HSTRY 498: Indigenous Pacific Northwest: Primary Sources: Government

The Federal Government produces a wide array of publications ranging from Congressional bills, debates, hearings and reports to agency research publications, maps and posters. Plus there is census and statistical data, presidential speeches, scientific studies, propaganda, diplomatic correspondence and more.

For Native American history, government documents are an essential primary source. Includes documents by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and its predecessor the Office of Indian Affairs.

As primary sources these official governmental publications provide insight into all aspects of history from social issues to politics, from cultural mores to scientific endeavor.

Help: Unpacking Evidence: Official Documents & Learning to Do Historical Research: Government Documents

Most federal government publications can be found by using UW Libraries Search. Also see this guide created by the staff of the Government Publications collection of the most frequently requested American Indian resources. For additional help on finding government reports, check with the staff at Government Publications located on the ground floor of Suzzallo Library.

Be sure to check the Indigenous Peoples: North America database which includes some newspapers, government documents, manuscript material & photos as well as American Indians of the Pacific Northwest which includes excerpts from the Annual Reports of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to the Secretary of the Interior dealing with PNW tribes plus more than 2000 images. And also check the two databases currently on trial: American Indians and the American West, 1809-1971 & Early Encounters in North America.