What became an important goal of Native American cultures in North America during the 1960s and 1970s?

During the 1960s and 1970s, a significant goal of many Native American cultures was the preservation of their cultural identity and traditions. This era saw a rise in awareness and activism, largely driven by the broader civil rights movements taking place across the United States. Native American communities began to emphasize the importance of maintaining their languages, customs, and beliefs in the face of historical pressures to assimilate into mainstream American culture.

The push for cultural preservation was closely tied to a renewed sense of pride in Native identities, as well as efforts to reclaim sovereignty and rights over their ancestral lands and resources. Movements such as the American Indian Movement (AIM) were pivotal during this time, advocating for the rights and better treatment of Native Americans and highlighting the importance of cultural heritage.

Preserving culture became a foremost priority as many Native communities recognized that their cultural practices, ceremonies, and languages were at risk of being lost due to historical injustices, neglect, and assimilation policies. Thus, the focus on cultural preservation was a vital goal that defined the period and shaped the actions and aspirations of Native American groups during these decades.