Native American Suffrage Symposium - Leading Scholars Discuss NA Representation & Sovereignty

On May 23, 2024, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society hosted a symposium, both in-person and virtual, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act. The symposium featured several of the world’s leading scholars and authors of Native American history, culture, and politics who engaged in lively conversations about the broader and complicated issues of Indian citizenship, both historical and modern.
Join us for a day of engaging panel discussions and a lunchtime conversation, where we will explore the impact of the Indian Citizenship Act, the evolution of Native American suffrage, and the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Native American voting rights. The event features three panel discussions and a lunchtime conversation with leading scholars and practitioners, representing a balance of federal, academic, tribal, and advocacy perspectives, along with a diversity of regional viewpoints.
Learn more about this event: capitolhistory.org/society-ev...
Program Highlights:
Dr. David Silverman, Professor of History at George Washington University, highlighted the challenges Native Americans faced in the century leading up to the law. He described the numerous attempts to "civilize" and displace Native Americans, noting that citizenship often seemed like an "empty promise," even by 1924. Dr. Lila Teeters Knolle, Lecturer on History at Harvard University, added that opponents of citizenship feared the imposition of a foreign cultural and political system, while proponents viewed it as a “simple act of justice to render to the Indian that which has long been due.”
Dawson Her Many Horses, head of Native American Banking at Wells Fargo, and The Hon. Kevin Gover, the Smithsonian’s Undersecretary for Museums and Culture, discussed the persistent negative stereotypes and myths Americans learn about Native Americans. They shared the untold stories and contributions of Native Americans to U.S. society, including the significant role of the 45,000 Native Americans who served in WWII as well as newer representations in modern culture that deserve recognition.
John Echohawk, Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund, highlighted how U.S. policies of "termination and assimilation" evolved into a push for greater tribal sovereignty, which continues to be pursued through lobbying and legal action. Echohawk also explored the challenges to suffrage that still exist for Native American communities, highlighting their advocacy efforts and strategies for effecting change in this crucial area.
Larry Wright Jr., Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians, emphasized the importance of civic education to help tribal governments and communities adjust to the changing dynamics of Congress, the administration, the country, and economics, stating that “we're voting for people who understand and defend our issues.” The Hon. Bryan Newland, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, concluded by noting the strong results when Native Americans use their vote to uplift their communities and public servants from Indian Country. He affirmed that “not only does it benefit Native people, it benefits the United States.”
Looking ahead, USCHS will continue to explore Native American issues and produce more lesson plans and educational resources about Native American history. These resources will be available on our We the People Civic Learning Hub for teachers and students, furthering our commitment to fostering understanding and appreciation of Native American heritage and contributions to American society.
We are incredibly grateful to Wells Fargo, our Presenting Partner, the Chickasaw Nation, our Platinum Partner, and McGuireWoods Consulting, our Bronze Partner, who sponsored this event.
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