Abstract This paper discusses the importance of conserving tribal lands and the pressure that is put on some tribal peoples to give up their natural resources. The paper also looks at how the land helps carry forward tribal culture and heritage.
From the Paper "The Aw? of Brazil are Brazil's last nomadic tribe that lives in the forests of the Eastern Amazon (www.survival-international.org/awa). These forests, as with much of South America's tropical forest, is being destroyed at an incredible rate, by logging companies, and by large farming conglomerates; as such, the native homeland of the Aw? is being lost, meaning that their nomadic lifestyle is threatened, and also that potentially, the Aw? themselves are in danger of being wiped out altogether."
Abstract This paper examines how studies have shown how Native American and Alaska Native children have twice the rate of death caused by injuries or violence as do other children in the United States. It looks at how more Native American and Alaska Native children are hospitalized for bronchial infection than any other group, how the diabetes rate among these adults and children is double that of the rest of the country, and how cancer rates among those in some regions are also significantly higher. It discusses the importance for Native Americans to be informed and educated on these issues so that they may better understand how these disease processes may alter or impact their lives and how it is also important that policy makers and elected officials understand the unique concerns of the Native American populations of the U.S. and address those problems with adequate financial, material, and human resources.
From the Paper "There are persistent racial and ethnic disparities in infant mortality rates in the United States. Despite much speculation, no evidence suggests that social, economic, or racial/ethnic disparities in the risk of death in infancy are caused by genetic differences. Any discussion of racial and ethnic differences in birth outcomes needs to acknowledge the limited extent to which social and economic variables - including racial discrimination - can be distinguished from crude proxies for biologically determined pathologic pathways (Krieger et al 1993, Herman 1996). The racial and ethnic categorizations used in most research on infant mortality in the United States should be seen as "proxies for specific historical experiences and a powerful marker for current social and economic conditions"."
Abstract This paper gives a brief account of the origins, culture, society, and history of the Sioux Indians. The paper follows their history up to present-day conditions and talks briefly about Sioux society and culture today.
From the Paper "Of all the North American Indians that lived and survived on the prairies and plains, the Sioux are the most popular and widely known. Their area of habitation ranged from the Mississippi valley in the east to the Rocky Mountains of the west and from the Saskatchewan River in Canada to the Rio Grande in the south. The cultural traits which came to characterize the High Plains Indians were dependent on bison, a limited use of roots and berries, limited fishing, and the skillful use of bison and deerskin for clothing and shelter. However, this culture was also dependent upon the introduction of the horse and to a lesser extent on changes in tribal locations farther east, and "together with the introduction of firearms, the fur trade and the trading of goods, the Plains Indians experienced continuous change from the 17th century and well into the later years of the 19th century in America" (Lund, 67)."
Abstract This paper explains that the Shinnecock Indians, stricken by poverty and cultural predation that stripped them of their ancestral lands and any economic hope for the future, have no hope for the future unless they establish a casino. The author points out that the Shinnecocks are controlled, and to some degree marginalized, by the local law and state government because they are not recognized fully as a tribe by the federal government and, therefore, do not have the same rights and privileges of self-determination that many federally recognized tribes enjoy. The paper relates that the opponents to this casino are the wealthy Hampton residents who seem to worry about property values and community morals, but are not concerned about denying self-reliance and determination to the tribal people.
From the Paper "The Shinnecock have a proud and noble heritage, which predates their current impoverished state. However, historically the tribe has been taken advantage of by white Europeans and the new American government and settlers. They have consistently lost control of their native lands, in a series of unequal land swaps and hostile takeovers initiated by the white men and their government, which have also caused them to lose control of their economy. As one tribes spokesman says of the land swaps: ?They built on our ancestors bones and we never really did anything to stop it.? "
Abstract This paper looks at the history of the involvement of Indian tribes in Michigan's gaming industry, government involvement in the industry, and relevant laws enacted. The paper also considers the impact the Indian tribes and their connection to the gaming industry has had on the political scene and the attempts of both political parties to woo the Indian vote by supporting the efforts of various tribes in maintaining and increasing their control of the gaming industry.
From the Paper "For long, the gaming industry in Michigan has been influenced by the Indian tribes and their constant demands. Over time, regulatory bodies have promulgated various laws detailing gaming procedures and conduct. With the passage of time, the legislature has been from time to time modified so as to accommodate the various demands of Indian tribes. Of late, efforts have been made to usher in public casinos. This has had its serious share of repercussions. In the bargain, public legislative and regulatory bodies have had to perform a balancing act satisfying both advocates of Indian gaming and public gaming outfits. While this has caused a storm in the tea cup, it has also been responsible for steady erosion of the Indian support towards the public legislature. On the whole the economy has due to this move, had its share of fortunes and losses."
Abstract This paper examines how, in the United States, there is currently a paradigm of tolerance as never before and how the many different cultures that make up the United States have never been more deeply studied in order to understand them. It looks at how colonization has been finished, how the American dream has been fulfilled, and how all that remains is attempting to understand the casualties that occurred as a result of the rush towards this dream fulfillment.
