President Carter’s Native American report card

A look back on the 39th U.S. President’s legacy and policies regarding Indigenous people

by Braden Harper |January 8, 2025

 

Jimmy Carter holds an upstanding legacy for his work in the humanities, foreign policy and for Indigenous Peoples. (MM File)

PLAINS, G.A – Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter recently passed away at the age of 100 at his home on December 19, 2024. Carter leaves behind a complex legacy among Americans and Indian Country alike. Elected in 1977, Carter oversaw many challenges throughout his presidency including stagflation, the Iranian Hostage crisis, and an energy crisis. Triumphs of Carter’s presidency include negotiating the Camp David Accords, signing the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act and many major pieces of legislation that continue to benefit Indigenous peoples today.

Born in the small town of Plains, GA, Carter was born on what was formally the homelands of the Mvskoke people. Carter was the first U.S. President born in a hospital, and remained a resident of Plains for most of his life. He served in the U.S. Senate and served a term as Georgia’s governor, however one of his most well-known professions was peanut farming.

In Indian Country Carter is most well known for signing the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA). The former protects Native American children by giving adoption preference to their families, then their tribe if there are no family members available. The latter gave Native Americans the freedom to exercise their traditional religions by worshiping through ceremonial and traditional rites.

President Carter’s legacy among Indigenous people is also known to Panamainians. In 1978 Carter successfully negotiated the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which transferred ownership of the Panama Canal to the Nation of Panama after years of tension.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) shared that Carter was a man of service, and left a deep impact on Indian Country.

“President Jimmy Carter exemplified what it means to live a life of faith and service to others,” Secretary Haaland said. “His love for and conservation of our shared public lands leaves a tremendous legacy, and I am grateful that the Department will continue to honor his work at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park for generations to come. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the global community as we all mourn this selfless public servant.” 

In a public statement, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill expressed condolences for the former president’s family. The statement reads,

“The Muscogee Nation is saddened to learn of the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a dedicated and selfless public servant and statesman, who lived a full life of 100 years.

President Carter signed two monumental pieces of legislation for Indian Country into law in 1978, with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. ICWA has been an enduring protection for Native families and children and the AIRF, gave our ceremonial grounds and others the confidence to hold onto and perpetuate their traditions.

MVTO President Carter for your contributions and your compassion and commitment to the betterment of your fellow man.”

A six day funeral observance is currently underway celebrating the former president’s life.  The observance began in Americus, Georgia where Carter was born, and made its way to his hometown in Plains, then made its way to Atalanta where he served as governor.  Carter’s remains will travel to Washington where a national service happened on Jan. 9.