Chronology of American Indian History

February 20

The Supreme Court reverses the
Dann decision.
In United States v. Dann, the Western Shoshone
Dann family, led by sisters Mary and Carrie,
brought suit against the United States, because the
government refused to allow the Danns to use their
traditional grazing land near Beowawe, Nevada.
The United States claimed it had gained possession
of the land as a result of an Indian Claims Court
settlement with the Western Shoshone (see entry
for 1962). The Danns, however, maintained that
they had never agreed to extinguish their land title.
A federal court found in favor of the Danns, but the
Supreme Court now reverses its decision. It holds
that because the Western Shoshone as a group ac-
cepted the settlement, the Danns no longer own
the lands they occupy. (See also entry for JULY 17,
2004.)

March 4

The Supreme Court allows the Oneida to
sue New York State.
In County of Oneida v. Oneida Nation, the Oneida
Nation argues that the state of New York violated
the Trade and Intercourse Act (see entry for 1790)
by seizing 100,000 acres of Oneida territory in
1795 without federal approval. The Supreme Court
agrees and further finds that there is no statute of
limitations to prevent the Oneida from pursuing
their land claims in court. The landmark decision
will open the door for eastern Indian groups to sue
for lands taken from them in the 18th and 19th
centuries. (See also entries for DECEMBER 1998 and
for MARCH 29, 2005.)

August to September

The Wind River Reservation suffers a rash
of suicides.
Ranging in age from 18 to 25, nine young
men—eight Arapaho and one Shoshone—kill
themselves on the Wind River Reservation in cen-

tral Wyoming. The deaths are attributed to poverty,

alcoholism, and an overwhelming sense of hope-

lessness among the reservation’s young. To end the

suicides, elders call the 5,000 Wind River residents

together to perform the Paint Ceremony, a powerful

cleansing ritual that was last held in 1918 to stem a

lethal flu epidemic.

September

Alaska Native Review Commission issues its

report on Native land issues.

Formed to study the effects of the Alaska Native

Claims Settlement Act, (ANCSA) the Alaska Native

Review Commission (see entry for SEPTEMBER

1983) summarizes its findings in Village Journey.

Based on the testimony of approximately 15,000

Natives, the report records their concerns about

maintaining control over their lands, protecting

their natural resources, and preserving their culture.

In the commission’s analysis of their comments, it

finds fault with the ANCSA for forming corpora-

tions as the legal owners of the 44 million acres the

act awarded to Natives (see entry for DECEMBER 18,

1971). It recommends that the land title be trans-

ferred to tribal governments, so that land and water

use can be regulated in a way more in keeping with

traditional beliefs and customs.

December 14

Wilma Mankiller becomes the first female

principal chief of the Cherokee.

In 1983 activist and administrator Wilma Mankiller

became the first woman elected deputy chief, the

second-highest position in the Cherokee tribal gov-

ernment. Two years later, she makes history again

when she becomes the first female principal chief.

The post was held by Ross Swimmer, who resigns

when he is appointed the assistant secretary of the

Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Although initially greeted with skepticism by

more conservative Cherokee, Mankiller will prove

to be a highly popular chief. She will be reelected in

1987 and 1991, winning the latter election with 82