical representations are taken as factual information, they contribute to the development of cultural biases and prejudices, (clearly a contradiction to the educational mission of the University.) In the same vein, we believe that continuation of the use of Indians as symbols and mascots is incongruous with the philosophy espoused by many Americans as promoting inclusivity and diversity.
2000, April 4 - Maine is to rename all communities and landmarks with the name "Squaw."
2000, Oct 10 - Wisconsin is set to remove "Squaw" from place names
2000, Dec 3 - Frank Mechau's inaccurate and fictionalized mural, Dangers of the Mail, was hung in the brand new EPA building at Washington DC. Native Americans, with 50 working in the building, protested. It remained.
2001 - the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released an advisory opinion calling for an end to the use of Native American images and team names by non-Native schools. Reasons included: the images and names are insensitive, inappropriate, disregard the long history of forced assimilation, should not be in education institutions, creates a hostile environment, may intimidate Native American students, and perpetuates stereotypes by misrepresenting indigenous people, and a lack of accuracy.
2002 – New Hampshire State Board of Education unanimously approves a resolution calling for local school districts to stop using American Indian sports mascots.
2003, April 12 - Squaw Peak will become "Piestewa Peak" - after a fallen American Indian female soldier.
2005 - the American Psychological Association issued a resolution "Recommending the Immediate Retirement of American Indian Mascots, Symbols, Images, and Personalities by Schools, Colleges, Universities, Athletic Teams, and Organizations" due to the harm done by creating a hostile environment, the negative impact on the self-esteem of American Indian children, and discrimination that may violate civil rights. It also impacts non-natives by reinforcing mainstream stereotypes, preventing learning about Native American culture.
2006, Aug 13 - Frank Mechau's painting, Dangers of the Mail, was again in the spotlight, Some people said it was art and shouldn't be censored, others said it was HISTORY and a part of the American heritage, and others said it created a hostile workplace. It was covered with a display. It was eventually moved to the William Clinton Building.
2012 - report from a United Nations indigenous human rights expert said using indigenous-themed mascots and names "obscures understanding of the reality of Native Americans today and instead help to keep alive racially discriminatory attitudes.
2013, Feb - the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) filed a complaint with the US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) stating that schools using Native-themed mascots, names, imagery is a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, because it creates an unequal learning environment and is harmful.
2015 - National Congress of American Indians successfully lobbied the State of California to ban the term "redskins" which is the name of a pro football team in Washington, from being used by public schools in the state of California.
2015, March 29 - Tribes continue to change place names in Oregon that use the word "Squaw."
2016, Jan 7 - ‘Get Off the Stage, Squaw!’ 14-Year-Old Native American Is No Stranger to Racism (by Tara Houska). It's included in this F&P column.
2017, Feb - The false story told by the Cleveland Indians regarding the origin of their name continues in print and on-line.
