Kate and Sue McBeth, Missionary Teachers to the Nez Perce

1870

In 1869-70, the pressure of reformers and religious leaders in the East led President Ulysses S. Grant to adopt a new "peace" policy in dealing with tribes. Under it, the government, violating the doctrine of separation of church and state, parceled out the reservations to different religious denominations, delegating to them the right to nominate the agents and administer tribal affairs. It was hoped that the churches would end the corruption and injustices that caused Indian hostility, as well as hasten the conversion of Indians to Christianized farmers and their assimilation into white society. (pp. 110)