100 Years of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, a pivotal moment in U.S. history that granted citizenship to all Native Americans born within the territorial limits of the United States. Before 1924, Native Americans were not considered U.S. citizens, despite being the original inhabitants of this land. The 14th Amendment, which granted birthright citizenship, was not interpreted as applying to Indigenous people.

On June 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act, extending citizenship to all Native Americans born in the U.S. This came after many Native Americans had served in World War I while still being denied citizenship. However, even after the Act, many states continued to prevent Native Americans from registering to vote and exercising their rights. It took litigation and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to enforce these rights nationwide.

While the Indian Citizenship Act was a significant step, its centennial reminds us of the ongoing struggles Indigenous people face in exercising their rights, overcoming voter suppression, and asserting their sovereignty as both U.S. and Tribal citizens. Join us in honoring this milestone and continuing the fight for Native American voting rights, political representation, and self-determination within the U.S. legal system.