The Stevens Treaties
Native Resistance and Assimilation
Reformers and Advocacy
From Territory to Statehood
Rights and Responsibilities
100

Prize Bin:Who was the Washington territorial governor who negotiated treaties with many Native tribes in the 1850s?

Isaac Stevens

100

What did “tribal sovereignty” mean for Native Americans?

The right to govern themselves

100

Who was Helen Hunt Jackson, and what did she do to help Native Americans?

She was an author who sent her book A Century of Dishonor to members of Congress

100

In what year did Washington become a state?

1889

100

Switch Seats:What right did Washington women gain in 1910, ten years before the rest of the nation?

The right to vote

200

What was the main goal of the Stevens Treaties?

To move tribes to reservations and open land for white settlers

200

Which two events led to Chief Joseph’s surrender during the Nez Perce War?

His people ran out of ammunition, and many had been killed or were freezing

200

Why did Sarah Winnemucca become an important advocate for Native Americans?

She spoke publicly and wrote about unfair treatment and the need for reform

200

What was required for Washington Territory to become a state?

The population had to reach 60,000 people

200

How were Native fishing rights protected under many treaties?

They could fish at their “usual and accustomed places”

300

Why were the Stevens Treaties unfair to many Native Americans?

The treaties were written in English, often misunderstood, and not fully explained or honored

300

Quadtiriple or nothing: What was the result of the Yakama men’s early victory near Rosalia?

The U.S. government sent more soldiers to punish them

300

Daily Triple:Why were offers of U.S. citizenship problematic for many Native Americans?

They required giving up tribal identity and ties

300

What was the Enabling Act, and why was it important?

It allowed Washington to draft a constitution and officially become a state

300

What was one reason many Native Americans lost land even after treaties were signed?

Treaties were changed or ignored when convenient for settlers

400

Double or nothing:Why was assigning different tribes to share reservations a problem?

Some tribes were forced to live with traditional enemies

400

Why did many Native Americans resist the idea of assimilation?

It forced them to give up their culture, language, and land

400

What was the goal of assimilation policies like boarding schools and citizenship offers?

To make Native Americans adopt white American customs and culture

400

Daily Double: Where was the first constitutional convention for Washington held?

Walla Walla

400

What does “assimilation” mean in the context of Native American history?

Forcing Native people to give up their traditional way of life and adopt another culture

500

Prize Bin:Name one reason the Stevens Treaties caused lasting conflict.

Tribes lost most of their land, payments were not made, and settlers often ignored treaty boundaries

500

What made boarding schools traumatic for Native children?

They were far from home, couldn’t speak their language, and had to cut their hair

500

What did reformers like Jackson and Winnemucca hope the U.S. government would do differently?

Honor treaties, improve education, and respect Native sovereignty

500

Why did Congress delay Washington’s admission as a state?

Political concerns — Democrats feared new Republican votes in Congress

500

What lesson can we learn from the “Treaties to Statehood” period about fairness and representation?

Promises and rights must be honored equally for all people, regardless of culture or background