The Tohono O’odham people resided in the desert region of Southern Arizona and Northern parts of Mexico for years and years. They are also known as the desert people, which is what Tohono O’odham means. The desert people were peaceful and kept with their traditions and beliefs and where not trying to start conflict by any means. Although things went a little south in 1853, this event is known as the Gadsen Purchase. This changed the borderlines, which basically split the Tohono people up. Meanwhile the Apache warriors were stealing the natives to use as slaves where they resided in Mexico.
Now to answer the question whether or not I think they were adequately compensated for their loses? In a way I could see why you can argue that they were compensated for their loses. Although they did get an education and degrees from the University of Arizona, they also volunteered for the military service during World War II. That to me isn’t compensation for their losses that is rewarding them for their service in World War II.To go with that the Tohono O’odham nation was granted much of the ground in the Santa Cruz River Valley. This was known as the Winters Doctrine. During this time where this forgotten doctrine was being ignored the Tohono O’odham could not compete with Tucson because Tucson was purchasing land to secure the water rights. As this kept happening the Tohono O’odham people started to lose out on their water, which resulted in their farmers going out of business.
On the other hand the Tohono O’odham people were able to establish the Papago Tribe of Arizona. On top of that they were able to govern them selves electing a legislative council with representatives and all. This is the part of me where I can understand they were compensated to an extent. They were doing their own thing on their reservation and not causing any trouble to the outside governments in Arizona.
All in all in the big picture, I think they should have been compensated a little more than what they got. Yes, they did attend churches and got degrees at universities. They were able to establish the Papago Tribe and have their own reservation. But I do not think that is efficient enough for their losses. We do live in a world where life can sometimes not be fair. When their farmers are going out of business because a doctrine was being ignored and Tucson was purchasing land and taking the water. If that were to happen to anyone of us now I can assure you that you wouldn’t feel like you were compensated enough. At least in my eyes I would feel that way. Even though they settled this altercation it still was wrong that the doctrine was ignored. Legally, I think the government should have helped to protect them during this time. Instead they came in to help a little bit after the Gadsen Purchase happened and the results were already set. Yes, the Tohono O’odham people are well off now with their way of life. I do think they should have been compensated more for their losses overall.
Kyle,
Its true they were compensated but it comes down to, was it enough/fair? This is a tough question to answer. I agree with you, I feel it should have been dealt with before things got bad. And I also believe that we should have negotiated and protected the tribes from the beginning. I would also like to know how much water is being used for farming? Or if they wanted to water rights back for money? There is always two sides to the story..
Both very good points, I don’t think it was fair but life isn’t fair. Although on a scale this big I think they needed to do much more to make it fair for the Tohono O’odham. The fact that the land was taken for them is one thing, but to not really do a whole lot to help them out afterwards is another. That made me feel that they were not compensated and not treated fairly.
I enjoyed reading your post. I do believe that life isn’t always fair and we cannot dwell in the past, we need to think about the current time and the future. I do not believe that the government is not done taking advantage of the Native Americans and will find a way to come to a compromise that will make people “happy” for the time being but in the end will be what is best for the U.S.