# History vs His-Story

The history of Native American tribes is rich and diverse, with over 500 tribes once present in America. However, only five of these tribes were deemed 'civilized' by early American standards, largely due to the influences of government policies like the Civilization Fund Act. This act was established to promote so-called 'education' and assimilation of Native Americans into European-American culture. The passing of the Civilization Fund Act in 1816 marked a significant turning point. It allocated $10,000 to incentivize missionaries to educate Native Americans, suppress their traditional practices, and convert them to Christianity. This resulted in a goal to eradicate Native cultures and promote English literacy through mission-run schools, laying the groundwork for the Indian Boarding School system that emerged later. The Brainerd Mission, located on Chickamauga Creek, became a pivotal institution among the Eastern Cherokee, reflecting the broader objectives of the act. These missions were only a part of the larger strategy, aimed at eliminating Native military resistance while encouraging tribes to adopt European styles of living. Understanding this history is crucial to recognizing the ongoing impact of these policies and the importance of preserving Native American heritage today.