Trail of Broken Treaties Reading Questions 1. What were the main issues that Native Americans wanted to address through the Trail of Broken Treaties? 2. How did the Trail of Broken Treaties begin and what was its purpose? 3. How many Native associations organized the Trail of Broken Treaties, and what was their goal in Washington, D.C.? 4. What actions did the Native American protesters take when they reached Washington, D.C.? 5. What was included in the 20-point position paper created by the protesters? 6. What was the outcome of the Trail of Broken Treaties protest? 7. Why is the Trail of Broken Treaties considered an influential event in Native American activism?

Here are the answers to your reading questions regarding the Trail of Broken Treaties: 1. **Main Issues Addressed**: Native Americans sought to address several key issues, including the violation of treaties made with the U.S. government, the need for sovereignty and self-determination, the restoration of land, and the improvement of living conditions on reservations. They aimed to highlight the ongoing struggles against poverty, discrimination, and the lack of political representation. 2. **Beginning and Purpose**: The Trail of Broken Treaties began in 1972 when a coalition of Native American activists and organizations decided to march from the West Coast to Washington, D.C. The purpose was to bring national attention to the grievances of Native Americans and to demand the U.S. government honor its treaties and commitments. 3. **Organizing Associations and Goals**: Approximately 20 Native American organizations participated in organizing the Trail of Broken Treaties. Their goal in Washington, D.C., was to present a unified front to advocate for Native rights and to demand a meeting with government officials to discuss their concerns. 4. **Actions Taken in Washington, D.C.**: Upon reaching Washington, D.C., the Native American protesters staged a series of demonstrations, including a sit-in at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). They occupied the BIA building for several days, demanding that their issues be addressed and that their position paper be taken seriously. 5. **20-Point Position Paper**: The 20-point position paper created by the protesters included demands for the recognition of treaty rights, the restoration of land, the establishment of self-determination policies, improved health care and education, and the end of the termination policy that sought to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream society. 6. **Outcome of the Protest**: The outcome of the Trail of Broken Treaties protest was mixed. While it succeeded in raising awareness about Native American issues and garnered media attention, it did not lead to immediate policy changes or resolutions to the grievances presented. However, it did lay the groundwork for future activism and advocacy. 7. **Influence on Native American Activism**: The Trail of Broken Treaties is considered an influential event in Native American activism because it marked a significant moment of unity among various tribes and organizations. It highlighted the importance of collective action and set a precedent for future protests and movements aimed at securing Native rights and sovereignty. The event also helped to galvanize public support and awareness of Native American issues in the broader context of civil rights.