Why Did the Bureau of Indian Affairs Ban the Ghost Dance, and What Were the underlying Factors?

The Ghost Dance, a Native American cultural expression that once gained widespread popularity among many tribes, later stirred controversy among federal officials and sparked the interest of historians. The dance’s unique movements and associated rituals were not just a form of entertainment but also a way to express religious beliefs and social aspirations. However, in the late 19th century, the dance was banned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) due to its perceived risks to the stability of Native American communities. This led to an extensive debate on cultural preservation versus social control within Native American society and beyond.

Cultural Misinterpretation and Misappropriation

The Ghost Dance was initially a religious ritual that aimed to bring back traditional Native American values and practices through dance and chanting. However, it attracted the attention of BIA officials who perceived it as a destructive cultural movement. Some believed it could incite racial unrest among Native Americans who desired change but did not necessarily know how to achieve it. The BIA’s misinterpretation of the dance’s purpose led to a perception that it was a threat to the stability of Native American communities, leading to its eventual ban.

Political Motives and Federal Intervention

At the time of the Ghost Dance’s emergence, there was a growing tension between Native American tribes and the federal government over land rights and sovereignty issues. BIA officials may have seen an opportunity in the widespread acceptance of the Ghost Dance as a way to impose their authority on Native Americans by banning it. Such actions were seen as an attempt to impose western cultural norms on Native Americans, further eroding their cultural identity and sovereignty.

Social Upheaval and Its Impact on Cultural Practice

The dance also attracted criticism because it was associated with supernatural elements that were believed to cause social unrest and bring misfortune. The perception was that its widespread adoption by many tribes could lead to political instability within Native American communities. This perception grew stronger when some followers of the dance expressed their discontent with the status quo, calling for radical change within their communities. Such sentiments were seen as a threat to the BIA’s efforts in maintaining social harmony among Native Americans.

Cultural Prejudice and Its Role in Banning

It is no secret that there has been a historical lack of understanding and appreciation for Native American cultures outside Native communities. This lack of cultural empathy caused officials in the BIA to erroneously believe that any deviation from traditional western cultural norms was detrimental to Native Americans’ welfare. The Ghost Dance, with its unique rituals and expressions, was seen as an obstacle to “modernizing” Native American communities and assimilating them into mainstream American society. Hence, the ban was also an outcome of cultural prejudice that favored homogenization over cultural diversity.

In conclusion, the ban on the Ghost Dance by the Bureau of Indian Affairs was a complex decision influenced by various factors such as cultural misinterpretation, political motives, social upheaval concerns, and cultural prejudice. The decision caused significant debate about cultural preservation versus social control within Native American communities and beyond. Looking back, it remains unclear whether the ban helped in maintaining social harmony or merely masked deep-rooted issues that still need to be addressed today in terms of Native American culture’s preservation and recognition within the United States.

Questions for further exploration:

1. How do you think the Ghost Dance was perceived differently by Native Americans compared to BIA officials?
2. What role did political motives play in the ban on the Ghost Dance?
3. How does historical prejudice influence contemporary attitudes towards Native American culture?
4. Can modern approaches bridge the gap between cultural preservation and social harmony in Native American communities?