American Indian Treaties

American Indian treaties are formal agreements between Native tribes and the U.S. government, establishing terms for land rights, sovereignty, and protection. Signed primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries, these treaties often involved tribes ceding territory in exchange for reserves, resources, or government support. While intended to define mutual rights, many treaties have been complicated by misunderstandings, broken promises, or changes over time. Today, they are recognized as legally binding and are vital to Native sovereignty, land claims, and cultural preservation, reflecting a complex history of negotiation, conflict, and legal recognition.