American Indian Delegation by the South Portico

This photograph, taken by Mathew Brady during the James Buchanan administration, shows a group of American Indian and white men by the South Portico. The American Indians are believed to be representatives from the Ponca, Pawnee, Potawatomi, and Sac and Fox nations. During the 19th and 20th centuries, many American Indian delegations traveled to the White House to express the concerns and challenges of their people. However, their requests were frequently dismissed, as they faced pressures to concede their lands and assimilate into American society.