Bureau of Indian Affairs
The Bureau of Indian Affairs has played an integral part in the reestablishment of native population's freedoms since it was established in 1842. Most recently, they have become an important advocate and source of support for tribes across the country. Their mission is "to enhance the quality of life, to promote economic opportunity, and to carry out the responsibility to protect and improve the trust assets of American Indians, Indian tribes and Alaska Natives. We will accomplish this through the delivery of quality services, maintaining government-to-government relationships within the spirit of self-determination." |
Today Unfortunately, this video and the statistics listed above demonstrate the current reality for Native Americans. They feel small, sad, and sick when they think about how they have been placed on reservations and forced to isolation as the only chance to save their identity. Compared to national averages, they are a struggling population. They feel that their segregation only magnifies their struggles and creates more obstacles. |
"Reservations Native Americans One Word." Youtube, uploaded by Cut, 24 November, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOWUDM1GBhk.
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Future
Native Americans seem to have a brighter future to look forward to. Approximately 22% of native groups live on tribal lands or reservations today, and these reservations are experiencing more self-governance than ever since the beginning of European contact. The population of natives is also at an all-time high since the late 19th century when they were strongly forced to relocate and assimilate. During that time, their population number fell to its lowest point, below 250,000. This recent, increasingly growing population is mainly due to the greater amount of self-governance and access to federal programs tribes have been receiving over the last few decades. Tribes are finally beginning to experience some of the freedoms they once had. Population numbers are expected to continue rising, which will only help natives claim back their independence and reestablish their strong cultural communities. |