At Medicine Creek Government Commissioners Had Instructions To
Medicine Creek, located in the state of Washington, was the site of a crucial treaty between Native American tribes and the United States government. The Treaty of Medicine Creek was signed in 1854, and it required the Native American tribes to cede their land to the government in exchange for certain protections and benefits.
Background of the Treaty
The Treaty of Medicine Creek was negotiated by Isaac Stevens, the governor of the Washington Territory, and representatives of the Nisqually, Squaxin Island, Puyallup, and other Native American tribes. The treaty was signed on December 26, 1854, at a site near the Medicine Creek.
At the time, the United States government was eager to expand its territory to the west coast. The Native American tribes in the region had been living on the land for thousands of years, but they were no match for the military power of the government. The Treaty of Medicine Creek was one of many treaties signed with Native American tribes during this time period.
Instructions Given to Government Commissioners
The government commissioners who negotiated the Treaty of Medicine Creek were given specific instructions by Isaac Stevens. These instructions included:
- Acquiring as much land as possible from the Native American tribes
- Establishing reservations for the tribes
- Providing the tribes with food, clothing, and other supplies
- Encouraging the tribes to adopt an agricultural lifestyle
- Assimilating the tribes into American culture and society
The government commissioners were also instructed to make promises to the Native American tribes that would be impossible to keep, such as providing them with unlimited supplies of food and other resources.
Impact of the Treaty
The Treaty of Medicine Creek had a significant impact on the Native American tribes in the region. By ceding their land to the government, the tribes were forced to relocate to reservations that were often far from their ancestral lands. Many tribal members died from disease and starvation during the forced relocation process.
The promise of food and supplies made by the government commissioners was not kept, and the tribes were often left without the resources they needed to survive. The government also failed to provide adequate protection from white settlers who encroached on reservation lands.
The Treaty of Medicine Creek is considered by many to be a symbol of the injustices suffered by Native American tribes at the hands of the United States government.
Conclusion
The Treaty of Medicine Creek was a pivotal moment in the history of the United States and Native American relations. While the treaty was intended to provide protections and benefits to the Native American tribes, it ultimately resulted in the loss of their lands, their culture, and their way of life.
Today, efforts are being made to acknowledge and redress the wrongs committed against Native American tribes. The Treaty of Medicine Creek serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and honoring the sovereignty and culture of indigenous peoples.
