Termination of Federal Supervision: Disintegration and the American Indians

Abstract

The problem of our Indian population is an old and continuing one. In this article the author outlines two alternative ways of dealing with it. One aims at quick and intensive attempts to break down the special status of Indians and integrate them into the mainstream of American life. These attempts are characterized as hasty, impatient, and often ill advised. The other alternative aims at maintaining Indian tribal integrity and special rights until such time as the Indians themselves are ready and willing to dispense with federal supervision and controls. The author pleads for the need to work calmly and thoughtfully toward a point where Indians are able to make a satisfactory adjustment to life in America without needing the prop of special status.—Ed.