In this abstract Matthew Snipp gives an account of the life that the Indians have had to lead in our country. First he tells about the removal of the Indians from their own land. He states that the United States government is responsible for the removal that largest forced migration in US history. When the Indians were finally all on the reservations they were almost extinct. Then the government intervened again and tried to civilize them by taking away their heritage. They were trying to make them farmers, they were trying to make them believe that the Euro-American culture was superior and preferable. .
Then the New Indian Deal was implemented and it said that finally tribal culture was worthy of respect. This act allowed tribal governments for the first time since removal. This was terminated after a short time and the United States government then created the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this committee found jobs for the Indians and helped them to learn to live in the cities where their jobs were. Finally they were able to have a feeling of self-worth and determination. They had control over their own reservations and governed themselves. They were finally free of government intervention.
The United States government treated the Indians very poorly and have finally received the respect they deserve. The American Indians have always been few in numbers but they have endured for a long time, they aren't going to give up. They still have various problems to face, but they are working on them everyday. The Indians are trying to preserve their culture for future generations. I think we need to stay out of the lives of the Indians, especially the government. How would it make us feel if someone came in and took our homes and made us walk hundreds of miles to a new place, and then tell us that we can not teach our children our culture and beliefs.
