Little Bighorn Battle Altered U.S. Policy Toward Native Americans

Why it matters locally: The historical policy shifts discussed, stemming from events like the Battle of the Little Bighorn, have shaped the relationship between the federal government and Minnesota's eleven federally recognized Native American tribes, influencing land rights, sovereignty, and resource management within the state.

The Battle of the Little Bighorn, a notable event in U.S. history, took place 150 years ago. Native American forces achieved a victory in the conflict. The battle, however, preceded changes in the U.S. government's policy toward Indigenous populations. Judy Woodruff explored the battle's historical significance within her series, "Crossroads: America at 250." Her report examined how the events at Little Bighorn influenced subsequent government actions regarding Native American communities.