Native American Suffrage Symposium

The Indian Citizenship Act, also known as the Snyder Act, of 1924 marked a significant milestone in American history by granting citizenship to Native Americans born within the territorial limits of the United States. This legislation, along with the 15th Amendment, which guarantees a citizen's right to vote regardless of race, represents a critical step towards ensuring indigenous suffrage.

As we approach the 100th anniversary of this landmark legislation, the US Capitol Historical Society (USCHS) invites you to join us for a scholarly symposium dedicated to exploring the complexities of Native American suffrage, citizenship, and sovereignty. This symposium will feature panel discussions and a lunchtime conversation with leading scholars and practitioners. Our central goal is to represent a balance of federal, academic, tribal, and advocacy viewpoints and a diversity of regional perspectives.

• Admission is FREE and open to the public, registration is required.
• This hybrid event will be livestreamed, register online to receive a link to the video recording.

David Silverman, PhD

Professor of History at George Washington University

USCHS' "This Land is Their Land" 2021 Webinar

Dr. Lila Teeters Knolle

Lecturer on History and Literature at Harvard University

The Honorable Kevin Gover

Undersecretary for Museums and Culture at the Smithsonian Institution

John Echohawk

Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund

Elizabeth Hidalgo Reese, Yunpoví (Tewa: Willow Flower)

Assistant Professor of Law, Stanford Law School

We are still in the process of confirming additional panelists for this symposium. Thank you for your patience as we finalize the lineup for this important event.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

United States Capitol, United States Capitol, Washington, United States