What was a common way for Native Americans to resist assimilation into American culture during the late 19th century?

Organizing cultural ceremonies was a significant way for Native Americans to resist assimilation into American culture during the late 19th century. These ceremonies allowed Indigenous peoples to preserve and promote their cultural identities, beliefs, and traditions in the face of increasing pressure to conform to dominant Euro-American customs. Through dance, music, storytelling, and other cultural expressions, Native Americans could strengthen community ties, foster pride in their heritage, and assert their distinct identities.

This resistance through cultural practices addressed the broader context of assimilation policies that sought to erase Indigenous cultures in favor of mainstream American values. By continuing to hold traditional ceremonies, Native Americans not only maintained their unique cultural practices but also demonstrated resilience against efforts to subjugate their way of life.

Engagement in cultural ceremonies was both an act of defiance and a means of sustaining community cohesion, making it a powerful method of resistance during this tumultuous period.