Constitutions & Governance
Independence: Revolution and the U.S. Constitution in Indian Country
Cultures need rules to live by, otherwise there is chaos. Lawyers and courts, in fact 1/3rd of the foundation of Canadian and U.S. governance (judiciary, executive, legislative) is related to the enforcement and interpretation of laws, the highest law being a “constitution,” a written document. Native Americans, except for the Inca, Mayan and Aztec, had only beginnings of a written languages, let alone a written constitution. Think of these History Lesson Series like the human body: The brain and nervous system are the legal structure “Governing” today requiring electricity (power) and a complex language to communicate. Refined in America and Canada, originating in England, the World would be in chaos today without our system founded on individual freedoms and property rights, all under a Rule of Law. It, and the Christian religion, allowed the evolution of our culture leading to the American West’s concepts of women’s suffrage, systemic discrimination, and equal pay. Pioneers and Indigenous cultural roots were/are not that much different, evidence the Makah & Norse Longhouses. We are all brothers and sisters, our mitochondrial DNA attesting, but when the unwritten Indigenous’ could not pass down by word of mouth from elders who were killed by plagues the next generation suffered. In Europe ancestors (children of Abraham) relied upon the Bible, the first mass printed document. Today, we rely on written “constitutions.” Legal and illegal behaviors are based on the law. Immoral and moral behaviors are based on cultural and spiritual beliefs. Can the topic, “caring for the Earth,” that is not found in any constitution, continue to ignore the Bible and Indigenous Peoples’ spiritual beliefs” … people, today, who continue to consider Genesis 2: 15 their moral code?
Learn about the Oregon Territory, the Oregon Donation Land Act, and the events leading to statehood in 1859. Explore the various waves of immigration to Oregon, including Asian, Scandinavian, and Hispanic communities, and their cultural contributions
time-immemorial-tribal-sovereignty
state/education/constitution
https://wals.info/feature/131A#0/27/147
“The act granted 320 acres of land to every unmarried white male citizen over the age of 18 who had resided in the Oregon Territory prior to December 1, 1850. Married couples could claim 640 acres, with half allocated to the wife in her own right. The act was later extended to cover settlers who arrived by December 1, 1853. Requirements: Claimants were required to reside on and cultivate the land for four consecutive years to gain full ownership. The act provided a mechanism for settlers to obtain legal title to their lands through government survey and registration. Impact on Native Americans: The act disregarded the land rights of Native American tribes, leading to widespread displacement and loss of traditional territories.
It facilitated the influx of settlers, which resulted in significant cultural and environmental changes in the region. Historical Context Preceding Legislation: The act was a continuation of earlier efforts to promote westward expansion and settlement, building on concepts from the Homestead Act and other land grant policies. Settlement Patterns: The generous land grants attracted thousands of settlers to the Oregon Territory, accelerating its development and eventual statehood in 1859. Consequences Population Growth: The act significantly increased the non-Native population in the Oregon Territory, contributing to the establishment of early communities and infrastructure. Economic Development: Settlers established farms, businesses, and towns, laying the groundwork for Oregon’s agricultural and economic development. Displacement of Native Americans: The act exacerbated conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes, leading to numerous treaties and forced relocations.
Further Reading – Oregon Encyclopedia: Provides detailed articles on the history and impact of the Oregon Donation Land Act. Oregon Encyclopedia – Library of Congress: Features primary sources and documents related to the Oregon Donation Land Act. Library of Congress
By examining these resources, students can gain a deeper understanding of how the Oregon Donation Land Act shaped the region’s demographic, economic, and cultural landscape.”
Genesis 2:15 cites the first expectation of humans (following that of a week having 7 days), that is:
Both to care for and use the Earth
Limited to only using the Earth
Limited to only caring for the Earth
State of Oregon History
Constitutions & Governance
Copyright © 2024