February 25, 2026

12:15 pm - 1:15 pm, Mountain Time

Indian Lands and the American Revolution: The Declaration of Independence Revisted

Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Phoenix, Arizona

The American Revolution is often framed as a struggle for liberty and self-governance. But how central was Native land and British Indian policy to the colonists' decision to break from England? In this event Professor Robert Miller will examine the Declaration of Independence through the lens of Federal Indian Law, focusing on its two references to "Indians", one explicit and one impede. The discussion will explore how the Declaration of Independence reflects colonial grievances tied to British policies toward Native nations, including the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and the Quebec Act. Lunch will be provided!