In 1862, in response to the recent Dakota Uprising, Henry Whipple, Episcopal Bishop of Minnesota, wrote "The Duty of Citizens Concerning the Indian Massacre."
According to Scott W. Burg one of its "key tenets" was "the creation of an independent commission to oversee Indian affairs, a nonpartisan group made up of clergy and citizens empowered to initiate change and given the tools to investigate malfeasance" (38 Nooses, p. 212).
[4] Beginning in 1869, and in concert with the board, President Ulysses S. Grant attempted to formulate a new humane policy towards Native American tribes that was free of political corruption.
Known as the Peace Policy, it aimed to place Native Americans on reservations where, in collaboration with Christian Church organizations, the Office of Indian Affairs would provide Native Americans with moral and competent Indian agents, establish churches and schools, teach agriculture and civilized pursuits and provide high-quality supplies at reasonable prices.
In order to join these Christian religions, the Native Americans were required to shave their hair, adopt civil clothing, and go to work for his living.