Civilization Regulations and Policy

Most Americans don’t know that a “law” made it illegal for Native Americans to practice their cultures and religions in 1883. This law was not formally removed until the American Religious Freedom Act of 1978. The documents in this section provide background on the time when Native American cultural practices that did not conform to mainstream Christian thinking and practices were outlawed by the Department of Interior. It is noteworthy that there was no actual Congressional authorization for the Code of Indian Offenses promulgated in 1883, or the subsequent Regulations of the Indian Office / Department promulgated in 1884, 1894, and 1904. The process was initiated by a letter from Colorado Senator Henry M. Teller dated December 2, 1882 to Commissioner of Indian Affairs Hiram Price. Price then complied with the wishes of Teller and the whole process was set into motion.

Price, Hiram. Rules Governing The Court of Indian Offenses. March 30, 1883. This transcribed document contains the 1882 letter from Henry M. Teller.

United States. Office of Indian Affairs. Regulations of the Indian Department, with an appendix containing the forms used. 1884. Civilization regulations begin on page 84. This document was scanned from the print version held at the U.S. Department of the Interior Library.

United States. Office of Indian Affairs.Regulations of the Indian Office : with an appendix containing the forms used. 1894. Civilization regulations begin on page 102. This document was scanned from the print version held at the Wisconsin Historial Society Library.

United States. Office of Indian Affairs. Regulations of the Indian Office, effective April 1, 1904. Civilization regulations begin at section 567. This document was scanned from the print version held at the U.S. Department of the Interior Library.