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Dissertation Information for Scott Eugene White

NAME:
- Scott Eugene White

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- History

SCHOOL:
- Arizona State University (USA) (2003)

ADVISORS:
- Peter Iverson

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Robert A. Trennert Jr.
- Chris Smith

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: A history of the Poncas in Nebraska: A struggle for survival

Abstract: This dissertation examines the history of Poncas in Nebraska from their origins to the twentieth century's end. It describes their relations with non-Indians and Indians, the impact of federal policies on the Poncas, and how the Poncas overcame challenges. This work shows developments on the Northern Plains and federal policies in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It utilizes archival sources, oral histories, and records from federal, state and tribal agencies.

Until removal in 1877, Poncas lived united at the confluence of the Missouri and Niobrara rivers. Examining the Poncas' struggles prior to removal reveals the impacts of smallpox epidemics, declining buffalo herds, and a growing dependence on non-Indian goods. Their history also furnishes insight into the intricacies of relations among Indian nations. Furthermore, the Poncas' past shows aspects of the federal government's execution of policies on the Northern Plains.

Removal of the Poncas to the Indian Territory brought national attention to their situation. Standing Bear's flight, arrest, and trial eventually created a national scandal and was a catalyst for reformers whose efforts led to the assimilation policy. This study emphasizes Standing Bear's impact on the Poncas' endeavors to regain their homeland. Removal, Standing Bear's actions, and subsequent events bore Ponca communities in Nebraska and Oklahoma.

In the 1880s, Poncas who fled the Indian Territory reestablished themselves in their homeland. Beginning in the 1890s, Northern Poncas struggled to preserve culture, land, and identity. However, they dispersed throughout the country, their reservation dwindled, and many cultural aspects died. In 1962, the government terminated the tribe's recognition of the Northern Poncas as a sovereign Indian nation.

The efforts of Northern Poncas in the 1970s and 1980s brought about restoration in 1990. In addition, Northern Ponca restoration indicated a shift in federal Indian relations in that Poncas in Nebraska regained federal recognition, but without a reservation. Once restored, the Northern Poncas organized their government, made plans for economic development, and took steps to preserve their heritage and revitalize their culture. The Poncas in Nebraska overcame enormous obstacles, such as removal and termination, in order for their culture, identity, and homeland to survive and be passed on to the generations to come.


MPACT Scores for Scott Eugene White

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-02-03 21:27:38

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Students under Scott Eugene White

ADVISEES:
- None

COMMITTEESHIPS:
- None