Historical Context of Indigenous Citizenship

The Native Indian Citizenship Act, signed by President Calvin Coolidge in 1924, granted citizenship to all Indigenous peoples born on U.S. territory. While this act seems like a positive step, it was viewed with skepticism by many, as it also threatened tribal identity and sovereignty. Some tribes, such as the Onondaga, felt that endorsing the act was a betrayal, reflecting broader historical tensions between Indigenous peoples and colonial nations. This duality highlights the complex relationship where Indigenous peoples are seen alternately as threats to be subdued or as heritage deserving protection.