1917: More Indians are born than die

For the first time in 50 years, more Indians are born than die, as federal appropriations for medical care for American Indians reach $35,000—a sum more than twice the government spending for American Indian health five years earlier. The end of Indian wars, forced relocations, and vaccinations for epidemic killers such as smallpox also contributed to increased life spans and birth rates among Native peoples.

Theme

Epidemics, Federal-Tribal Relations, Native Rights

Region

Arctic, California, Great Basin, Great Plains, Northeast, Northwest Coast, Plateau, Southeast, Southwest, Subarctic