Free The Plight Of The Native Americans Essay Example

In examining Ten Bears’ speech at the Council of Medicine Lodge in 1867 and David La Vere’s “Conquered” both are historical representations of what occurred in regards to the Plains Indian tribes and the placement on reservations. The speech, however, is vastly, different as it sums up the great sorrow Ten Bears feels after accepting the ways of the Americans and agreeing to be moved from his ancestral home to a reservation. Although he was not fully satisfied with the Texas reservation he had originally been promised, Ten Bears wanted to develop a friendly relationship with the Whites but was utterly dejected when he was forced to accept a reservation much smaller in size. His speech is eloquent, personal and from the heart. He is explaining to the Whites how he feels and that he would much rather have peace then war, but how they could expect the Comanche to just knuckle over? He wanted to be treated fairly and for them to see his side.
Le Vere’s work is an utterly professional historical rendering of the chain of the events in the Texas and Oklahoma areas in regards to all of the local Plains Tribes. He does not focus on the Comanche but other tribes as well and offers no personal feeling or insight into his work. It is merely aligning the factual data of what occurred in regards to placing the Indians on reservations so America could continue its westward expansion. Le Vere’s work is also different because it is not a primary source but a secondary one so obviously the content and presentation
would not be the same. Both works remain relevant today because of the issues that still exist between Native Americans and the American government. That is why the Native Americans have been afforded as some see as additional benefits. That is to try to respond in some fashion for the atrocities that were committed against them more than a 100 years ago.