INDIANS: Work, Don't Dance!

An appeal and a warning was issued to all Indians by Indian Commissioner A. H. Burke. His appeal was especially against holding tribal dances when their work was needed in the fields, against torturing their bodies and handling poisonous snakes, against giving away their clothing, horses, cows and other possessions at ceremonies, against drugs, intoxicants and gambling at dances.

His warning was, that unless these reforms took place within a year, his department would take action.

Following the Commissioner's message, two protests were immediately made. The American Indian Defense Society in Manhattan...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!