The Native American people have been discriminated against and treated unfairly from the time Columbus landed in the Americas in 1492 until the Indian Civil Rights Act was signed in 1968. During this time, European settlers brought with them deadly diseases, which were purposely spread to Native Americans. Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act of 1830, leading to the Trail of Tears. In the late 1800's, buffalo were killed almost to extinction for the purpose of removing the Native American's food resources.
Still, the U.S. has not formally recognized this discrimination and genocide against the Native American people. Full reparations and recognition of this genocide are necessary to help heal this wound between the Native Americans and the United States government.