Outline
African-Americans in the United States
Asian-Americans
Native Americans
Conclusion
From the Paper "The key difference between Asian- and African-Americans, in terms of their arrival in the United States, is the fact that the Asians immigrated willingly in search of the American Dream, while Africans were imported against their will as slaves. The Asians, mainly composed of Chinese, were initially welcomed. However, as soon as the economy in terms of the California gold rush became an issue, discrimination once again favored the Caucasian over all others. During the late 1800's this then resulted in the Asian exclusion from citizenship."
Abstract This paper examines the disastrous affects of missionary work on the demography and population of Native Americans by analyzing Tinker's book. It explains how the book illustrates the dark side of missionary work and the damage that can and has been done to Native American cultures and peoples as a result of the inherent coupling of colonialism/ethnocentrism and religion.
From the Paper "From the beginning of the book, Tinker makes it clear that his main point in writing Missionary Conquest is "that the Christian missionaries"of all denominations working among the American Indian nations"were partners in Genocide" (Tinker, 1993: 4). Of course, this assertion is no small thing. The term "genocide" is hardly a trifling term?especially when coupled with an institution as supposedly benevolent (to those who support its existence) as Christian mission work. Indeed, Tinker mentions several times throughout the book the supposed "good intentions" of the very genocidal missionaries he discusses?missionaries that, despite the very real damage they helped perpetrate against an entire people, are on the verge of ?canonization:?"
This paper discusses the case of Leonard Peltier, who has languished in prison for three decades for murder. It tries to determine if Peltier is a cold-blooded murderer or a down-trodden political prisoner.
Abstract This paper explains that Leonard Peltier is a man who is currently serving two life sentences. Peltier was convicted of the murder of two FBI agents, but has repeatedly asked for parole and been rejected. The author points out that Peltier, who is Native American, insists that his heritage, his anger, and his protest against the white American government are what have caused him to receive two life sentences. The paper concludes that had Peltier only been convicted of this Wounded Knee standoff crime, it could be conceivable that he would have a valid point when it comes to his continued detainment; but he has been convicted of other violent crimes before the murders at Wounded Knee. Therefore, he is not a political prisoner, but rather a common criminal.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background of the Issue
Argument
Conclusion
From the Paper "The ballistics evidence presented by the government was that Peltier was the only one who was using the type of gun that fired the type of bullets located in the car of the FBI agent. Whether or not he was using that gun has come under fire many times in the past three decades. Peltier and his attorneys continue to argue that he was there, he was involved but he did not pull the trigger of the gun that murdered the two agents. While he accepts some culpability for being involved in the standoff he objects to being convicted of murder, and even more so to spending two life sentences behind bars for a murder he believes he did not commit. As the appeals process was used his attorneys pointed to other cases in which the convict was at the scene but did not pull the trigger. They insist that in those cases the convicts did not have to wait so long for a parole hearing. According to his legal team and those who support his cause, Peltier is not being held this long because he killed someone, he is being held this long to be used as an example to what will happen to others who dare to buck the system of the United States government."
Abstract This paper looks at the captivity periods of Mary Rowlandson, Hannah Dustin, and Mary Jamison and how they each coped with captivity in their own way. It explains how the stories of their captivity revealed the much of the customs among Native Americans, especially through the greatly different treatment afforded to the three women.
From the Paper "Mary White Rowlandson, wife of Puritan minister Joseph Rowlandson, was captured by native Americans in February of 1676. During this time, King Philip, the leader of the Wampanoag tribe of southern Massachusetts organized a rebellion against the incursion of white settlers on native land. In total 23 settlers were captured, and 13 people were killed, including Mary's brother-in-law, sister, nieces and nephews. Mary's six-year old daughter died on the trip, and Mary and her other children were sold as a slaves to different masters. Mary made herself useful by sewing and mending clothes for her captors, and was eventually ransomed in May of 1676 for to English settlers for 20 pounds, and reunited with her husband (Lancaster Online; About.com)."
Abstract This paper examines the political storm surrounding the state's wish that the revenues that are generated from the casinos run by Native Americans be shared with the state. It discusses the political background of laws and legislation in negotiation regarding this issue.
From the Paper "In March, Ron Johnson, vice president of the Prairie Island Tribal Council, remarked, "We were given a compact from the state in good faith ... I think it was assumed we wouldn't succeed in gaming. Now you have the bad economy and successful Indian casinos, and they want part of what we have" (Lopez Pp). House Speaker Steve Sviggum, responded, saying that times have changed, and the state budget has pressing needs, and that basically it wasn?t fair that other states were receiving gaming resources, while Minnesota received nothing (Lopez Pp). Henry Buffalo, the tribe's counsel, replied that the tribes are not responsible for the economic problems, nor are they the solution, that they have continuing employment, "with 14,000 jobs statewide and 30,000 jobs indirectly by gaming" (Lopez Pp). Johnson pointed out that they were the largest employers in Goodhue County, with one in fifteen jobs attributed to the casino and warned that expansion could create layoffs, thus creating an even higher unemployment rate (Lopez Pp). Sviggum also chastised the gaming tribes for not sharing revenue with other tribes (Lopez Pp). Buffalo explained that it was up to the tribes on how they use their revenues to move forward and take care of their own communities (Lopez Pp). And to ban video gaming would "eliminate thousands of jobs and force us back onto welfare rolls" said Johnson (Lopez Pp)."
