On U.S. Indian Policy

On U.S. Indian Policy

On U.S. Indian Policy

“The utmost good faith shall always be observed towards Indians, their lands and property shall not be taken from them without their consent, and in their property rights and liberty, they shall never be invaded or disturbed.” Thus Thomas Jefferson describes U.S. policy towards Native peoples concisely, and with the proper grace of a Virginian gentleman. No ambiguity or contradiction seems to exist in Jefferson’s words, and nothing but good will towards Native-Americans seems to be instilled in Jefferson’s rhetoric. But in observing Jefferson’s curt follow-up to the statement above, “unless in just and lawful wars authorized by Congress,” a turnabout appears, leaving one at a loss as to a tangible United States position towards Native peoples. American policy in regards to Indians has consistently been inconsistent. While evoking the inalienable rights of man, the American government spurned Native peoples right to their own land, their own culture, their very way of life. Whilst Jefferson lamented for the dying Indian race, he simultaneously spurned Indians who refused to assimilate into white society. Jefferson attempted