Urban Relocation
"Complete Integration"
In 1949, the Hoover Commission, led by President Herbert Hoover, brought forth a new imitative with the goal of "complete integration" of Native Americans in the United States. Through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the United States wanted to assimilate and essentially terminate the cultural existence of Native American communities along with any financial obligations stemming from signed treaties of the previous century. This government effort was framed as a vocation training program that would bring Native Americans into large urban areas with the promise of financial opportunities not available in rural reservations.
Urban Relocation
In 1950, only 8% of the Native American population lived in urban areas. The BIA, soon after the Hoover Commission's recommendation, began implementing a voluntary urban relocation process. Regional BIA branches were opened in areas like Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Cleveland, and Denver. With other offices opening in San Francisco, St. Louis, Dallas, and Minneapolis soon after. Through these regional branches, the BIA pledged to help secure housing and employment opportunities. Promotional material was created and distributed, promising a modern American lifestyle to all relocating Native Americans. However, many individuals often faced struggles adjusting to mainstream society. Most Native American tribes were very communal, and the idea of individualism was difficult to fully grasp. Discrimination was also rampant, which made it difficult for these individuals to secure higher-paying jobs that would allow them to secure more permanent housing. This led to high rates of unemployment and homelessness. Loss of tradition and homesickness led many to return to their reservations. Many felt that they could not "fit in" back on the reservations.
Urban Relocation in House Made of Dawn
N. Scott Momaday uses the Urban Relocation program as a background force that influences much of Abel's life in Los Angeles in his House Made of Dawn, becoming one of the first literary narratives to explore such a uniquely contemporary Native American struggle to reach large mainstream success. Momaday's vivid descriptions of Abel's emotions, thoughts, and hardships further demonstrated the negative impacts of this program during the 1950s and beyond.