Abstract This paper looks at the tendency in the U.S. educational system to force non-mainstream cultures to conform to the established mainstream culture and how this is the primary means by which education contributes to the development and preservation of bigotry and prejudice. The paper also looks at how, if done properly, education can instead be used to help overcome racist, bigoted, and hate-inducing ideas in society and, actually, honor multiculturalism and diversity.
From the Paper "The education system in the United States has a long history of ethnic segregation, both formal (adjudicated by law) and informal. It has been argued that segregated programs are based on the idea of de-culturizing the student, rather than incorporating the culture in question into the learning experience. This is done through a program designed to eliminate the native language and culture. For instance, there have been times when the education system has eliminated or simply ignored the laws concerning attendance, especially in the case of Mexican American farm workers? children who were needed to work in agriculture during planting and harvest seasons (Spring, 2003)."
Abstract This paper examines how facts and documentation all point to the genocide of the American Indians and indigenous culture, as opposed to a mere clash of cultures, and how arguing against this by using facile sociological theories of cultural change and adaptation is simply to mask the reality of history. It looks at how the reality of the genocide of the American Indians is a part of a history that should be examined and exposed, as it provides important lessons in intolerance and understanding. If these historical realities are ignored or transmuted by false theories and perceptions, the danger exists that these tragic events may be condoned and even repeated in other forms and histories in the future.
From the Paper "While documented evidence of genocide is a historical fact, some still view the genocide of American Indians simply as a minor, inevitable tension between different cultures, which forms a part of history. Supporting this belief is Vice-President Dick Cheney who is of the opinion that the history of the American Indian is the result of a clash of cultures rather than genocide. Addressing students Cheney told the audience he did not believe the mass extermination of the American Indian population that took place from 1492 until the late 1800s could be considered genocide. It was merely a clash of cultures that occurred for a brief period and was perpetuated by Europeans . (Grim R.) The theory of the clash of cultures implies a fusion and integration of cultures and a more benign sense of social and historical development."
Abstract This paper explores the history, social organization, and customs of two California tribes: The Mohave and the Chemehuevi. The scope of the paper includes a review of the current status of the two tribes.
From the Paper "The American Indian tribes are the original immigrants of the continent of America. In fact, the people of these tribes are of old Eastern origin, believed to be descendants of the Mongloid race in Asia. Over a period of thousands of years, these tribes gradually populated the unoccupied Western Hemisphere, from the Bering Strait to the southern most tip of South America, and from coast to coast. These first settlers were not savages and, in fact, possessed ancient knowledge about the laws of the universe and nature. They developed varying types of social organization and mechanisms, which satisfied their choice of environment and preferred manner of living, in harmony with nature (Dutton 1983: xix-xx). It is the objective of this paper to discuss the history, customs, and social organization, both past and present, of two of the American Indian tribes that settled in the West, namely, the Mohave and the Chemehuevi."
Abstract This paper looks at how the Mohawk are a part of a group of indigenous North Americans known as the Iroquois. It attempts to explain the past and present state of the Mohawk nation, its origins, and its struggles. It also explores the beginnings of Iroquoian society and Mohawk language, arts, and economy. It also examines how the Mohawk are survivors and how, from the days of their early ancestors to the present day, although they have dwindled in number, they live on.
From the Paper "The turning point for the Mohawk and the Six Nations was the revolutionary war. Many Iroquois fought on the side of the British, despite the League's declared neutrality in the conflict. With the end of the war and American victory, British land was ceded to the Patriots, with no mention made in the (war-ending) Treaty of Paris of 1783 of Indian land rights (Bonvillain 69). The result was that ?by the early 1780s, most of the Mohawk had left their traditional lands in New York to seek safety in Canada (Bonvillain 71).?"
Abstract This paper describes Craven's book about a bishop who must tell his young Anglican missionary who is living in a remote Indian village in Canada that he has only two years, or less, left to live. The paper explains the conflict the bishop faces as to how and when to tell the young vicar and describes parts of the book, citing the page numbers to which these descriptions refer. Furthermore, the paper explores the book's theme about death and dying by referencing passages in the book and then explains how this book is, in addition to being a dramatic story, an historical and cultural look at Canadian Indians.
From the Paper "Readers also know just how "rough and tumble" and backwoods this setting is, when I page 19, a good description is given of the hang-logger "Calamity Bill" (the opposite of Broadway's "Calamity Jane"?). Because his float is subject to its nails coming loose when boats pass to fast and create wakes to rough, he is known to come out of his A-Frame "shaking his fist and swearing" ? but the most interesting and raw rural aspect of Calamity Bill is the fact that the inner of his two sets of long-legged underwear is ?part of his skin.? The putrid smell of rancid underwear just might be close to the smell of death itself, although the author may not have intended for that linkage. "
