The American Indian: Government Service and its Problems (1933) Silent

One of a series of silent films made by The Harmon Foundation prior to Franklin Roosevelt's Indian New Deal Act in 1934.

THE AMERICAN INDIAN; GOVERNMENT SERVICE AND ITS PROBLEMS - Harmon Foundation. Documentary: Describes federal programs to improve education, living standard and economic independence of North American Indians. Scenes from Yale University Press Film Service's film, The Chronicles of America Photoplays re-enact an early American peace pipe ceremony, followed by war. Displays produce for which Indians win-prizes at county fairs. Illustrates racial integration in education.

"The call for reforms in Federal Indian policy and the negative effects of the Great Depression on indigenous peoples led to a series of new legislation known as the “Indian New Deal.” It attempted to revitalize tribal governments, promote tribal welfare, and preserve Native American culture.

After a nearly 50-year policy of forced assimilation, however, many Native Americans had never lived a traditional, indigenous lifestyle, and some tribes resisted the change. As the American economy recovered and the United States entered World War II, the impact of the Indian New Deal waned, but it is credited with laying a critical foundation for future promotion of Native American rights and tribal sovereignty."

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