Charles Curtis: The First Vice President of Color and His Complicated Legacy
Early Life and Political Rise
Charles Curtis, born in 1860, was a member of the Kaw Nation and became the first Native American vice president of the United States, serving under President Herbert Hoover from 1929 to 1933. Despite widespread prejudice against Native Americans at the time, Curtis’ political skills and charisma enabled him to navigate the system.
Assimilationist Policies and Native American Legacy
As a senator and congressman, Curtis advocated for policies that many Native Americans today view as detrimental to their nations. He supported the Dawes Act, which divided tribal lands into individual plots, leading to land loss. He also drafted the Curtis Act, which extended these provisions to the “Five Civilized Tribes” of Oklahoma, paving the way for Oklahoma statehood.
Curtis also supported Native American boarding schools, where children were taken from their families and denied their languages and cultures. These policies contributed to a decline in the Native American population.
While Curtis’ assimilationist views were not unique among Native Americans at the time, some opposed land division and other federal policies. They believed that tribes should maintain their sovereignty and traditions.
Vice Presidency and Contentious Relations
Despite his controversial legacy on Native American issues, Curtis’ political acumen led him to the vice presidency in 1928. However, his relationship with Hoover was strained due to his previous opposition to Hoover’s appointment to the cabinet.
Hoover kept Curtis at a distance from policy decisions, relegating him to a ceremonial role. Curtis’ only significant contribution was a dispute over social protocol involving his sister and Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter.
Personal Identity and Cultural Pride
Despite his assimilationist politics, Curtis maintained his Kaw heritage. He incorporated Native American elements into the vice presidential office and honored his roots at his inauguration. However, many Native Americans were critical of his policies, which they felt betrayed their communities.
Later Life and Legacy
After losing the 1932 election, Curtis remained in Washington as a lawyer. His legacy is a complex one, marked by both political achievements and the consequences of his assimilationist policies.
Curtis’ story highlights the challenges faced by Native Americans in a society that both marginalized and sought to assimilate them. It also raises questions about the role of race and identity in politics and the ongoing struggle for Native American sovereignty.
