Klamath Termination Act facts for kids

The Klamath Termination Act was a United States law passed in 1953. It was part of a bigger plan called the Indian termination policy. This policy aimed to end the special relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. The Klamath tribe was one of many tribes targeted. Other tribes included the Flathead, Menominee, Potawatomi, and Turtle Mountain Chippewa. Tribes in California, New York, Florida, and Texas were also on the list.

These tribes were chosen because they met certain requirements. They had enough resources, had adopted some American cultural ways, and were willing to end federal support. Also, their states were ready to take over legal matters.

Why the Klamath Tribe Was Targeted

In the 1950s, the Klamath tribe in Oregon was one of the wealthiest tribes in the country. They had a strong economy based on selling timber and raising livestock. This economy helped support the entire tribe. The Klamath tribe did not cost Oregon taxpayers money. In fact, they were the only tribe paying for their share of government administrative costs.

However, things were not perfect. Most tribal members living on the reservation did not have jobs. Many still relied on hunting and fishing for food. While some Klamath students went to public high schools, few graduated. Many students also struggled with their grades. Those living on the reservation were not used to things like paying rent, utility bills, or taxes. They also didn't know much about banking.

The Termination Law Takes Effect

Despite arguments against it, the Klamath tribe was terminated. This happened under the Klamath Termination Act, also known as Public Law 587. It became law on August 13, 1954. This act ended all federal supervision over Klamath lands. It also stopped federal help given to the Klamath because of their special status as Native Americans.

The new law gave each tribal member a choice. They could either remain a member of the tribe. Or, they could leave the tribe and receive a payment. This payment was for their share of the tribal land's value. Those who stayed became part of a tribal management plan. This plan created a trust relationship between tribal members and a bank in Portland, Oregon.

At the time of termination, there were 2,133 members in the Klamath tribe. A large number, 1,660 members, chose to leave the tribe. They accepted individual payments for their land. Oregon Senator Richard L. Neuberger and Representative Albert Ullman tried to delay the law. They wanted more hearings and changes. But, due to pressure from Senator Arthur V. Watkins, the Klamath were terminated in 1961.

The termination law required the land to be sold in large sections. Only forestland was accepted by the U.S. Government. A powerful paper company bought 90,000 acres. The remaining 93% of the land became part of the Winema and Fremont National Forests. The reservation shrank from 762,000 acres to 145,000 acres.

Protecting Hunting and Fishing Rights

The termination led to legal battles. Individual Klamath Natives fought to keep their treaty hunting and fishing rights. Five Klamath Natives who had left the tribe after the law passed said they still had these rights. These rights were promised to the Klamath tribe in a treaty from October 16, 1854. A U.S. district court first ruled against them. So, they appealed their case under Kimball v. Callahan.

The appeals court decided that the Klamath Termination Act did not specifically remove these rights. Therefore, the hunting and fishing rights remained. The court looked at another law, Public Law 280. This law stated that no state could take away hunting and fishing rights guaranteed by a federal treaty.

Restoring the Klamath Tribe

Within the tribe, only a few people had supported the termination. After being terminated, the tribe lost access to many services. These included education, health care, and housing. Termination caused many problems for the tribe. It led to poverty, lower education levels, and family issues. There was also poor housing, high school dropout rates, and more people in jail. Infant mortality increased, and life expectancy decreased. The tribe also suffered a loss of identity.

Years later, other tribes were restored. The western Modoc tribe regained their status in 1978. Finally, in 1986, the Klamath Restoration Act became law. This was thanks to the leadership of the Klamath people and some congressional leaders. This act reestablished the Klamath as a sovereign state.