What was a consequence of the assimilation policy towards Native Americans?

The assimilation policy towards Native Americans primarily aimed to integrate Indigenous peoples into mainstream American society, often at the expense of their own cultures and identities. Under these policies, Native Americans were pressured to abandon their traditional practices, languages, and social structures in favor of European-American ways of life. This process led to significant cultural loss, as tribes and individuals were compelled to adopt new customs, religious practices, and lifestyles that were often incompatible with their rich cultural heritage. The emphasis on assimilation sought to erase distinct cultural identities, resulting in a homogenization of Native American cultures and the diminishment of languages and traditions that had existed for centuries.

While the policy may have been intended to improve relations with the US government or could have influenced the formation of new cultural blends, ultimately, it is the profound loss of distinct cultural identities that stands out as a direct consequence of these assimilation efforts. Enhanced self-governance for tribes is generally viewed as contrary to the aims of assimilation, which sought to diminish tribal autonomy in favor of integration into the broader national framework.