Native American Genocide
Introduction
This week’s book, Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning by Nigel Biggar, partly argued that the British Empire and its colonies never intended to cause harm. In fact, their intentions were primarily good. [1] In addition to the book, I viewed an interview with this author. He delineated four areas in which the British “got it wrong.” [2]
- 150 years of slavery
- Offensive racial arrogance
- Insensitivity to native cultures abroad – he explains because the culture gap was so severe
- Diseases brought by Europeans, such as smallpox [3]
Both in chapter four of the book and in the interview, he discussed the topic of genocide and his definition of this word. He defines genocide as a deliberate, systematic, and state-oriented venture to destroy a people. [4] This really got me thinking about the Native American population that I serve.
For the remainder of this blog, I would like to examine this topic from their point of view, using the internationally accepted definition of genocide.
Genocide Convention
In 1948, the Genocide Convention of the United Nations defined genocide in the following manner: Acts committed with the intent to destroy in whole or in part a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. This includes…
- Killing their members
- Causing serious bodily or mental harm
- Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring destruction in whole or in part
- Imposing measures to prevent births
- Forcibly transferring children to another group [5]
This convention does not prosecute crimes before 1948, but its definition serves as a useful tool.
Tragic Loss of Lives
History.com states that by the end of the Indian Wars of the late 19th century, less than 238,000 Native Americans were remaining. [6] When Europeans first landed in North America in 1492, historians estimate there were anywhere from 5 to 15 million Native Americans on the continent. [7] Looking at it this way, the loss of people is just tragic.
Many reasons have been given for the violence imparted on the Native Americans by the Europeans during these years. First and foremost, settlers were hungry for their land and their resources. Second, Native Americans sided with the British in the War of 1812, hoping to expel the American settlers. The British lost, and this added to American settler hostility and suspicion. Third, they differed in many ways… racially, linguistically, and religiously. [8] It was easy, then, for settlers to regard them as “pagan savages” who must be killed in the name of civilization and Christianity. [9]
Genocide or Not?
There are still debates in our society today as to whether or not the atrocities committed by the settlers against the Native Americans is genocide, or is it not. [10] Some see the actions of the British and the American governments as deplorable but not genocide. [11] It really comes down to the definition one is using.
It is a fact that Native Americans experienced violence directly as a result of settler expansion. They also experienced intertribal violence that was aggravated by the colonists themselves. They were enslaved. They were subject to various diseases. They were stripped of their land and their resources. They endured forced removals, as well as untold assaults on their tribal religion, culture, and language. [12]
Voices of Our Past
I think the most telling part of this story is the intent of the heart of the government leaders at that time. What did they have to say about the Native Americans? Judge for yourselves…
Virginia Colonial leaders in 1622 wrote, “a sharp revenge… even to… the rooting them out for being longer a people upon the face of the Earth.” [13]
Virginia House of Burgesses in 1711 advocated “exterpating all Indians without distinction of friends or enemies.” [14]
Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1755 required “his Majesty’s subjects of this province to embrace all opportunities of pursuing, captivating, killing and destroying all and every Penobscot Indian.” [15]
In 1780, Thomas Jefferson wrote to the general of the Virgina Militia, “the Shawanese, Mingoes, Munsies, and the near Wiandots are troublesome thorns in our sides. We must leave it to yourself to decide if against these Indians, the end proposed should be their extermination or their removal.” [16]
Summary
There were many more examples like these into the late 19th century. Therefore, in reflection of the book Colonialsim, and Nigel Biggar’s writings and interviews, I must disagree that the British did not intend to do harm when they colonized. It was an act of genocide… in the Americas at least.
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About the Author
Tonette Kellett
Missionary, teacher, Bible student, traveler ... Having lived in Kenya and Korea, I now live in Mississippi and work with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.12 responses to “Native American Genocide”
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Tonnette,
Incredible post. I was deeply impacted by the genocide to the Native American people. To know the U.S. committed a greater holocaust than hitler over land and mineral rights is heartbreaking.
One could argue to rename the book, a look at the impact of consumerism on other nations.
Great post Tonette.
Thank you for your response, Greg. The genocide of the Native American people is very personal to me. My mother was white. However, my father was a full-blooded Cherokee. I have read a lot about this topic over the years.
Thank you Tonnett for centering the experience of Native Americans in this conversation. Yes, Biggar may be well off the mark when considering the “morality” of colonization.
Thank you for your response, David. I think you are on point – Biggar is “off the mark” on the morality of colonialism.
Great post, Tonnette,
Sounds like what was done here was the worst kind of genocide ever, a war beyond the holocaust against the Jews. The term Genocide would never be accepted for obvious reasons. Unfortunately, even after all these years, we see the effects of these horrible massacres. Native Americans and other marginalized communities continue to suffer trauma and revictimization with no relief in sight but simple bandages.
Thank you for your response, Jean. You are right that Native American communities and others who are marginalized continue to suffer trauma in our society. It is sad, really.
So sad indeed, after so many years. Thanks for your kindness as you minister to natives Tonnette.
Tonette, thank you for sharing. I do not have words to express my grief at the atrocities committed against the Native Americans. How much have we lost because of the fear of someone different?
Thank you for responding to my post, Becca. The cost of human lives over the years due to ignorance is staggering. I am thankful you made it home from your trip to Atlanta safely. I know it was a very long day of traveling for you.
Awesome post, Tonette. You bring an awesome perspective on this subject and I was blown away at the figures you revealed.
I am so glad that God has placed you where you are. Keep moving His kingdom.
Michael,
Thank you for your comment and your constant encouragement. It’s true, the figures in this report were indeed staggering. God’s richest blessings on you and your sweet family.
Tonette,
I agree with your disagreement with Biggar’s assertion that the British did not intend harm during colonization. Bringing up historical evidence, including statements from government officials, supports the classification of their actions as genocide, at least in the Americas. Is a strong point.