By the 1940s and 1950s, Native Americans had been exposed to their fair share of treaties, proposals, laws and programs. This was the era of relocation and a failed attempt at termination. It began in 1948 when the relocation program was established by the Bureau of Indian Affairs under Commissioner Glen Emmons. Seen as an assimilation tactic, the program offered vocational training, travel and moving expenses, one year of medical care, and assistance in finding employment, all enticing incentives during a time when reservations were facing dire social and economic challenges. By the 1960s, 2,900 Chippewa had moved away from the reservation, some to California, Illinois, Washington, and other urban areas. Many Chippewa who moved away eventually returned, the longing for family and cultural ties lured them home.

In 1954, as relocation numbers were climbing, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa were faced with a devastating prospect. Congressional hearings were held and the topic of termination was front and center. Sadly, the tribes listed for proposed termination included the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. The community obviously opposed termination and raised the funds necessary for tribal representatives to travel to Washington to defend their tribe. Led by Tribal Chairman Patrick Gourneau and backed by several council members,the opposition efforts were successful and the termination of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa was off the table.